One of the two Middle Tennessee State University football players who were dismissed from the team over animal abuse allegations has been charged with animal cruelty.
Investigators with the Murfreesboro Police Department charged Shalom A. Alvarez with animal cruelty.
Head coach Rick Stockstill dismissed ustin Akins and Shalom Alvarez from the team last week amid the allegations that stemmed from a Snapchat video surfaced of one of the players hitting a puppy.
PAWS Director Michael Gregory released the following statement:
“Rutherford County PAWS was contacted by a concerned citizen regarding a Snapchat video they had seen of a puppy being hit. Due to the difficult nature of the case, Murfreesboro Police Department was contacted and Detective Kristy Inglish took a huge role in investigating and working to piece together the incident. The Middle Tennessee Athletics Department, mainly head football Coach Rick Stockstill, was very cooperative in our investigation as well. This is just one more example of several local agencies working together to ensure that our citizens, including those with four legs, are protected."
“We appreciate the concern that has been expressed by many regarding this case and are thankful that the process continues to seek justice for Rocko. As always, if anyone thinks that an animal may not be in an ideal situation, we encourage that it be reported to our department for proper investigation.”
