Virginia dismisses junior forward Austin Nichols

No. 8 Virginia has dismissed junior forward Austin Nichols, who was expected to be one of the Cavaliers' top players this season.

"It's a privilege to be a part of this program and Austin has lost that privilege," Virginia coach Tony Bennett said in a statement issued Friday. "We have standards for our student-athletes and when those standards aren't met, there are consequences and this is the unfortunate consequence."

The 6-foot-9 Nichols was suspended for the season opener due to a violation of team rules. He played in the Cavs' second game, scoring 11 points and grabbing three rebounds against St. Francis Brooklyn in what will wind up being his lone contest in a Virginia uniform.

Nichols transferred from Memphis, where he averaged 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds two seasons ago as a sophomore.

Virginia (2-0) plays Yale on Sunday.