The Marshall Thundering Herd football team has dismissed running back Steward Butler after his arrest for allegedly beating a gay couple after seeing them kiss. The team had suspended Butler on Wednesday, then dismissed him from the team earlier that day, according to the Associated Press.
Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick announced the school's move via Twitter:
Coach Holliday and I have decided to dismiss Steward Butler from our program in light of additional information regarding his charges.
— Mike Hamrick (@TheHerdAD) May 6, 2015
Some of that additional information could range anywhere from accounts of the attack by the victims to an alleged video that exists of the attack. Butler surrendered himself to police earlier this week.
"The entire university community is shocked and disappointed to learn the details surrounding the alleged actions that led to Mr. Butler's arrest this morning," Marshall president Gary White said, according to the Sports Xchange. "The type of violent, bigoted behavior reported to have been perpetrated by this student is not tolerated at Marshall University. Period. This is an extremely serious matter.
It's a powerful move with big implications for Marshall, which finished last season 13-1. Butler was set to be an important cog in the team's wheel this season as he has been the team's second-leading rusher over the last two seasons. Now possibly facing Federal hate crimes charges, his football career may be over.
