BYU LB Sione Takitaki suspended for the rest of the 2015 football season

BYU's pass rush has taken a hit, as head coach Bronco Mendenhall has suspended linebacker Sione Takitaki for the rest of this season for a violation of team rules. As of now, there is no immediate information as to whether Takitaki will be back for next season.

BYU: Bronco Mendenhall has suspended sophomore linebacker Sione Takitaki for the remainder of the 2015 season for violation of team rules.

— Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) October 22, 2015

Takitaki, a sophomore, had emerged as an important pass rushing threat for the Cougars, picking up 21 tackles and 3.5 sacks in six games. Those stats could have been even higher, but Takitaki was suspended for the Nebraska game, after getting charged with two counts of misdemeanor theft over the offseason. Takitaki was also dismissed from the team last season, but was reinstated.

A three-star recruit coming out of high school in California, Takitaki figured to play a prominent role in BYU's defense moving forward. He had a great game last week against Cincinnati, registering nine tackles, including four solo tackles, as well as half a sack.

Here's hoping that Takitaki is able to resolve whatever these issues are, and continue what looked to be a productive college football career.