Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert released a statement Tuesday regarding linebacker Anthony Chickillo’s arrest on charges of three misdemeanors over the weekend.
“In regard to the recent incident involving Anthony Chickillo, we will continue to gather information, and we will fully cooperate with the NFL’s investigation,” the statement said. “Any discipline involving the player will be determined after the gathering of further information from law enforcement and the League Office.”
Chickillo was arrested early Sunday morning at a casino hotel in southern Pennsylvania and charged with simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment relating to a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, Alysha Newman, an Olympic pole vaulter for the Canadian national team.
The criminal complaint said the two got into an argument while playing a table game in the casino, and it escalated back in the couple’s room. Newman told police Chickillo grabbed her by both arms and forced her against a wall, then threw her to the ground and smashed her phone. Chickillo admitted to police he pushed Newman down, but said Newman had first hit him in the head.
Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday he’d spoken with Chickillo, but declined to offer further comment about his status or whether he would practice this week.
It’s possible the NFL could put Chickillo on the commissioner’s exempt list, which often occurs with players involved in domestic violence cases.
The Steelers (2-4) were on a bye last weekend and play host to the Miami Dolphins (0-6) this Monday.
Chickillo, a sixth-round draft pick in 2015 out of Miami (Fla.), signed a two-year, $8 million contract before the season. A foot injury has limited him to three games this season, in which he has three assisted tackles and 0.5 sacks.