ACC Football Player Faces Animal Cruelty Charges for Allegedly Punching Dog

Solomon Beebe, a transfer running back on the University of Virginia football team, was arrested Monday on three Class 1 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. Court records show alleged incidents on August 10 and twice on August 12.

• 3 misdemeanor charges stem from incidents on August 10 and August 12.
• A housekeeper said she saw Beebe punch his pit bull twice on August 12.
• Albemarle County animal control seized the dog August 13 and placed it in protective custody.
• Beebe was released on unsecured bond after Monday's arrest.

Why it matters: The charges arrive eight days before Virginia's season opener. Beebe had been active in practice and was described by coach Tony Elliott as already in the running back rotation.

• Animal control officer Justin Gibson said the housekeeper observed Beebe hold the dog against a wall and strike it with a closed fist multiple times, with the dog yelping after each blow.

How 5 sources split on this story

What’s next: Beebe appeared in Albemarle County District Court Thursday morning.

• Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Pollock filed a petition seeking permanent custody of the dog.
• UVA said it does not comment on ongoing criminal proceedings or student records.
• Will UVA suspend or remove Beebe from the roster before the August 29 season opener?
• What prompted the initial August 10 report that drew the animal protection unit's attention before the housekeeper's account?