You’d think that following the arrest and citation of kicker Anthony Fera for underage drinking that Penn State football players would be on their toes.

You’d think that this would be especially true for someone who’s already felt the strong arm of the law–having been arrested not just for an underage citation a year ago, but also charged with a DUI.

But you’d think wrong.  Ron Musselman earlier today broke the news that for the second time in two weeks, a Penn State player has been cited for underage drinking, and this time it’s linebacker-cum-fullback Mike Zordich.

He was cited for underage drinking Sunday at 1:24 a.m. at McKean and Bigler roads, according to court documents.

Zordich’s blood-alcohol content was 0.19, more than twice the state’s legal limit of .08 and nearly 10 times the limit for a minor (.02).

A .19 BAC, especially for a big guy like Zordich–who stands about 6’2, 225 pounds–means he must’ve had quite a bit to drink.  According to the Blood Alcohol Calculator, that’s about 15 drinks over a 2 or 3 hour period.  Sounds like a fun Saturday night.

For Zordich, this charge could have some pretty disastrous consequences.  Some have suggested via Twitter that this could get Mike booted off the team, but even if it doesn’t, it will probably land Zordich firmly in Joe Paterno’s doghouse.  Though Zordich spent the entire 2009 season making the transition from the defensive side of the ball to the offensive backfield, he was expected to play a significant role on this year’s team, slotting in as the #2 fullback during spring practice.  During last Saturday’s “Coaches Clinic Scrimmage,” he was used primarily as a short yardage back, tallying two touchdowns from the goal line.

So I guess this means we’ll see more of Joe Suhey, who was fine in his own right as a fullback last year.  A season ago, Suhey caught 21 passes out of the backfield and tallied 22 carries for 68 yards.  Maybe it also means we’ll get to see #1 fullback prospect Zach Zwinak, who put up some gaudy stats in high school, earlier than Joe or Galen would’ve wanted.

Again, we don’t want to pass judgment on Mike for doing what kids do. 15 drinks might be a bit much, but it’s the weekend–I really have no problem with the kid drinking.

Let’s be honest, though, this isn’t the Michael Madeira era anymore.  The cops don’t have a strict ultimatum to go after football players.  Zordich, like Fera before him, chose to drink out in the open, and reaped the consequences.  After that first run-in with the law, you’d expect someone to be a little more careful.

If there are any football players reading this: you don’t have to stop drinking. I couldn’t care less if that’s what you want to do. But please, for your own sake, keep it inside.  The police aren’t going to come barging in the front door if you’re just playing beer pong.  McKean and Bigler run right outside the Nittany Apartments, where Zordich lives.  Just keep it inside!

Hopefully, this is the last of the annual offseason legal troubles, but what makes the citations so annoying is that they’re so easily avoidable.

Kids will be kids, and college kids drink. A lot. Especially at Penn State.  I can’t blame Zordich, or Fera, for getting in to the #1 party school culture we’ve cultivated here.  But, for better or for worse, you guys have more responsibility than 99% of your fellow students.  You’re asked to carry on the legacy of Joe Paterno and Penn State football, to live up to the motto of “Success With Honor,” and to fulfill the dreams of 40,000 students and millions of fans.  For better or for worse, you’re held to a higher standard than I am.

With the Blue/White Game just a week and a half away, we’re about to get right back into that football mindset.  That fervor will carry over until the end of August, when we finally suit up for a game that matters.  I just pray that underage citations aren’t a weekly occurrence until that time.