Purdue boots starting linebacker Beckford from team

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) -- Purdue linebacker Dwayne Beckford has been kicked off the team following his latest scrape with the law.

On Monday, coach Danny Hope said Beckford would be suspended indefinitely. The Lafayette Journal and Courier reported that after Wednesday's practice, Hope announced he had been dismissed from the program. A team spokesman confirmed the move Thursday.

Beckford had 91 tackles last season and was Purdue's second-leading tackler.

He has been arrested four times in 14 months, the latest coming about one month after Beckford pleaded guilty to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Antwon Higgs, Joe Gilliam or converted quarterback Sean Robinson are vying to replace Beckford in the lineup when Purdue plays Eastern Kentucky on Saturday.

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