Linebacker Lamonte Edwards was kicked off the Gophers football team for a violation of team rules, a University of Minnesota spokesperson said Wednesday.

According to a search warrant, Edwards was arrested after an iPhone was stolen from another U athlete in a weight room inside an athletics building on June 18. Tracking software led police to Edwards, who first said the phone belonged to his cousin. When questioned later by U police, he admitted he took the phone, according to the warrant and a police report.

A U police spokesperson said charges are pending from the Minneapolis City Attorney's Office.

Edwards, a junior who played in high school at Woodbury, transitioned from running back to linebacker during his college career. He made eight tackles during the 2012 season and started one game, against New Hampshire.

He probably would have played more, likely in a backup role, this fall. Minnesota returns only one starting linebacker, Aaron Hill.

Michael Rand