Baylor wide receiver, Ishmael Zamora, will serve a three game suspension related to the video that showed him beating a dog.
The news came in a press release from Baylor University Tuesday afternoon.
“Our football program does not condone this behavior by anyone. We are deeply saddened by it and have worked together with the University to hold Ishmael accountable for his actions,” said Baylor Acting Head Football Coach Jim Grobe.
Zamora was charged with a Class C misdemeanor by Waco Police and ordered to pay a fine.
According to the press release, Baylor will also require Zamora to perform 40 community service hours in a manner that will teach him kindness and respect toward animals. He must undergo counseling and must relinquish the dog to an animal-friendly home.
In addition, Zamora will be suspended for the first three games of the Bears’ 2016 season, however, he will be able to practice with the team provided he meets the other provisions of his sanctions.
The press release also included the following quotes from Baylor Head Football Coach, Jim Grobe, Athletic Director, Mack Rhoades and Zamora.
“We have received communications about this incident from many passionate individuals over the past 10 days, and I am aware of their concerns,” Grobe said. “Our goal is for this discipline to be educational and restorative, and I believe that we have taken corrective measures to help Ishmael learn from his actions and to better understand the behavior we demand of all students at the University.”
“Ishmael’s behavior toward his dog is disheartening, and is not condoned,” Baylor Vice President and Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades said. “We believe with proper counseling and training Ishmael can learn from this and I expect that of him. I’ve conveyed to him my expectation that his actions and his service will illustrate his commitment to change.”
"I am sorry that I took out my frustration on my dog and accept the punishment that comes with it. This incident will never, ever, happen again,” Zamora said. “I truly love my dog, however, I know that my actions showed differently and I know that I made a big mistake.
“I apologize to my family, teammates, Baylor University and our fans for my actions,” he added. “Eventually, I hope that everyone can see who I really am and that I am not a terrible person. This incident does not and will not define me, and I know that I am the one who will have to prove that to others in the days ahead.”
A petition started not long after the video was released demanding that Zamora face more serious consequences beyond the misdemeanor. More than 160,000 people signed the online petition.