Two Virginia Tech walk-on football players from northern Virginia were suspended from the team after being charged with manufacturing and detonating an explosive device.
Joshua Trimble, 20, and 19-year-old Brian Rody were arrested Sunday after a small explosion near an apartment, Blacksburg Police Lt. Steven Taylor said. Nobody was injured.
Under university policy, players facing felony charges are suspended until charges are resolved, Tech spokesman Bryan Johnston said. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 24. The Hokies play Rutgers in the Russell Athletic Bowl Dec. 28.
James Turk, the players' attorney, said they were playing a prank on a friend and meant no harm.
Rody is a scout team quarterback, while Trimble is a reserve linebacker and special teams player. Both are redshirt freshmen from Ashburn.
