LSU sacks leader Michael Divinity leaves team for personal reasons

LSU outside linebacker Michael Divinity has left the team for personal reasons, coach Ed Orgeron confirmed Monday.

Orgeron said he would not "close the door" on Divinity returning to the program later this season. LSU announced the senior's departure five days before the top-ranked Tigers' showdown with No. 2 Alabama.

A source told ESPN's Ed Aschoff that Divinity left the Tigers last week. He had five tackles and a sack in LSU's most recent game, a 23-20 win over Auburn on Oct. 26.

Divinity said in an Instagram post that his goal was to return in time to graduate in December and rejoin his teammates on the field.

View this post on Instagram

I am taking some time off to focus on a personal matter and just wanted to say thank you to my coaches, teammates, and the entire LSU community for your continued help and support. I am sorry I can't be on the field for you guys. My goal is to get myself back to 100% in time to graduate in December and be back on the field fighting with my brothers soon. This is an incredibly difficult time for me, and it means so much to me that so many people have reached out--knowing you all have my back will make the next short while a lot easier. Thank you all. I got this, I promise you.

A post shared by Michael Divinity (@tht_boy_mike) on Nov 4, 2019 at 12:37pm PST

Despite missing three games already this season, Divinity leads the Tigers with three sacks. He is the second upperclassman to leave LSU in recent days for personal reasons, joining junior defensive lineman Justin Thomas.

Divinity did not play in LSU's season opener against Georgia Southern or the Tigers' third game against Northwestern State because of what the team classified as coach's decisions.

He picked up an ankle injury against Vanderbilt on Sept. 21 and then did not play in the next game against Utah State after a bye week, before returning against Florida.

Divinity tied for the team lead in sacks in 2018, but he has played a reduced role this season because of the return of top edge pass-rusher K'Lavon Chaisson and the emergence of Jacob Phillips and Patrick Queen at inside linebacker spots.

Orgeron said LSU "should be fine" against Alabama because Chaisson takes the majority of snaps at the position Divinity also plays, and the coach expressed confidence in backups Andre Anthony and Ray Thornton.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.