A Baylor University football player will reportedly be disciplined after a video surfaced showing him brutally beating his dog with a belt.
Baylor coach Jim Grobe said Bears wide receiver Ishmael Zamora will be punished but will continue to practice with the team, USA Today reported Friday.
The June video, obtained by KXXV in Waco, Texas, shows Mr. Zamora forcefully hitting the yelping dog at least seven times with a belt before he kicks it.
The disturbing video was shared on another Baylor player’s Snapchat. Former Baylor student Shelby Ball said she went to authorities as soon as she saw the abuse.
“I went to authorities probably about two hours after I saw the video,” she told KXXV, a local ABC News affiliate. “Dogs can’t speak for themselves. … I felt like something needed to be done.”
Mr. Zamora released a statement saying he lost his temper “trying to discipline” the dog.
“I’ve been through training with a dog trainer to help me learn new potty training tips,” he said.
An investigation into the video lasted a little over a month, ABC News reported. Mr. Zamora was charged with a Class C misdemeanor and given a citation that could cost up to $500.
The news came the same day that former Baylor President Kenneth Starr, who was demoted in May after a report found the university had “failed to consistently support” students who reported sexual assault, announced in a joint statement with the university that his tenure was officially ending.
“The mutually agreed separation comes with the greatest respect and love Judge Starr has for Baylor and with Baylor’s recognition and appreciation for Judge Starr’s many contributions to Baylor,” the statement said. “Judge Starr expresses his thanks to the Baylor family for the opportunity to serve as president and chancellor and is grateful for his time with the exceptional students of Baylor University who will lead and serve around the world.”
Mr. Starr is famously known for leading the investigation of President Bill Clinton’s affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
Sign up for Daily Newsletters