Central Michigan QB David Moore suspended by NCAA for banned substance

Per multiple reports, Central Michigan quarterback David Moore has been suspended by the NCAA for testing positive for a banned substance. The news was first reported by Tony Paul of the Detroit News on Twitter.

Moore, a junior college transfer from Garden City [KS] CC, reportedly tested positive for an unknown banned substance, and will lose a year of eligibility if he loses the impending appeal case, per NCAA regulations. If upheld, Moore would be banned from competition for 365 calendar days, dependent on the date the NCAA decides to enforce.

Per Evan Petzold of Central Michigan Life, the university will argue the banned substance was part of an over-the-counter supplement Moore was taking. Petzold also reports the university does not deny the positive result.

CMU athletic director Michael Alford released a press statement to media via email on Tuesday afternoon:

Moore will not be eligible to play during the appeals process, throwing a wrench into the quarterback situation, with a Homecoming game against New Mexico State upcoming on Oct. 12.

Paul reported that CMU administrators were told of the incoming suspension of Moore on Monday evening, with Moore, his family and the coaching staff discussing the results thereafter. CMU Athletics released their depth charts, with Moore listed as a starter, on Tuesday morning at 9:21 a.m. It was at 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon when the university released their statement regarding Moore’s suspension.

Paul does not expect Moore to be eligible for the remainder of the season, citing the NCAA’s notoriously slow appeals process. There’s no current indication if that’s the case, but regardless, it is a possibility.

The uncertainty around Moore doesn’t just extend to this season; it could leave CMU wanting in the quarterback department in 2020 as well. Moore is projected by most media to be the starter at QB in 2020, so a year-long suspension would mean he is ineligible until about Week 6 or 7. The only other QB rostered which return to the team next season are Richardson (a current true freshman) and current redshirt freshman George Pearson.

Tommy Lazzaro is currently listed as the second quarterback, with true freshman Daniel Richardson in the reserve role. Week 1 starting quarterback, Quinten Dormady, was spotted throwing in warmups before last week’s game against Eastern Michigan and dressed in full uniform with pads on the sideline.

Head coach Jim McElwain indicted earlier this week Dormady is now healthy and available after suffering a knee injury in Week 2 vs. Wisconsin, which makes the omission on the CMU depth chart a bit startling.

As of publication, there have been no official changes in the depth chart.

We will update this story as it develops.

Editor’s note: Updated at 3:53 p.m. to reflect McElwain’s comments about Dormady’s health, and to explain the future QB situation.

Updated at 5:18 p.m. to reflect new information, as reported by Tony Paul of the Detroit News regarding the university’s discovery of the suspension and to clarify the timeline of events and the potential fallout.