Yahoo Sport 
Marshall RB Steward Butler accused of assaulting gay couple, suspended (Update)
Update - 1:45 p.m. ET
Marshall running back Steward Butler has been suspended from the program indefinitely, athletic director Mike Hamrick announced Wednesday afternoon.
Additionally, interim president Gary White released a statement condemning the accusations.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
- - - - -
Marshall running back Steward Butler turned himself into police Wednesday after being accused of assaulting two gay men.
According to The Herald-Dispatch, Butler was charged with two counts of battery in connection to the alleged April 5 incident, which is said to have occurred after Butler saw the two men kiss.
From The Herald-Dispatch:
The charges stem from the April 5 beating of two men, moments after they kissed at 5th Avenue and 9th Street in Huntington. Criminal complaints charge Butler witnessed the kiss, exited a passing vehicle and proceeded to shout derogatory words toward both men related to their sexual orientation. Butler then struck the face of both victims with a closed fist, the complaints charge.
Huntingdon detective Chris Sperry said that one of the victims “captured the attack on video.”
Both battery charges are misdemeanors, but Sperry told the Herald-Dispatch that evidence has been “turned over to the FBI” to investigate potential civil rights violations.
Butler, 23, was released from custody on a $10,000 bond and declined comment to reporters after his arraignment.
The Marshall football program is aware of the incident but has not made a decision concerning Butler’s status with the team.
“We are aware of the situation involving Marshall running back Steward Butler and are currently in the process of gathering all available information,” Marshall athletics spokesman Jason Corriher said in a statement. “We will handle the matter internally and appropriately.”
Butler, a senior, had 798 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground for the Thundering Herd last season. In his three seasons with the program, Butler has 2,063 yards and 18 touchdowns on 295 carries.
For more Marshall news, visit HerdNation.com.
- - - - - - -
Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
