Assault charge dropped against the Steelers' Harrison

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1 Assault charge dropped against the Steelers' Harrison Page 1 of 2 Assault charge dropped against the Steelers' Harrison Friday, April 04, 2008 By Jim McKinnon, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Darrell Sapp/Post-Gazette photo The Steelers' James Harrison, right, arrives yesterday with lawyer Robert G. Del Greco Jr. for his hearing in front of District Judge Tara L. Smith in Bellevue. An assault charge was withdrawn yesterday against Steelers linebacker James Harrison. Mr. Harrison, 29, of Franklin Park, was charged March 8 with assaulting his girlfriend, Beth Tibbott, 30, during a domestic dispute at her Ohio Township home. Steelers owner Dan Rooney has said the couple's dispute revolved around the linebacker's desire to take their son to be baptized, and Ms. Tibbott apparently did not want that. At a hearing yesterday before District Judge Tara L. Smith of Bellevue, Mr. Harrison's attorney, Robert G. Del Greco Jr., said his client had completed anger management counseling and that Ms. Tibbott did not want to prosecute. Assistant District Attorney Jacob Reinhart said before the hearing began that Mr. Harrison, "took it upon himself to comply with counseling." The couple arrived separately for the hearing, but they exchanged friendly glances with each other in the courtroom. Mr. Del Greco said he believes they have reconciled. Mr. Reinhart told the judge yesterday that because of the counseling and that Ms. Tibbott did not want to prosecute her boyfriend, he withdrew the charges.

2 Assault charge dropped against the Steelers' Harrison Page 2 of 2 There was no restitution to be considered, Mr. Reinhart said. Mr. Harrison had been charged with striking Ms. Tibbott with an open hand at her home on March 8 during the argument. He also snatched and destroyed her cell phone as she tried to call 911, police said. Mr. Harrison then left the residence and was driving to his Franklin Park home when he was pulled over by police and returned to the scene of the incident. He corroborated Ms. Tibbott's version of events, according to a police affidavit. Neither Mr. Harrison nor Ms. Tibbott commented after yesterday's brief hearing. "The plaintiff was not opposed to the case being withdrawn," Mr. Del Greco said. "This case was treated like all other cases in this instance. She does not want him prosecuted." The Steelers have taken no action against Mr. Harrison, the team's most valuable player last year. The team declined comment. Jim McKinnon can be reached at jmckinnon@post-gazette.com or First published on April 4, 2008 at 12:00 am

3 Steelers preseason schedule shaping up Page 1 of 1 Steelers preseason schedule shaping up Thursday, April 03, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The Steelers will open their four-game preseason schedule at home against Philadelphia. The date of the game has not yet been set but it will take place between August 7 and August 10. They will then play the Buffalo Bills in Toronto at 7:30 p.m. August 14. The NFL has given the Bills permission to play five of their regular season home games and three of their preseason home games in Toronto over the next five seasons. On August 23, the Steelers will play at Minnesota at 8 p.m. in a game televised nationally by CBS. They will wrap up their preseason schedule August 28 at Heinz Field against the Carolina Panthers, with the kickoff time to be determined. More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. First published on April 3, 2008 at 3:31 pm

