Eagles Player Charged With Animal Cruelty

Originally published by The Associated Press, May 9, 2001

VOORHEES, N.J. (AP) — A Philadelphia Eagles football player who allegedly beat his pit bull failed to appear in court on animal cruelty charges and is being sought by law enforcement authorities, the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Wednesday.

Running back Thomas Hamner, of Voorhees, allegedly beat his dog on March 28 and April 4, eyewitnesses told the New Brunswick-based SPCA.

Hamner failed to appear in Voorhees Municipal Court on the charges and a judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest, said Terry Clark, deputy chief of the SPCA's law enforcement division.

Clark did not know the date of the court hearing. The judge also ordered that Hamner's dog be impounded until another court hearing can be scheduled, Clark said.

This is the second time Hamner has been charged with cruelty to his dog. On Nov. 12 he was investigated for a similar allegation, and failed to appear in court Dec. 5. He later pleaded guilty and paid a $300 fine.

If convicted of animal cruelty, Hamner could be sentenced to up to six months in jail and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Eagles spokesman Derek Boyko said the team was aware of the allegations.

"We do regard this as a very serious and disturbing matter involving Thomas and we have been, and will continue to be, in communication with" the SPCA and Hamner. Boyko declined further comment.

Hamner has an unpublished telephone number and could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Hamner, who played at the University of Minnesota, is in his second season with the Eagles.