Oregon State suspends Ben Wetzler for Five Games

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As we reported this week, Oregon State number 1 pitcher Ben Wetzler was arrested in the early morning hours of May 10th for breaking a window at an apartment in Corvallis, Oregon. Ben was in the dugout on Saturday with the Beavers and in uniform on Sunday according to our writer Aaron Yost who identified him. Oregon State head coach Pat Casey did not hold a press conference following Sunday’s game against UCLA and has not spoken on the matter. Oregon State Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Hank Hager sent out the following release today with statements from OSU head coach Pat Casey and Ben Wetzler. Oregon State has suspended Wetzler for five games that started on May 10th making him eligible to pitch on Sunday against Washington.

STATEMENT FROM HEAD COACH PAT CASEY

“First off, I would like to thank Beaver Nation and all of our fans and supporters for their overwhelming support over the last week; it has been greatly appreciated from all of us within the Oregon State baseball program. I have spent many hours since last Saturday in trying to make the best decision in regard to Ben Wetzler and the incident that occurred that morning.

“After gathering the information, visiting with athletic department officials and our team leaders, my decision ultimately came down to Ben and I. He was not only extremely remorseful, but upfront and honest in regard to the situation. Although I’m very disappointed in the bad decisions he made that night. I truly believe in Ben and choose to define his character by the nearly 1,300 days he has been at Oregon State, and not just on one night. Having said that, I believe Ben would be disappointed in me and I would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t hold Ben accountable at a higher degree due to him being not only a team leader, but also a representative of Oregon State University and this state.

“Although this incident may not rise to the level of suspension per OSU student-athlete code of conduct policies, I have decided Ben will serve a five-game suspension effective last Saturday. In addition, he will participate in community service, which Ben and I agree is in his best interest. This team is unified and stands behind Ben. Ben Wetzler is a fine young man and I believe this will only motivate him to become a better person.”

STATEMENT FROM LHP BEN WETZLER

“I would like to thank Coach Casey, my teammates and Beaver Nation for the support through this situation. I am very remorseful for my actions that took place last Saturday. There is no excuse for what I did. I plan on reaching out to the owners of the house to apologize to rectify the situation the best I can. I’d like to also apologize to my teammates, coaches, staff, university and community for my actions. I look forward to trying to turn a negative situation into a positive by reaching out into the community and educating others.”