The Virginia Cavaliers’ plans to start the 2026 season on a strong footing has been hit by a news concerning one of their offensive players. Virginia running back Solomon Beebe was arrested last week and charged with multiple misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
The arrest follows allegations from a witness who reported seeing the junior transfer violently abuse his pit bull, Jeb, at his apartment complex north of Charlottesville, according to the Daily Progress.
The charges stem from three separate incidents investigated by the Albemarle County animal protection unit. The first alleged incident occurred on August 10, prompting an initial investigation by authorities. Two days later, a housekeeper at the Maximilian at Stonefield apartment complex reported witnessing two distinct instances of violence.
According to animal control officer Justin Gibson, around 12:00 PM, the housekeeper witnessed Beebe trapping his pit bull, Jeb, directly against an apartment wall. Gibson wrote that the witness watched Beebe “punch his dog with a closed fist multiple times.” The dog was visibly “yelping in pain with each strike,” the Daily Progress reported.
Later that same day, at approximately 6:49 PM, the same witness observed Beebe allegedly handling the dog in a public hallway of the complex. According to the report, Beebe allegedly held the pit bull flat to the ground and forcefully smacked him across the face twice “without reason.”
After the housekeeper’s complaint, Albemarle County Animal Control visited Beebe’s apartment. On August 13, the department officially executed a seizure order and removed Jeb from Beebe’s apartment.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Pollock filed a formal petition in local court to gain permanent, state-sanctioned custody of the dog. The Albemarle County SPCA safely placed Jeb in protective custody.
Beebe appeared in the court on August 20. During the proceedings, it was revealed that his father is in Virginia. He came from his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. He tried to assume legal custody and care of the dog.
The timing of the arrest has caused a major headache for the Virginia Cavaliers coaching staff. Beebe had actively participated in Virginia’s official team football practice the morning of his arrest on August 17.
Beebe is seen as a highly touted junior. He transferred from UAB, where he recorded 1,222 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns last season. He joined the Virginia Cavaliers in January 2026.
On April 18, Beebe officially debuted for fans during the Cavaliers’ annual spring exhibition game at Scott Stadium, where he took a bulk of the carries alongside Peyton Lewis. His name was tossed in for the prestigious Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player.
What does this mean for the Virginia Cavaliers?
With Solomon Beebe’s status heavily in question following his arrest, the Virginia Cavaliers will have to lean into their substantial backfield depth. They would also lean on the offense to navigate their season opener against ACC rival NC State on August 29. Head coach Tony Elliott and running backs coach Keith Gaither have dynamic options to keep the team competitive.
The university and athletic department are maintaining a strict “no comment” policy regarding the active criminal investigation.
Coach Elliott had praised Beebe frequently for his game. He was a premium piece of his roster. The Virginia entered fall camp boasting “competitive depth” at running back, with six viable backs. Tennessee transfer Peyton Lewis and Middle Tennessee State transfer Jekail Middlebrook will command the majority of the backfield now.
Beebe’s absolute biggest immediate void is on special teams. The Cavaliers had him picked as their primary kickoff returner. He was the only player in the FBS last season to log both six rushing touchdowns and 600+ kick-return yards. Virginia’s coaching staff will have to re-evaluate its special teams’ depth chart. They have this week to find a replacement capable of matching his elite speed.