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Florida Tech Issues Official Statement on Ziarno

 

Brandon Ziarno – Photo credit: James Ragan Photography

 

The Florida Institute of Technology issued a statement on Wednesday, ending Ziarno’s playing career at Florida Tech. Ziarno was charged with possession of cannabis over 20 grams, possession of cannabis with intent to sell or deliver and possession/use of drug paraphernalia, following a traffic stop Friday night. You can read the Space Coast Daily story here.

Wednesday’s official statement from Florida Tech reads as follows:

Florida Tech Panthers backup quarterback Brandon Ziarno has been permanently removed from the football team, effective immediately, for violating rules of conduct. He had been suspended from all team activities prior to today’s decision.

Ziarno, 21, is facing several charges after being arrested Friday by Melbourne police, who found marijuana in his vehicle. 

“Coach Englehart and I have carefully reviewed this situation and concluded that Brandon was in clear violation of our code of conduct,” said Athletics Director Bill Jurgens. “Being a student-athlete at Florida Tech is a privilege, and with that role comes a significant level of responsibility and clear guidelines for acceptable behavior.”

This action means that Ziarno is ineligible to continue his athletic scholarship.

“I do wish Brandon the best and believe that he will be able to overcome this situation and move forward,” said Panthers head football coach Steve Englehart.

Florida Tech Director of Athletic Communications Daniel Supraner added that “it is more than likely that Brandon will be seeking to withdraw from FIT.”

Editors note: Situations such as this are never easy. It takes a toll on the student, the family, and school administrators. While we have an obligation to report it, we don’t want to add to that toll. With that said, this closes the book on the situation for Sports Lowdown. We wish Brandon the best of luck in his future endeavors and will now move on to covering what happens on the field.