Marshall University Running-Back Dismissed, Charged With Assault Of Same-Sex Couple

A Marshall University running-back, Steward Butler, has been dismissed from the school after he was charged with two counts of battery for attacking a gay couple.

According to a criminal complaint relayed to USA TODAY Sports by Huntington, W.Va., chief of police Joe Ciccarelli, the incident occurred on April 5 in downtown Huntington, when the two male victims exchanged a kiss on the street. Butler was a passenger in a vehicle that was driving by and stopped. He exited the car and began shouting derogatory comments about their sexual orientation.

According to the complaint, Butler then hit both victims with a closed fist.

"The type of violent, bigoted behavior reported to have been perpetrated by this student is not tolerated at Marshall University. Period," said Marshall President Gary White. "This is an extremely serious matter,"

"We take all accusations against our student-athletes seriously, especially those of such a sensitive nature," director of athletics Mike Hamrick said in a statement.

After being charged, Butler was released on $10,000 bail.

Butler was the second-leading rusher for his team last season with 795 yards in 12 games.

The FBI is investigating whether the incident will be classified as a hate crime.