Charges against Steelers' Anthony Chickillo withdrawn

Charges against Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo were withdrawn Wednesday in Fayette County court.

Chickillo, 26, was arrested Oct. 20 by state police on accusations that he assaulted his girlfriend at Nemacolin Woodlands in Wharton Township.

District Attorney Richard Bower said both parties decided not continue with prosecution after 90 minutes of discussion Wednesday among attorneys and arresting troopers in district court.

“The two individuals involved have indicated that … they wish the best for each other, they have no animosity toward each other,” Bower said. “Additionally, they’ve indicated to me they’ve both forgiven each other for what has happened. It was an incident where it was, in their opinions, blown out of proportion.”

Police said the pair got into an argument over table games at Nemacolin’s Lady Luck Casino that later became physical in their hotel room.

Alysha Newman, 25, of Canada, told investigators Chickillo grabbed her by the arm and pushed her against a wall and door in their room. She punched him in the head and he pushed her to the ground, smashing her cellphone, according to court papers. She had visible injuries on her arms, police said. Chickillo did not appear to be injured.

A summary offense filed against Newman, a standout pole vaulter in Canada, also was withdrawn.

“They both agreed that it was the best thing for everyone to move forward with their lives and, additionally, not go forward with any kind of criminal charges,” Bower said. “We made a determination … that it was in everyone’s best interest that we not go forward.”

The NFL placed Chickillo on the reserve/commissioner exempt list three days after his arrest. Attorney Robert Del Greco is hopeful the resolution allows his client to return to the field.

“Anthony Chickillo is a high character individual,” Del Greco said. “He has absolutely, positively no hint of misconduct in his past. He has earned a pristine reputation and I daresay that the withdrawal of the charges today have allowed him to restore that impeccable reputation for being a law-abiding, nonviolent, peaceful individual.”

Newman’s attorney Ken Horoho said his client was happy with the outcome.

Chickillo continued to receive his salary while he was free on $10,000 unsecured bond in the case. Being placed on the exempt list forbids him from practicing or attending games but he can be at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for activities not related to football, including meetings and therapy.

The league’s personal conduct policy states that Chickillo could face a six-game suspension without pay as a first offender with “possible upward or downward adjustments based on any aggravating or mitigating factors.”

Chickillo is in his fifth season with the Steelers. In March, he signed a two-year, $8 million contract.

“Both individuals appear to be very good people, they just got in a bad situation,” Bower said. “It is resolved. It was something that I think was in the best interest of both of those two young people.”