Four members of the Pennsylvania State University wrestling team are facing charges relating to an alleged illegal alcohol purchase on the Fourth of July. However, they are facing different charges: three are charged with underage drinking, and the fourth is charged with buying alcohol for a minor.

According to a report from the Pennsylvania State Police's Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, a police officer saw the group drive up to a State College liquor store in the early afternoon on July 4. The driver of the car allegedly took money from his three passengers and went into the store, where he bought two cases of beer. He then put the alcohol in his trunk and drove away. Reportedly, the investigating officer later saw the three passengers drinking the beer that the driver had purchased.

After the passengers were revealed to be under the legal drinking age, they were arrested and issued summary citations for underage drinking. All three men were 20 years old at the time of the offense, and one of the three has since turned 21.

The 21-year-old driver was also arrested. He now faces two misdemeanor counts of selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors. Given the ages of the four men and the nature of their offense, the police investigation into their suspected crime and the subsequent arrest seems slightly excessive.

All four men are members of the Penn State wrestling team. They remain listed on the team roster, and there is no indication that the school or the wrestling team coach plans to penalize them for their alleged offenses.

Source: Centre Daily Times, "Penn State wrestler charged with buying alcohol for underage teammates," Mike Dawson, Sept. 8, 2011