Steelers reinstate Porter

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Steelers assistant coach Joey Porter was back at work with the team on Friday and will travel to Sunday’s playoff game in Kansas City after prosecutors dropped all but two minor charges stemming from an altercation outside a Pittsburgh bar last weekend.

The Steelers had placed Porter on indefinite leave on Monday but reconsidered when Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. dropped charges of aggravated assault involving a police officer, simple assault, resisting arrest and defiant trespass in connection with Porter’s actions last Sunday involving a bouncer.

Zappala made the decision after reviewing surveillance video of the altercation, which occurred hours after the Steelers beat the Dolphins in a wild-card playoff game.

Porter, who coaches the outside linebackers, still faces summary disorderly conduct and summary public drunkenness. The two citations each carry fines up to $500 and 90 days in jail.

Steelers chairman Art Rooney II said Friday that the team reinstated Porter after reviewing the available information and learning the most serious offenses against Porter were removed.