UK's Jarmon Ruled Ineligible

((HT: WVLT-TV/Volunteer TV/WLEX18))

Starting UK defensive end Jeremy Jarmon has tested positive for a banned substance in a random NCAA drug test, ending his career at UK.

In a press conference Saturday morning, Jarmon, who had considered entering the NFL draft this season before deciding to return for his senior year, said he was suspended for a year by the NCAA after the positive test of the undisclosed substance. Jarmon had less than a year of eligibility left.

Jarmon, a 6-foot-3, 280 pounder, says the substance came from an over-the-counter dietary supplement, and that he was unaware the substance was part of the supplement, which he said he used without the knowledge of the UK training staff.

Jarmon said he tested positive for the banned substance on February 24, but then tested negative to similar test six weeks later. He said he appealed the suspension after the negative test, but was denied by the NCAA on Thursday.

"My first concern is with Jeremy and his family and what a devastating blow this is for them," said UK head coach Rich Brooks said. "There was no intent by Jeremy to do anything improper, it was an error in judgment in not checking with our staff (before taking the supplement). Jeremy has been an outstanding individual on and off the football field, and I hope that people understand what a class act he has been."

Jarmon played in 38 games during the last three seasons, including 31 starts. He made 38 tackles as a junior, including 10 for loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks, along with six pass breakups. He was named second-team All-Southeastern Conference by Phil Steele's College Football. In 2007, he was first-team All-SEC by Rivals.com and second-team All-SEC by the league coaches when he had 62 tackles, including 13.5 TFL and nine sacks. He has 17.5 sacks in his career, third in school history.

Jarmon has completed his degree in political science and is studying abroad this summer as he works toward a second major.