Marshall running back Steward Butler was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts of battery in the alleged beating of two gay men.
After being suspended indefinitely earlier Wednesday, Marshall announced that Butler was no longer on the team.
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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, 2015The incident took place April 5, and Butler turned himself in to police Wednesday. Details about the incident were made available to the media.
We're learning the gay couple, Zackery Johnson, and his partner, Casey Williams were walking and kissed. Police say Butler got out of car...
— Dan Griffin (@WSAZDanGriffin) May 6, 2015...where two other Marshall football players were inside as well. Invstgrs say Butler hit one of the men in the face. #wsaz
— Dan Griffin (@WSAZDanGriffin) May 6, 2015Investigators said the two other Marshall players told Butler to stop and leave. The two players aren't facing charges, as police say they did nothing wrong.
There was video of the incident and Butler can be heard screaming derogatory words at the men. The complaint states he hit both victims in the face with a closed fist, according to the Herald-Dispatch.
Butler was second on the Thundering Herd in rushing last season with 798 yards and seven touchdowns. The university released a statement Wednesday.
Marshall interim president Gary G. White released a statement earlier Wednesday:
"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.
"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.
"We will allow the legal process to run its course and will act swiftly and appropriately within our Student Conduct System and according to the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities as more details become clear."
Butler was released on $10,000 bond.