Marshall Running Back Accused of Beating Two Men — Dismissed From Team

According to the Huntington Herald-Dispatch Marshall University running back Steward Butler was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with two counts of battery. 

Butler turned himself in Wednesday morning. The criminal complaint against Butler says on April 5th moments after witnessing two men kiss, Butler exited a passing vehicle and shouted derogatory comments toward the men before striking the face of both victims with a closed fist. One of the victims captured the incident on video.

After being arraigned Butler was released on a $10,000 recognizance bond. The charges Wednesday morning were misdemeanors, but the evidence has been turned over to the FBI for a review of any civil rights violations.

In a released statement, Marshall University Interim President Gary White said the university won’t stand for the behavior.

“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, ” White said. “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.”

ACLU-WV Executive Director Jennifer Meinig issue the following statement:

“West Virginia is a place of tolerance, kindness and hospitality. The alleged assault of two gay ment by a Marshall University running back Steward Butler has no place in any West Virginia community. Our thoughts are with the victims of this senseless violence.”

Marshall University Athletic Director Mike Hamrick announced later in the afternoon that Butler had been dismissed.