Three returning sophomores, including two starters, have been suspended from the team for the year for failing to uphold the standard of conduct expected of a Duke student-athlete, head coach John Kerr announced last week.
Forward Kyle Bethel, defender Ian Kalis and midfielder Joseph Pak will not participate in the 2009 season, but they have the option to return to the program the next year.
Kalis and Bethel contributed as soon as they arrived in Durham last year. Kalis started all but one of the team's games and cemented himself as the Blue Devils' best left back. Bethel, a striker, started nine of Duke's first 10 games, but suffered a season-ending broken arm Sept. 30. He still finished as the team's third-leading scorer with four goals and two assists.
Pak took longer to settle in, but quickly became one of Kerr's favorite substitutes. He played in 16 of Duke's 17 games and started in 11 of them.
The Blue Devils finished 10-5-2 in 2008 and were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament by UNC-Greensboro. They kick off Kerr's second season at the helm Sept. 1 against James Madison.
Kerr declined to comment for this story, and would not elaborate on the reason for the players' suspensions.
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