Cardinals dismiss Chane Behanan

— -- Louisville has dismissed Chane Behanan for violating university policy, and Kevin Ware may redshirt after reinjuring his right leg, Cardinals coach Rick Pitino announced Monday.

"He just did not do the right thing over and over and over," Pitino said of Behanan.

Pitino said Behanan -- a 6-foot-6 junior forward who averaged 7.6 points and 6.3 rebounds in 12 games this season -- has not been kicked out of school and could transfer or hire a trainer and try to play professionally.

"I want to apologize for letting down my family, teammates, coaches, [athletic director] Tom Jurich, this university and the Louisville fans," Behanan said in a statement released by the university.

He also tweeted that he "will forever miss this place" and that it was "good while it lasted."

Pitino did not confirm that a decision had been made about whether Ware will redshirt, but sources told ESPN.com that coaches and Ware are leaning heavily in that direction.

"I think Kevin may be shut down for the year," Pitino said. "We're not 100 percent sure yet."

Ware suffered an injury to his right leg earlier this month. It's the same leg he broke in March when he landed awkwardly while playing against Duke in the Elite Eight.

NCAA rules state that a player qualifies for a medical redshirt if he plays in fewer than 30 percent of his team's games. The Cardinals (11-2) have 31 games on the schedule this season. Ware had surgery, missed much of the preseason and made his return Nov. 15 against Cornell. He played in nine games before sitting out the past two after being kicked in his right leg during a victory against Missouri State.

Behanan was suspended in the preseason and kicked out of the dorms, and Pitino made comments then that seemed to indicate the player would not return to the team. However, Behanan was reinstated and missed the season opener.

When asked Monday whether there was any chance Behanan could return again, Pitino said, "None that I can see. This is a university policy and has been stretched to the limits."

Behanan, who would have less than a season of eligibility remaining if he transferred, was scoreless but had seven rebounds in 20 minutes during Saturday's 73-66 loss to Kentucky. He was a key piece as the Cardinals won the national title last season.

The loss of Behanan, who averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, is critical for a team that is struggling to get production from its frontcourt.