VCU’s Weber suspended for season opener

The A-10’s reigning defensive player of the year, Briante Weber, will be suspended for VCU’s 2014-15 season opener against Tennessee as well as two preseason contests.

The Richmond Times Dispatch is reporting that Weber was issued a summons for an offense a court document lists as July 24 where Weber reportedly stole an iPod valued at $200. $200 is the threshold beyond which petit larceny becomes grand larceny, a felony.

Weber will miss VCU’s season opener against the Vols as well as VCU’s exhibition opener and a closed scrimmage.

“Briante has failed to live up to the standards we’ve set for our program and we are holding him accountable,” VCU coach Shaka Smart said in a release from the university. “Part of his discipline includes missed competition. We expect that Briante will act according to the standards of our program moving forward.”

Weber has led the nation in steals percentage each season since beginning his college career and is VCU’s all-time steals leader at 296 steals and counting.

His 121 steals led the country last season. The rising senior needs just 90 more to become the NCAA’s all-time record holder. He’s had at least 98 in his past two seasons but will have one less game to do so starting this November.