Marshall dismisses RB Butler
Published 4:01 am Thursday, May 7, 2015
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick says backup running back Steward Butler has been suspended following his arrest in the beating of two gay men.
Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick issued a statement regarding Butler’s dismissal.
“Head coach Doc Holliday and I have decided to dismiss running back Steward Butler from our program in light of additional information regarding his charges,” said Hamrick.
Cabell County court records show Butler was arraigned before a magistrate Wednesday on two misdemeanor battery counts. He was released on $10,000 bond.
Huntington police Detective Chris Sperry says in criminal complaints that Butler got out of a car after seeing the men kissing on a street on April 5 in Huntington. Sperry says Butler allegedly then began shouting derogatory words about their sexual orientation and punched the men.
Hamrick says Butler has been suspended indefinitely from team activities.
A message left with Butler’s attorney wasn’t immediately returned.
Butler was Marshall’s second-leading rusher last season with 798 yards and seven touchdowns.