COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State has confirmed that linebacker Dorian Bell has been suspended for the 2011 season for a violation of team rules.

Bell, a redshirt sophomore from Monroeville, Pa., was expected to play since the Buckeyes lost starters Ross Homan and Brian Rolle off last year’s team.

The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder played in eight games last season, totaling nine tackles. Ohio State officials did not specify what rules were broken.

The Buckeyes will already be without five players for the first five games for accepting improper benefits, with a sixth — linebacker Jordan Whiting — missing the opener for the same reason. In addition, coach Jim Tressel will sit out the first five games for failing to report his knowledge of the players’ actions.