Three-time All-American Chris Chase and co-captain Robert Pierce were suspended indefinitely from the volleyball team last week due to a violation of team policy.

Although officials from the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics would not confirm why the two players were suspended, Pierce said his suspension was related to a shoplifting incident which occurred on the team's California trip over spring break.

Chase would not comment yesterday on the reasons for his suspension, saying the case was on appeal. Although he is still enrolled at the University, Chase will not compete while under suspension.

Pierce withdrew from the University and will enter an alcohol rehabilitation center in Buffalo. He said the shoplifting incident was spurred by alcohol use.

"The incident sent up a red flag to the administration," he said, speaking from his home in Eden, N.Y.

"The one thing they were trying to do is send out a message to Penn State athletes in general," Pierce said. "When you go on a trip like this you represent your team. It's good to see the administration is doing something to help the student-athlete. I support the decision they made."

In a prepared statement, Chase said: "Robert is speaking for himself and not for me. Our situations are completely different because of the circumstances. I cannot make a comment at this time."

Pierce will be a patient at the Brylin Center for a 28-day rehabilitation program.

"It was real hard for me to say no (to alcohol)," he said. "It detracted from schoolwork and volleyball. I never really showed the maturity to address the problems. A program like this can really help.

"The underlying problem is deciding what I want to accomplish in life," Pierce continued. "Through getting in contact with family, friends and others that are close to me I'm going to get my life in perspective."

Athletic Director Jim Tarman was not available for comment. L. Budd Thalman, associate athletic director for communications, and Coach Tom Peterson have declined further comment about the suspensions. Peterson also declined comment about the shoplifting incident.

The only official comment from sports officials came in a Friday press release which stated: "Penn State's Chris Chase and Robert Pierce did not accompany the team to East Stroudsburg and Rutgers-Newark this weekend. Coach Tom Peterson said, 'They were placed on indefinite administrative suspension for a violation of a team policy.' "

The suspensions of Pierce and Chase took effect before the team's weekend matches against East Stroudsburg and Rutgers-Newark. The team suffered without the two, narrowly winning against East Stroudsburg, 16-18, 15-8, 18-16 and 15-7, and dropping the match to Rutgers-Newark, 15-12, 15-12 and 15-9.

"We were too inconsistent," Peterson said. "It's not just the loss (of those two players), it's not just losing, it disrupts the whole team."