HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) β Huntington police say Marshall backup running back Steward Butler has been charged in the beating of two gay men.
Cabell County court records show Butler was arraigned before a magistrate Wednesday on two misdemeanor battery counts. He was released on $10,000 bond.
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.
A message left with Butler’s attorney wasn’t immediately returned.
Marshall’s athletic department said it was gathering information on Butler, a senior, and would handle the matter “internally and appropriately.”
Butler was Marshall’s second-leading rusher last season with 798 yards and seven touchdowns.
