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2 more players face legal trouble
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The Penn State football team's legal problems just won't go away.
The Nittany Lions have been sacked by yet another off-field incident.
Two players -- starting tight end Andrew Quarless and backup cornerback Willie Harriott -- were cited by university police for underage drinking Friday around 3 a.m. at Nittany Apartments in State College.
Quarless, a sophomore expected to play a key role in the passing game this season, is 18. Harriott, a redshirt sophomore, is 20.
The citations come in the middle of preseason practice and add to the Nittany Lions' growing list of legal woes.
Penn State athletic department spokesman Jeff Nelson said yesterday that coach Joe Paterno is aware of the latest incident, but had no comment.
"I don't have any additional information at this time," Nelson said.
It's unclear how the charges will affect the playing status of the two players.
The Lions open their season Sept. 1 at home against Florida International.
Quarless, 6 feet 5, 252 pounds, had 21 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns last season while starting nine games for the Lions.
It was Quarless who broke three of Paterno's ribs in October after a collision in practice. A month later, Quarless ran into Paterno on the sideline after being pushed out of bounds by Wisconsin's DeAndre Levy. Paterno suffered a broken left leg and torn knee ligaments.
During Penn State's media day a week ago, Paterno was asked about Quarless.
"He's not as good as he thinks he is," Paterno said. "He's got a long way to go. He could be a good player."
Harriott is listed No. 4 on the preseason depth chart at right cornerback. He saw limited playing time a year ago after sitting out in 2005.
Two months from now, junior starting strong safety Anthony Scirrotto and redshirt sophomore backup defensive lineman Chris Baker are scheduled to stand trial for their alleged roles in an April 1 fracas that involved several players at an off-campus apartment.
Scirrotto, a first-team All-Big Ten pick last season, is facing felony charges of burglary, criminal trespass and criminal solicitation for his role in the melee, as well as lesser charges of simple assault and harassment.
Baker is charged with burglary, criminal trespass, assault and harassment.
Scirrotto, Baker, junior cornerback Lydell Sargeant and redshirt sophomore linebacker Jerome Hayes were suspended by the university for the second summer session for their roles in the altercation.
They were cleared to return for preseason practice Aug. 6 and will be allowed to re-enroll in school this fall.
Charges against four other Nittany Lions players were dismissed or withdrawn shortly after being filed.
First Published August 18, 2007 9:36 pm
