Stampeders suspend defensive back Butler, who has been charged with assault

CALGARY – The Stampeders have suspended defensive back Quincy Butler, who has been charged with two counts of assault after an incident outside a Calgary casino.

“I’ve met with Quincy on several occasions about his situation. Obviously, I’m highly disappointed any time one of our players finds himself in this type of situation,” Stampeders coach and general manager John Hufnagel said in a statement released Friday.

“At this time, Quincy and I feel that his efforts would be best spent away from the football club and focusing on his personal matters. Therefore, Quincy will be suspended at the start of training camp on June 1. Upon the resolution of his legal situation, we will reassess the matter and make a determination on his status with the team.”

Police allege that Butler hit a taxi driver several times at 3 a.m. on May 15 after being asked to pay a deposit before a trip. They also allege that Butler head-butted and punched a man who tried to intervene to help the cab driver.

Butler, 30, is scheduled to appear in court on June 26.

He is in his fourth year with the Stampeders.