Two Penn State football players will not participate with the team until "their academic situation improves and any off-the-field issues are behind them," according to a statement released Friday afternoon by the athletic department.

The players, sophomore wide receiver Chris Bell and sophomore defensive lineman Phil Taylor, both played in 12 of the team's 13 games last season. Bell caught 12 passes for 143 yards and Taylor finished with 20 tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Team spokesman Jeff Nelson wrote in an e-mail message that no specific date has been set to re-evaluate the two players' status with the team.

According to court documents, both players were present at an Oct. 7 fight in the HUB-Robeson Center. However, neither player was charged in connection with the fight.

Joe Paterno held both players out of Penn State's game the following week against Wisconsin, saying after the game that the two players were "in my doghouse for a while."