Rule violation costs Hopkins spot on Butler team

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Butler coach Brad Stevens says junior guard Chrishawn Hopkins has been kicked off the team for violating team rules.

Stevens issued a statement Wednesday saying he was "sorry" to take the action but explained playing for the Bulldogs comes with a responsibility of meeting the team's rules. The dismissal, Stevens says, is a "consequence" of failing to meet those standards.

Stevens didn't say what rule Hopkins broke.

Hopkins, an Indy native, was one of four returning starters from last year's team. He finished third in scoring with 9.1 points and third in assists (56) in 2011-12 after playing a key role in the Bulldogs' run to the 2011 NCAA championship game.

Butler opens the season Nov. 10 against Elon.

Updated September 12, 2012