Purdue suspends LB following arrest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue has suspended starting linebacker Dwayne Beckford indefinitely.

Coach Danny Hope made the announcement late Monday, saying Beckford was arrested for what he described as a violation of Beckford’s “probationary status.” Hope says the school will examine details of what happened before determining Beckford’s long-term status at Purdue.

The 6-foot-1, 228-pound senior finished second on the team with 91 tackles in 2011. Beckford also had seven tackles for loss and three sacks. But he has struggled off the field.

He was arrested in December on a drunken-driving charge for his third brush with Tippecanoe County law enforcement of the year. He was suspended for Purdue’s bowl game and for the second semester last year by the school and the team.

The 22-year-old Beckford pleaded guilty in July to operating a vehicle while intoxicated and illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages, according to the Lafayette Journal and Courier.