Paul Chryst Suspends Three Pitt Players Arrested In A Drug Sting

November 24, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Drew Carswell, shown here in action against Rutgers, was one of three Pitt players arrested and subsequently suspended. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pitt Panthers head coach Paul Chryst suspended three players arrested in a drug sting, the university announced in an official release.

Pittsburgh’s CBS affiliate first reported that Khaynin Mosley-Smith, Eric Williams and Drew Carswell were arrested late Thursday night in a joint effort by police, undercover officers and SWAT.

Of the items policed seized, what jumps out are 20 bags of heroin. Pennsylvania-based law firm Manchester and Associates’ website describes heroin penalties in the Keystone State thusly:

"It is a much more serious crime in Pennsylvania to make heroin, distribute it or possess it with intent to distribute it. This is a felony punishable by as many as 15 years in prison. Mandatory sentences apply, so jail time is almost guaranteed if you are convicted of making heroin, distributing it or possessing it with intent, unless prosecutors are willing to plea bargain in exchange for information about more substantial players in the drug business."

“We have strict and clear standards regarding these types of behaviors,” said Chryst’s statement. “What has occurred with these three young men does not represent the standards of our program or university.”

Of the Pitt players arrested, Williams had the most significant role for last year’s Panthers. The defensive back made 52 tackles — fifth most on the team — with one sack and an interception. Carswell, a tight end, caught 13 passes for 163 yards with two touchdowns in 10 games played. Mosley-Smith, a linebacker, made eight tackles.