Charges Withdrawn against Steelers LB Anthony Chickillo in Fayette County

Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo had charges stemming from his arrest earlier this month withdrawn by a Fayette County magistrate on Wednesday, according to court documents.

Chickillo, 26, had been charged with simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment after being arrested at Nemacolin Woodlands on Oct. 20 after an alleged altercation with his girlfriend, Canadian Olympic pole vaulter Alysha Newman.

District attorney Richard Bower told the Tribune-Review that both parties decided not to forward with prosecuting the charges.

Chickillo remains on the NFL’s commissioner’s exempt list and the league will continue its own investigation into the matter. Chickillo is still facing a six-game league suspension for violation of its personal conduct policy in reference to domestic or dating violence, though that suspension could be reduced due to mitigating factors.

While on the exempt list, he cannot play for the Steelers or participate in team practices and does not count toward the 53-man roster, but he has been working out at the team’s facility and continues to collect a salary. There has been no timeframe put forth by the league with regards to its investigation.

Chickillo is in the first year of a two-year, $8 million contract signed this March. After Chickillo was placed on the exempt list, the Steelers re-signed outside linebacker Jay Elliott to take his place on the roster.