PROVO, Utah -- 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.

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

Takitaki has 21 tackles and 3 ½ 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.