Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images(PITTSBURGH) — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers coach Joey Porter has been reinstated after being placed on administrative leave earlier this week over an alleged altercation at a bar, the team announced on Friday.
The Steelers said Porter, 39, will return to its coaching staff in time for the team’s AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The move came after charges against the coach were dropped.
“We have reviewed the available information regarding the incident that took place on Sunday night,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement Friday. “We have also reviewed the communication from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office indicating the intention of that office to withdraw all but the summary offense charges.”
Rooney added, “As an organization, we have great respect for the job the City of Pittsburgh Police perform for our community. We also respect the fact that there are ongoing legal proceedings stemming from the incident. We will await the outcome of the legal process and communicate further with the NFL regarding the Personal Conduct Policy before making any further decisions on potential discipline.”
Porter also issued a statement, saying he was “grateful” to be returning to the coaching staff.
“I regret that I was involved in an incident that could have been a distraction to our team,” he said. “Most importantly, I regret that I touched the police officer and I sincerely apologize for that action. Thankfully, no one was injured.”
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