Three days after he was charged in an alleged domestic incident with his girlfriend, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo was placed by the NFL on the reserve/commissioner exempt list.
The Steelers re-signed linebacker Jayrone Elliott to take Chickillo’s spot on the 53-man roster.
While on the exempt list, Chickillo cannot practice or attend games, but he is allowed to be at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for meetings, therapy and other nonfootball activities. Until the NFL makes a disciplinary decision, Chickillo will continue to receive his salary and remains eligible for all benefits per the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
According to the NFL’s personal conduct policy, 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 was at the team’s complex Wednesday but did not practice.
Chickillo, 26, is in the first year of a two-year, $8 million contract he signed in March. Chickillo is in his fifth season with the Steelers.
Chickillo was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with simple assault and criminal mischief, both misdemeanors, and harassment, a summary offense, after a dispute with his girlfriend at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
According to police, Chickillo and his girlfriend argued over table games in Lady Luck Casino, and the confrontation became physical in their hotel room.
Chickillo was released on $10,000 bail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 30.
