Pitt will open the 2017 season without its biggest star.
Safety Jordan Whitehead, rated the No. 56 player in college football by NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter, will be suspended for the first three games of the year for a violation of team policy, Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi announced on Friday.
Pitt will be without some other key contributors, as well. The disciplinary action announced Friday extended to three other players.
Narduzzi announced DE Rori Blair, who started 8 games last season, has been dismissed from the team for "conduct detrimental to the program." In addition, offensive lineman Alex Bookser, who started every game at right guard last season, will be suspended for the season opener and Quintin Wirginis, a backup linebacker last season, will also be suspended for the first three games.
"Our program's foundation will always be built on discipline and personal responsibility," Narduzzi stated. "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."
Bookser was charged with DUI in May, and Blair has run into trouble off the field in the past. He didn't travel with the team to the Pinstripe Bowl last season. The circumstances that led to the suspensions for Whitehead and Wirginis aren't known.
Pitt opens the season against Youngstown State on Sept. 2 and has two high-profile non-conference matchups after that, with games against rival Penn State (Sept. 9) and Oklahoma State (Sept. 16).
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