Purdue moves on without LB Beckford - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Purdue has suspended starting linebacker Dwayne Beckford indefinitely, and coach Danny Hope described his future as a Boilermaker as "very questionable."

The 6-foot-1, 228-pound senior was the team's top returning tackler with 91 last year.

He was arrested in December on a drunken-driving charge, 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.

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. Hope said the school will let the legal process take its course before making a final decision.

Antwon Higgs, Joe Gilliam and Sean Robinson will play in Beckford's place in Saturday's opener against Eastern Kentucky.

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