Baylor WR Ishmael Zamora Suspended for Dog Abuse Incident

The Baylor Bears football team will be without wide receiver Ishmael Zamora to start the season.

Max Olson of ESPN.com reported Tuesday that Zamora was suspended for three games because of a video that showed him physically abusing his dog. On Aug. 19, Olson noted, "The video was obtained by KXXV News Channel 25 in Waco, Texas, and captures Zamora hitting a dog eight times with a belt and kicking it while yelling."

Jake Trotter of ESPN provided a statement from Baylor:

Olson added, "Zamora will also perform 40 hours of community service 'that will teach him kindness and respect toward animals' and undergo counseling."

Zamora was charged with a Class C misdemeanor after the video was made public. He also received a citation that includes a fine for as much as $500, per Olson.

(Warning: Video contains graphic footage.)

Zamora addressed the incident in a statement to KXXV and said (via Olson), "I lost my temper trying to discipline him. I've been through training with a dog trainer to help me learn new potty training tips."

Baylor was No. 23 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 and will face Northwestern State and SMU at home and Rice on the road in its first three games.

The Bears should win all three contests rather easily, even without Zamora, considering none of the opponents are ranked and they combined to go 11-24 last season. Things get more difficult for Baylor when it kicks off Big 12 play against No. 21 Oklahoma State on Sept. 24.

The Bears' conference slate also includes games against Texas, No. 13 TCU and No. 3 Oklahoma.

Zamora, who is entering his sophomore season, played 13 games for the Bears in 2015. He finished his freshman campaign with nine catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns and also returned five kickoffs for 142 yards.