Wed Jul 30 12:15:52 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Report: Penn State dismisses two defensive tackles

---

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Penn State Nittany Lions have reportedly kicked defensive tackles Phil Taylor and Chris Baker off the team Wednesday. Both players had been disciplined for off-field incidents in the past year.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, head coach Joe Paterno said last week he was awaiting the grades of Baker, Taylor and three other suspended players.

Taylor was given one year of probation for his role in a fight last year and could not rejoin the team until August 16. Baker was given two years probation for his role in two different fights, but was working out with the team.

Both players were expected to be an integral part of the team's defense which lost starts Justin King and Dan Connor to the NFL. Taylor started seven games last season while Baker started five.