Shell, Ezell and others suspended for opener

Pitt coach Paul Chryst suspended six players this afternoon, hours before the Panthers were set to play the season opener against Youngstown State.

Starting defensive lineman Tyrone Ezell, reserve defensive lineman Shayne Hale, receivers Ronald Jones and Chris Davis, running back Rushel Shell and defensive back Anthony Gonzalez are sitting out the game for disciplinary reasons.

No reason was given for the suspensions. Three of the players are local products -- Shell (Hopewell), Hale (Gateway) and Ezell (Steel Valley).

Ezell is the only starters suspended. The others are reserves, including Shell, who was listed at No. 3 on the depth chart this week.