Alleged DUI an Unfortunate Misstep for Pitt WR Tyler Boyd

Pat Narduzzi has taken the reins of the Pitt Panthers and was likely hoping to push this team to be an ACC darkhorse in 2015. That plan seems to have hit a snag, however, with the news that star wide receiver Tyler Boyd will be charged with driving under the influence among other charges by the Jefferson Hills police.

According to reports, Boyd was pulled over around 2:30 am Friday after passing another vehicle within an intersection. The 20-year old tested positive for alcohol on the portable breath test, though the results of a blood test are still pending. Boyd admitted to police that he “two shots” after watching the NBA Finals and was detained.

This situation is a serious misstep for a young man who had been an exemplary student athlete up to this point. On the field, Boyd has showcased special talent, catching 78 passes for 1,261 yards with eight touchdowns in 2014, earning first-team all-ACC accolades. In doing so, he became the first player in ACC history to go over 1,000 yards receiving in his freshman and sophomore seasons. He and Larry Fitzgerald are the only players in Pitt’s history to achieve two 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Narduzzi called the situation “serious and disappointing,” citing the high expectations the new coaching staff has for the players in the Pitt program “both on and off the field.” The Panters’ first-year coach promised that Boyd will be “held accountable” which likely means a team suspension is in the works for Boyd once his legal situation becomes more clear.

In Pennsylvania, a first drunken driving offense can carry up to two days in jail and fine up to $5,000. First offenders are often eligible, however, for a special program that allows them to serve probation without pleading guilty. If the probation is completed without further incident, the arrest record can then be expunged.

While we don’t know exactly how Boyd will navigate this legal situation, it’s clear that it’s an unfortunate misstep for a young man with very bright future. Will he be able to move past this troubling incident and continue to be a leader for the Panthers’ offense?

You can follow Tyler Brett on Twitter @ATylerBrett, on Facebook and on Google.