At bare minimum, Steward Butler is temporarily separated from his Marshall football team. At worst, he’ll be separated permanently from the university.
Earlier Wednesday it was reported that the running back was arrested on a pair of battery charges after he allegedly beat up two gay men after he had witnessed the couple kissing. A short time after those reports surfaced, athletic director Mike Hamrick announced that Butler has been indefinitely suspended from all team activities.
“We take all accusations against our student-athletes seriously, especially those of such a sensitive nature,” Hamrick wrote. “We hold all of our 350+ student-athletes to a high standard, on and off the playing surface, as ambassadors of Marshall University.”
In a tersely-worded statement, interim Marshall president Gary White intimated that, depending on how the legal process plays out, Butler’s time at the school may be drawing to an end.“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.”
While the charges Butler is facing are misdemeanors, there could be federal issues as it pertains to the player violating the couple’s civil rights. The Huntington Police Department turned over evidence related to the case to the FBI.
Butler, a senior, has been the Herd’s second-leading rusher each of the past three seasons.