BYU starting LB Sione Takitaki suspended for rest of season

PROVO, Utah (AP) BYU starting linebacker Sione Takitaki has been suspended for the rest of the season for a violation of team rules. The suspension was

PROVO, Utah (AP) BYU starting linebacker Sione Takitaki has been suspended for the rest of the season for a violation of team rules.

The suspension was announced Thursday by coach Bronco Mendenhall in a news release from the school. It doesn't detail which rule the sophomore broke.

Takitaki pleaded guilty on Oct. 13 to misdemeanor theft as part of a plea deal stemming from an incident in which he was accused of stealing athletic wear from the women's soccer and track teams this past summer.

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He was suspended for BYU's season opener against Nebraska after he was charged.

Takitaki has 21 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks in six games this season.

The AP sought comment on the suspension from Takitaki, but could not verify whether he had a listed telephone number or an attorney.