BYU Cougars Head Coach Kalani Sitake Drops Shocking Announcement on Cutting Ties with 3 Key Players Due to “Team Culture Violations”
BYU Cougars Head Coach Kalani Sitake announced on Monday that the team is officially parting ways with three key players due to what he described as “severe and repeated violations of team culture and values.”
During an emotional press conference held at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Coach Sitake addressed the media with a heavy heart, confirming that junior linebacker Malik Vae, senior wide receiver Jared Morrison, and sophomore quarterback Treyson Reid will no longer be part of the BYU football program.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my time here,” Sitake said. “These are young men with incredible talent and bright futures, but we have a responsibility to uphold the values that define our team and this university. We’re not just building football players—we’re building leaders. Unfortunately, some choices made off the field left us no choice.”
While Sitake refrained from going into detail, sources close to the program revealed that the players had been involved in a series of off-field incidents, including violations of team curfew, missing mandatory team meetings, and reportedly clashing with coaching staff over internal discipline policies.
All three players were considered essential to BYU’s 2025 campaign. Vae led the team in tackles last season and was widely expected to anchor the Cougars’ defense. Morrison, a senior, had emerged as one of quarterback Kedon Slovis’ favorite targets, while Reid was being groomed as the future of the program under center.
Social media erupted following the announcement, with fans divided. Some expressed disappointment, while others praised Sitake’s commitment to maintaining high standards.
Athletic Director Tom Holmoe issued a statement of support for the head coach: “We stand fully behind Coach Sitake’s decision. The integrity of the BYU program is paramount. Our standards are not just about wins, but about character and accountability.”
As for what’s next, Sitake assured fans that the team will press forward with unity and focus.
“This is a setback, but it’s also a moment to reinforce who we are and what we represent,” he said. “We will move forward together.”
Fall camp begins in six weeks, and all eyes will be on how BYU responds both on and off the field in the wake of this unexpected shake-up.
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