Virginia running back and kick returner Solomon Beebe was arrested on Monday and charged with three misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. Case details reviewed by the New York Post indicate that Beebe allegedly punched and smacked his pitbull.
One alleged incident occurred on August 10, with two others reportedly taking place on August 12. Beebe first appeared in Albemarle County District Court on Thursday.
A housekeeper at Beebe's apartment complex informed an animal control officer that she witnessed Beebe acting violently toward his pitbull, named Jeb, on two occasions, according to The Daily Progress. Animal control officer Justin Gibson documented that the housekeeper observed Beebe "hold his dog against the wall and punch his dog with a closed fist multiple times," adding that "the dog was yelping in pain with each strike." Gibson also reported that during a second incident on August 12, Beebe "held his dog down and smacked him twice in the face without reason" in the apartment complex hallway.
The dog was taken into protective custody on August 13. During his court appearance on Thursday, Beebe agreed to have his father, Lee Beebe Sr., assume care of the dog.
The University of Virginia has stated that it does not comment on matters involving ongoing criminal proceedings or student records.
Beebe was reportedly practicing with the Virginia Cavaliers on Monday. Head coach Tony Elliott told reporters that Beebe "showed immediately that he can play running back and be a really good one." Elliott added that Beebe is in the rotation for the running back position and has also demonstrated his capabilities as a returner.
In two seasons with UAB, Beebe recorded 419 rushing yards, 248 receiving yards, and 600 kick-return yards. According to his Virginia bio page, he was the only player in the FBS during that period to achieve six rushing touchdowns and 600 kick-return yards in the same season.