BYU LB Sione Takitaki suspended for season opener after theft charges

BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor theft stemming from incidents that occurred on July 10 and July 21.

Police said Takitaki stole a $200 track jacket from the track office and $280 worth of soccer apparel while performing his duties as part of the custodial staff in the Smith Fieldhouse.

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BYU football spokesman Brett Pyne told the Salt Lake Tribune that the team was aware of the incidents and that it has suspended Takitaki for the season opener against Nebraska.

BYU Police Lt. Arnold Lemmon told the Salt Lake Tribune that video surveillance helped to catch Takitaki and that all of the stolen property has been returned. He also said Takitaki admitted to the thefts.

Takitaki is schedule for arraignment on Aug. 27.

This isn’t the first time Takitaki, a sophomore, has been in trouble in the past year. He was involved in a fight in the campus dorms last summer and coach Bronco Mendenhall kicked him off the team. The team voted to allow Takitaki back on the team after family members pleaded for another chance on his behalf.

Takitaki played limited time last season, but was a candidate for one of the two starting outside linebacker positions. Wednesday afternoon, Mendenhall called Takitaki one of the best two pass rushers on the team.

For more BYU news, visit CougarNation.com.

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