BLOOMINGTON - In the end, Kellen Lewis never figured it out. He never met the leadership burden that comes with being a quarterback and Indiana's best football player. The result — his Hoosier career is over.

Coach Bill Lynch made the call Wednesday afternoon with the blessing of Athletic Director Fred Glass. Officially Lewis was dismissed for violating unspecified team rules. It was the second time he'd violated rules in the last 13 months - the first resulted in a four-month suspension — and was the last straw for Lynch.

“We are disappointed to have to make this decision,” Lynch said in a university release. “When you have expectations of those on your team that are not met, you need to do what is ultimately in the best overall interest of your program.”

Added Glass: “Today's action underscored that no individual student-athlete, regardless of talent or popularity, is above the expectations of Indiana University.”

As a fifth-year senior, Lewis doesn't have the option to transfer to a major college program. He could go to a Division II school or try to enter the NFL's supplemental draft or take a shot with the Canadian Football League.

Lewis set 16 school records as a quarterback. That includes most passing yards in a season (3,043), most passing touchdowns in a season (28), most overall touchdowns in a season (37) and most total yards in a season (3,779).

All that happened during his sophomore year, when Lewis made second-team all-Big Ten and led the Hoosiers to a 7-6 record and a berth in the Insight Bowl. Lewis set the school record for career touchdown passes (48). He ranks second in total offense (8,072) and third in passing yards (6,395).

But Lewis' attitude didn't match his performance. He was suspended for four months in spring2008. He admitted to “partying” too much and not meeting his overall responsibilities.

Lewis returned to action in July, but his performance suffered. He threw for 1,131 yards and six touchdowns while rotating the starting job with Ben Chappell. He was converted to wide receiver this spring, although IU coaches planned to use him at quarterback, running back and kick returner.