Sunday might have been a terrific day for the Pittsburgh Steelers on the field as they advance to the divisional round of the AFC Playoffs. Off the field, however, the news was anything but good for the team and outside linebacker’s coach, Joey Porter, who was arrested for alleged assault and public intoxication at a Pittsburgh area restaurant.
Pittsburgh Steelers Assistant Coach, Joey Porter, Arrested; Placed on Leave
Following an altercation with Pittsburgh police, Porter was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and trespassing as police reportedly tangled with Porter at a Pittsburgh area restaurant who refused him entry.
Porter had reportedly made threats to the staff of “The Flats on Carson” who would not let him enter and then police had to be called. He was booked at Allegheny County Jail and posted a $25,000 bond before being released.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have suspended Porter until an internal investigation is concluded and they released the following statement today, per ESPN:
“We are continuing to gather information concerning Sunday night’s incident involving Joey Porter; We have been and will continue to be in communication with the NFL as is required by the Personal Conduct Policy. Pending further review, Joey Porter has been placed on leave. At this time, we will move forward with our preparations for the Divisional Round playoff game at Kansas City.”
Porter will face a preliminary hearing on January 19 at Pittsburgh City Court.
This is not the first time that Porter has had run ins with law enforcement or had issues with intoxication. He was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving, resisting arrest and assault of a police officer in 2010 in Bakersfield, California but those charges were eventually dropped.
There is no word on if the NFL will impose any discipline as well on Porter and no word yet on when, and if, Joey Porter will return to the sidelines of the Steelers.
