The Pitt Panther football team announced disciplinary actions for four players.
Senior defensive end Rori Blair was dismissed outright for “conduct detrimental to the program.” Blair played in 11 games last year and started eight. He finished the season with 3.5 sacks.
Junior offensive tackle Alex Bookser, who faced disciplinary action for his involvement in a drunk driving incident earlier this year, was handed a one game suspension. He will miss the opener against Youngstown St.
But the biggest news is star safety Jordan Whitehead and senior linebacker Quintin Wirginis were both suspended four three games each for a violation of an unnamed team policy. Whitehead, who made numerous preseason award watch lists, will miss the game against Youngstown State, as well as rematches against Penn State and Oklahoma State, arguably the toughest two games on the schedule.
In a press release sent out this afternoon, Coach Narduzzi spoke strongly about team accountability going forward.
Our program’s foundation will always be built on discipline and personal responsibility. These are highly disappointing situations but I am hopeful that each of these young men will be better, stronger and wiser after taking accountability for their actions.
Alex Bookser will sit out the season-opening game and has also been subject to internal disciplinary measures and accountability. I’m confident he will make better decisions moving forward.
In addition to sitting out multiple games, Quintin and Jordan will continue to be held accountable to internal standards of conduct.
