Three Pack players held out for WCU

N.C. State senior offensive tackle Jake Vermiglio and defensive tackles J.R. Sweezy and Markus Kuhn will not dress for today's 6 p.m. game against Western Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium.

In April, the three players were charged with with possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of marijuana, and maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of using a controlled substance. Investigators seized three plastic bags filled with about six grams of marijuana, a "blunt" cigar stuffed with marijuana, two homemade bongs and other paraphernalia from their apartment, according to a search warrant.

The charges later were dismissed after a judge ruled the police search was improper.

Vermiglio is the team's starting left tackle. Sweezy and Kuhn both are backups who are expected to figure prominently in the team's plans on the defensive line.

Tight end George Bryan, who had faced a single charge of maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of using a controlled substance, will play against Western Carolina.

Coach Tom O'Brien has declined to discuss how he has disciplined the players who were charged, saying only that he was taking appropriate action.

Ken Tysiac