Marshall University running back Steward Butler appears in Cabell County Magistrate Court in Huntington, W. Va., Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Huntington police say Butler has been charged in the beating of two gay men. (Curtis Johnson/The Herald-Dispatch via AP)

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Huntington police say Marshall backup running back Steward Butler has been charged in the beating of two gay men.

Cabell County court records show Butler was arraigned before a magistrate Wednesday on two misdemeanor battery counts. He was released on $10,000 bond.

Police Detective Chris Sperry says in criminal complaints that Butler got out of a car after seeing the men kissing on a street on April 5 in Huntington. Sperry says Butler allegedly then began shouting derogatory words about their sexual orientation and punched the men.

A message left with Butler's attorney wasn't immediately returned.

Marshall's athletic department said it was gathering information on Butler, a senior, and would handle the matter ''internally and appropriately.''

Butler was Marshall's second-leading rusher last season with 798 yards and seven touchdowns.