Texas LB Ty'Anthony Smith Dismissed for Conduct Detrimental to the Team

Texas junior linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith has been dismissed for conduct detrimental to the team, coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters Saturday.

"He was dismissed, conduct detrimental to the team," Sarkisian said (h/t On3's Tyler Horka). "That's just what it is.

"I didn't like it. It's an unfortunate situation for him individually. Again, I hate that. For us as a team, I hate that. He's a quality player. But I have to think about the team first."

OrangeBloods.com's Anwar Richardson initially reported Smith was "no longer with the team" as of Friday afternoon.

Smith played two seasons with the Longhorns. He had undergone shoulder surgery earlier this offseason.

A Texas spokesperson confirmed to reporters that Smith was no longer with the program as of Friday night, per Horns247's Eric C. Henry.

Smith ranked fifth on the team last season with 60 tackles to go along with his 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions in 13 games.

After making 28 appearances with one start over two seasons, Smith had spent time as a defensive signal-caller while preparing for his third year with the program.

Smith missed last Saturday's scrimmage due to what Sarkisian said was illness after absences from practice the week before. Henry previously reported Smith had been kept away because of "personal matters."

Sarkisian said on Monday Smith would need to regain weight after dealing with a virus but that the team's goal was still to get him back into the flow of practice.

Smith had three seasons of college eligibility remaining at the time of his dismissal from the program.

Smith was in contention for a starting spot alongside other linebackers including Pitt transfer Rasheem Biles and Florida State transfer Justin Cryer.

Sarkisian pointed out Saturday the Longhorns will often use a nickel defense requiring just two linebackers, per Kirk Bohls of the Houston Chronicle.

Smith's departure means those two starters will most likely be Biles and Cryer, the latter of whom Sarkisian praised in his Saturday media availability.