Sophomore point guard Lewis Jackson will miss the first three games of the season, including both exhibitions, because of two separate suspensions.

Coach Matt Painter suspended Jackson for the exhibition games for violating team policy, and the NCAA suspended Jackson for the opener for playing in an NCAA-sanctioned event this summer without prior approval from Painter and a compliance director.

Jackson was arrested in April near his hometown of Decatur, Ill., and pleaded guilty later in the month to charges of illegal alcohol consumption and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was sentenced to 50 hours of community service.

It's no surprise that Painter suspended Jackson for the two exhibition games -- it's likely because of those charges. Painter has had a history of suspending players for off-court issues, including Tarrance Crump, Korey Spates, Keaton Grant and Gordon Watt. Spates and Watt got kicked off the team, and Crump and Grant served suspensions but remained in the program. All were for various off-court situations.

The more surprising suspension is from the NCAA. Purdue men's basketball sports information director Cory Walton said Jackson played in an event this summer but didn't know the name of the event. Painter is on the road recruiting and wasn't available immediately for comment.

Ultimately, the suspensions don't mean much.

Purdue has depth at point guard, and it's likely senior Keaton Grant will start in Jackson's place. Jackson should make his way back into the starting lineup quickly. If he doesn't, he'll still get major minutes. He started 30 games as a freshman last season and led the team with 118 assists. He's a difference-maker on offense with his quickness and ability to get to the basket, and he uses his speed on defense to disrupt ballhandlers.