Greenville, NC: Eastern Carolina University football player Darrell Montese Overton was keeping a pit bull owned by Nicole Phillips in his apartment. Phillips moved and abandoned the dog in the apartment. The dog was found in the apartment alone with no water. The utilities had been shut off. When asked about the dog, Overton and Phillips had conflicting stories as to the situation. Authorities gave Overton the opportunity to surrender the dog, however he resisted. Animal Control took custody of the dog. Overton and Phillips were arrested and charged with one count each for cruelty to animals and abandonment to animals.

Overton has been suspended from the team pending the outcome of the investigation.

For more information: http://www2.wnct.com/news/2012/may/02/12/ecu-football-player-arrested-charged-animal-cruelt-ar-2235860/

Photo credit: WNCT-9 On Your Side,

This petition will be updated as more information becomes available; however, the intent will remain the same.