Missouri Coach Gary Pinkel confirmed after Tuesday’s spring practice that sophomore linebacker Marquis Booker had been dismissed from the team following his arrest early Sunday morning on suspicion of unlawful use of a weapon and an underage liquor law violation.

Pinkel said the two teammates who were with Booker at the time of the arrest, sophomore receiver Jeremy Maclin and junior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, faced no further disciplinary action.

“Marquis Booker is removed from our program. And there’ll be no further discipline action at all in regards to that unfortunate situation,” Pinkel said. “What I always do and have always done is handle discipline issues internally. That’s what I’ve done since the day I got here, and I’ll continue to do that. I think there’s lessons to be learned from anything."

Weatherspoon and Maclin both left the Devine Pavilion after Tuesday’s practice without speaking to reporters, though both were requested for interviews.

As far as Booker’s dismissal affecting the roster, it looked like walk-on Jeff Gettys moved up a spot on the depth chart at outside linebacker. The sophomore was voted the team’s walk-on of the year last season.

Give Pinkel credit for diffusing this incident with some swift justice, just like he did in recent months after arrests of John Stull and Greg Bracey. I’ve been asked a bunch in the last 24 hours if I thought there was a trend of troublemaking evolving within the program, but I just don’t get that vibe. This popular Web site might have you believe otherwise, but I’m not convinced there are any underlying discipline issues at work.

And don’t confuse Pinkel’s brief statement on the topic with him being nonchalant. These knucklehead incidents get him steamed, but he’s pretty consistent in how he handles them publicly. And don’t assume Weatherspoon and Maclin escaped this one scot free. In the same breath that Pinkel said they’d face no further discipline, he also said he handles discipline issues internally — as in, not for us to know.

Also, I would have liked to see the two players take questions after practice. I get the sense that they were upset that media reports included their names in the stories, but they had a chance today to clear up any issues they had with the incident or the coverage. Both kids are candid and comfortable with the local press — they’re two of my favorites to interview — and I have no doubt that the writers who know them well would treat them fairly. Nonetheless, it’s their prerogative not to talk. By the next time they can, after Thursday’s practice, the story will have long been buried.

As for the rest of practice, first a HEALTH REPORT: Backup center J.T. Beasley’s shoulder injury was diagnosed as a torn labrum, Pinkel said. He’ll have surgery sometime in the next month. Redshirt freshman Bryan Webb has moved from right tackle to No. 2 center in Beasley’s absence. … Starting left guard Ryan Madison sat out most drills after straining his patellar tendon. Redshirt freshman Jayson Palmgren joined the first unit in his absence, but Pinkel said he expects Madison back for Thursday’s practice. … Tight end Jon Gissinger (hamstring) shed his red pullover and participated in live 11-on-11 action, playing with the first team in the absence of Chase Coffman, who misses Tuesday practices because of a class conflict. … Wide receiver Danario Alexander (knee surgery) is moving around better each practice but still sitting out all contact drills.

Quarterback Chase Patton and cornerback Tremane Vaughns were the senior practice captains. (Yes, Patton is back and not skipping his senior year for dental school — just in case that rumor still has legs out there in cyberland.)

During 1-on-1 pass-rush drills, redshirt freshman defensive tackle Terrell Resonno took some reps with the first unit and blew by right guard Kurtis Gregory on one occasion. Of all the backup interior linemen pushing for playing time, Resonno might have the most upside.

Speaking of defensive tackles, Ziggy Hood has been nearly unblockable the last two practices. He could have a monster senior season if he stays healthy.

In 7-on-7 action, Chase Daniel lofted a corner route to Maclin that couldn’t have been executed any better. I’m not sure what was prettier: Maclin’s effortless stroll to the end zone or Chase Daniel’s on-the-money throw. There might not be a better pass-and-catch tandem in the country this year.

If there’s ever a reason to come out for the April 19 spring game it’s to watch redshirt freshman tailback Titus Wonsey, a generously listed 5-foot-7 cannonball on roller skates. The little dude might never get a carry in a game, but he’s quickly becoming the media’s favorite player. Imagine Mini-Me dressed in pads. (And yes, Gabe, the Bible does include the Book of Titus.)

Drilling Forrest Shock on a short pass in the flat, newcomer Munir Prince delivered the hit of the day … until a few play snaps later when Del Howard absolutely creamed Jared Perry on an inside screen pass. Perry’s ears might still be ringing from that hit.

With Jimmy Jackson out of action on Tuesdays, redshirt freshman tailback De’Vion Moore got a lot of snaps with the first-team offense. His block on defensive end Tommy Chavis opened a big hole for Maclin on a reverse. The more I see from Moore the more I think the running game will be in good hands with a committee approach of Jackson, Derrick Washington and Moore. (Sorry, Titus.)

The Tigers will hold a half scrimmage on Thursday, Pinkel said, with each of the top three units getting 20 plays.

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