Already facing the arduous task of squaring off against the No. 4 team in the country, Pittsburgh’s offense may be on the brink of a significant hit ahead of its game against Notre Dame Saturday.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, three starting Panther football players -- running back Ray Graham, wide receiver Devin Street and defensive back Lafayette Pitts -- were charged with assault and conspiracy following an incident late last month. In the Oct. 21 incident, the alleged victim, Karl Olsheski, claimed to police that he was surrounded by the three players, and that Street at some point punched him in the head.
From the Post-Gazette:
The alleged victim reportedly refused medical treatment and did not want to file a police report. Rather, the paper writes, he just wanted officers to stop the man who had punched him.
None of the players were arrested at the scene of the alleged incident, but will receive -- via mail -- summonses to appear for a preliminary hearing Jan. 9. The paper reports that the players were officially charged Thursday night.
The school has yet to comment on the situation or address the availability of any of the three players allegedly involved for this weekend’s game against the Irish.
Graham leads the Panthers in rushing yards (622) and rushing touchdowns (seven), while Street tops the team in receptions (50), receiving yards (695) and receiving touchdowns (four). The two players, both three-year starters, have accounted for nearly 40 percent of Pitt’s offensive touchdowns in 2012.
Pitts has started all eight of Pitt’s games this season.