Solomon Beebe, an incoming transfer player for the University of Virginia football team, is facing three misdemeanor animal cruelty charges stemming from alleged incidents earlier this month. Court records indicate one alleged incident occurred on August 10, with two others on August 12 leading to the charges.
A housekeeper at Beebe's apartment complex reported witnessing him punch his pit bull multiple times, according to The Daily Progress. The witness stated that Beebe held the dog against a wall and struck it with a closed fist, causing the animal to yelp in pain.
These accusations came to light as an animal protection unit was already investigating an earlier report concerning the dog's treatment. Albermarle County animal control seized Beebe's dog on August 13 and placed it into protective custody at the SPCA in Albemarle County.
Beebe was taken into custody on Monday and subsequently released on an unsecured bond. The University of Virginia has stated it does not comment on matters involving ongoing criminal proceedings or student records.
Beebe joined the Cavaliers football team this offseason as a transfer from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he played as a running back and return specialist for two seasons. He entered the transfer portal in December and arrived in Virginia in January. He has been named to the Paul Hornung Award watchlist, which recognizes versatile college football performers. Beebe was seen practicing with the team earlier this week, with head coach Tony Elliott commenting on his contributions to the running back rotation and return game ahead of the season opener on August 29.