Bender Will Miss Pittsburgh Game

Defensive tackle Leon Bender will miss Washington State’s season opener at Pittsburgh on Saturday because of academic problems, Washington State’s associate athletic director said Thursday.

Bender’s eligibility will continue to be reviewed by university officials as additional academic information becomes available, said Dan Peterson, who also serves as Washington State’s director of compliance and eligibility.

Bender, a 6-foot-5, 269-pound junior from Santee, Calif., had been projected as a starter this season after the loss of three starters from last year’s defensive line.