A suspension earlier this month and a an arrest late this past week will likely cost Purdue a pair of key players on each side of the ball for their bowl game, head coach Danny Hope said Sunday.
Wide receiver O.J. Ross was suspended indefinitely Dec. 6 for violating unspecified team rules, and Hope said the receiver will definitely not play in the Dec. 27th Little Caesars Pizza Bowl versus Western Michigan. Linebacker Dwayne Beckford was arrested Friday morning on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence, prompting Hope to say there’s “a good chance” he won’t play in the bowl game either.
“I’ve only had a chance to talk to Dwayne briefly,” Hope said according to the . “I want to visit with his family and the athletic administration before I make a decision.
“It’s disappointing he’s made some poor decisions.”
Ross is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with three, and is third in receptions (33) and receiving yards (356).
Beckford leads the Boilermakers in tackles, and is tied for fifth in tackles for loss (seven) and tied for second in sacks (three).