Middle Tennessee Dismisses 2 Football Players Amid Animal Cruelty Investigation

Middle Tennessee suspended defensive lineman Justin Akins and linebacker Shalom Alvarez on Wednesday, as they are under investigation for animal cruelty due to a video posted on Snapchat. 

On Friday, Middle Tennessee head coach Rick Stockstill released a statement saying both players had been dismissed from the school (via John Taylor of NBC Sports):

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When confronted with situations of inappropriate conduct, it is easy for a coach to simply dismiss players in trouble without taking time to study the situation. I feel it is important to consider the facts carefully, and seek input from others with information and expertise, before reaching a decision.

After reviewing the matter further, and speaking with authorities with the appropriate expertise, I have decided to dismiss Justin Akins and Shalom Alvarez from our football team. Their actions were in violation of the values and standards of our program.

I appreciate the work by the Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Services and Murfreesboro Police Department. Their expertise was invaluable in this process and will help educate our players.

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"The actions captured on this video are obviously disturbing," MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro said in a university statement. "We welcome the inquiry by the Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Services.

"We have high expectations of conduct of our student-athletes. Coach Stockstill has suspended these players until the inquiry is complete and they will perform community service to the benefit of local animal welfare efforts.”

According to a Murfreesboro Police report obtained by Aldo Giovanni Amato of the Daily News Journal, Akins posted a video of Alvarez hitting a puppy at least four times on Snapchat. Police were notified of the incident April 7.

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.