Seven players were suspended for this weekend’s game at Louisville due to an off-campus BB gun incident, the university announced Monday.
Head coach Dave Doeren declined to offer details or further comments about the incident in a statement released Monday.
“These are good young men who made a mistake in not recognizing that this activity could have resulted in someone being injured,” Doeren said. “We have discussed this with them and they understand that they are being held responsible for their actions. The information was referred to the university’s office of student conduct as well. Our players admitted their mistake and we will help them learn from it.”
Among the seven suspended are freshman linebacker Jerod Fernandez and freshman starting safety Josh Jones. The Wolfpack (4-3, 0-3 ACC) is expected to start true freshman Airius Moore in place of Fernandez against the Cardinals (5-2, 3-2 ACC).
There is no police report of the incident, according to a Raleigh Police Department spokesperson.
The absence of Fernandez and Jones could potentially hurt the Pack’s defense, as they are two of the most productive members tasked with stopping opponents.
Fernandez leads the team in both tackles and interceptions, with 58 and two respectively. Jones has had 38 tackles and one pick on the season.
The Pack currently ranks T-31st and 94th in passing and rushing yards allowed respectively. However, the Wolfpack defense has been unreliable at several points throughout the season.
In wake of the suspensions, NC State could face a tough challenge in a road contest at Louisville this weekend, as the Cardinals are ranked third in the ACC’s Atlantic Division and boast a defense ranked third nationally in opponent’s points per game.
Others suspended include sophomore receivers Johnathan Alston and Ju’ Michael Ramos, freshman defensive tackle Justin Jones, sophomore defensive end Pharoah McKever, and freshman cornerback Mike Stevens.
Also involved in the incident and placed on team probation were redshirt freshmen Tyler Jones, Kalen McCain, Deshaywn Middleton, Terronne Prescod and Maurice Trowell, according to the News & Observer.
East Carolina University and Kentucky have both suspended players this season for BB gun related incidents, according to Fox Sports.
