Ohio State redshirt sophomore linebacker Dorian Bell has been suspended for the 2011 season for violating a team rule, an athletic department spokesman confirmed to The Lantern on Monday morning.

Bell was already serving a two-game suspension, which included the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas on Jan. 4.

When asked to confirm his suspension, Bell responded via email to The Lantern: “No bra.. yall need to mind ya business.”

The suspension adds to an already-turbulent offseason for the Buckeyes.

Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, receiver DeVier Posey, running back Dan Herron, defensive end Solomon Thomas and offensive lineman Mike Adams are banned from the first five games of the season for selling memorabilia and receiving improper benefits. Linebacker Jordan Whiting faces a one-game suspension for receiving improper benefits.

Coach Jim Tressel faces a five-game ban and a $250,000 fine for not reporting their wrongdoing. Tressel and the football program could incur further punishment from the NCAA. OSU has until July 5 to prepare documents to answer the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations sent to President E. Gordon Gee on April 21.

A five-star recruit, Bell excelled in kick coverage after redshirting his first season, and was expected to be in contention for the open strongside linebacker position this season.

He capped off his spring campaign with six tackles and a sack in the Spring Game.

 

Eric Taylor contributed to this story.