Kalyn Story | Staff Writer
Sophomore wide receiver Ishmael Zamora will be suspended for the first three games of this season, Baylor announced Tuesday afternoon.
Zamora has been waiting for his punishment to be put in place after the police received a video on July 25 that showed Zamora repeatedly beating and stepping on his dog.
Zamora received a citation and was charged with a Class C misdemeanor for animal molestation.
In addition to the suspension, Zamora must complete 40 hours of community service, participate in counseling and give his dog to an animal-friendly home.
“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 head football coach Jim Grobe in a press release from Baylor Media Communications.
“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.”
During his suspension, Zamora will be practicing with the team as long as he meets all other sanctions imposed.
“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 in the release. “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,” Zamora said. “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.”
The Baylor athletic department also announced in a press conference on Monday that junior safety Chance Was is suspended from the first two games due to university discipline.
