Michigan State suspends LB Max Bullough for Rose Bowl

Bullough, a two-time team captain and two-time all-conference linebacker, won't play in what would have been his final college game on January 1 in Pasadena.

By Eric Stephen@ericstephen Dec 26, 2013, 7:30am EST

Senior linebacker Max Bullough has been suspended for the 2014 Rose Bowl for a violation of team rules, the Michigan State Spartans announced on Wednesday.

"It is extremely disappointing for all parties involved," head coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement, per Dillon Davis of the Chicago Tribune. "Max will forever remain a Spartan and valued member in this team’s achievements."

The Spartans arrived in Pasadena on Wednesday a week before their Rose Bowl matchup against the Stanford Cardinal. Bullough did not travel with the team to California, per Dan Kilbridge of 247 Sports. A search of court records has not revealed any possible reason for the suspension, according to The Detroit News' Tony Paul.

More from The Only Colors: Who replaces Bullough against Stanford?

Bullough was a third-team Associated Press All-American in 2013 and was an All-Big Ten First Team selection in each of the past two seasons. The linebacker was a big part of a Michigan State defense that led all FBS schools allowing just 248.2 yards per game and was fourth in the country with 12.7 points allowed per game.

The senior ranked third on the team with 76 tackles and 9½ tackles for loss. Bullough was elected a team captain by his teammates in both 2012 and 2013, one of three Spartans under Dantonio to be named captain multiple times, joining Greg Jones and Kirk Cousins.

Bullough had three tackles, including a half-sack in the Spartans' win over No. 2 Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. That game against the Buckeyes, and not the Rose Bowl, will stand as Bullough's final college game.