4 Avril's athleticism impresses Steelers - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Avril's athleticism impresses Steelers By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, April 4, 2008 When Purdue defensive end/linebacker Cliff Avril visited Steelers headquarters last month, he did so under the cover of darkness. Avril's visit wasn't announced to the local media, as the team did with other potential high draft picks, such as Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo, Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib, Michigan defensive end/linebacker Shawn Crable and Maryland defensive lineman Dre Moore. Teams are permitted 30 such visits leading up to the NFL Draft on April "I met with all the coaches, talked some football, met with the linebacker coach (Keith Butler). I guess they try to see how fast you can learn. Went through some film, see if I can pick up their defense, some basic stuff," Avril said. "I talked to (Mike Tomlin) for a good bit, actually. Real cool guy. He was trying to get a feel for who I was, what kind of guy I was. We just talked about football." Maybe Steelers officials didn't want media members to know Avril was in town because he might be high on their draft board. Maybe it was simply an oversight. Steelers officials typically don't discuss specific draft prospects. All 32 teams are informed when potential draft picks make official visits, so there are no secrets around the league regarding visits. That doesn't mean, however, that the Steelers have to inform the local media every time they entertain a player. If nothing else, Avril's unannounced visit provided the Steelers an opportunity to learn more about a player they may consider drafting without undergoing the media scrutiny of where (or if) he fits in their plans. One thing's for sure: Avril's skill set appeals to the Steelers, who want to improve their pass rush. Avril is arguably one of the best pass rushers in this year's draft. He measured 6-foot-3 and 253 pounds at Purdue's Pro Day last month. He ran a speedy 4.51 in the 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, where he raised his draft stock considerably. At the combine, Avril posted the fastest time among defensive ends in the three-cone drill (6.90 seconds), which tests agility in open space, while finishing in the top six among linebackers.

5 Avril's athleticism impresses Steelers - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 "When I did OK at the combine, yes, that helped me. I think I did open some eyes with my speed and quickness. That was one question everybody had: how fast I was," said Avril, who also has visited Buffalo and Detroit and has plans to visit New England, Atlanta and Tennessee. "Since then, some of the teams have been more interested." Avril played defensive end for the better part of the past two seasons after starting his college career at outside linebacker. He recorded a team-high 6 1/2 sacks and 15 tackles for losses with three fumble recoveries and a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown in He compares favorably among current NFL players with former Purdue defensive standouts Shaun Phillips and Anthony Spencer, who play for San Diego and Dallas, respectively. "The fact that I played defensive end my last year and a half, I guess they wanted to see if I could still drop back into coverage. I feel like I proved it a little bit," Avril said. "If I was to compare myself to somebody, it would probably be Shaun Phillips. We have basically the same body type. Spencer is a little heavier than us. The difference is I played linebacker in college. They never played linebacker until they got to the league. I think that helps me a little bit more than them as far as getting used to dropping back into coverage." Avril said the Steelers spoke with him about playing outside linebacker. "In their defense, they want me as an outside linebacker, one that can rush (the quarterback) and drop back into coverage," he said. "It doesn't matter to me. I feel like I'm athletic enough to drop back into coverage and be a good pass rusher. I feel like I can do both." John Harris can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

6 Steelers' 2008 preseason schedule released - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Steelers to play preseason game vs. Bills in Toronto By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, April 4, 2008 The Steelers will play a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto. The Aug. 14 contest will mark the first time since Aug. 3, 1960, that the Steelers will play a game in Toronto. The Steelers will play their preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, marking the sixth consecutive preseason that the Steelers will play the Eagles. It will be the third time the teams will play at Heinz Field. The time and date for the game haven't been finalized. Steelers 2008 preseason schedule Date Time Opponent TV TBA TBA Philadelphia FSN Pittsburgh Thursday, Aug. 14 Saturday, Aug. 23 Thursday, Aug. 28 7:30 p.m. at Buffalo (Toronto) 8 p.m. at Minnesota CBS TBA Carolina KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh CBS will broadcast the Steelers' only nationally televised preseason game on Aug. 23 at 8 p.m. against the Minnesota Vikings. It will be the Steelers' first preseason contest at Minnesota since The Steelers play their final preseason home game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Aug. 28. Gametime has not been determined. It will mark the eighth time that the teams will conclude their preseason schedule against one another. John Harris can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

7 Assault charges against Steelers' Harrison dropped - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Assault charges against Steelers' Harrison dropped By Tony LaRussa TRIBUNE-REVIEW Friday, April 4, 2008 Prosecutors on Thursday dropped charges of simple assault and criminal mischief against Steelers linebacker James Harrison. Harrison, 29, was arrested March 8 after he hit his girlfriend, Beth Tibbot, 29, at her Ohio Township home, according to a criminal complaint. Prosecutors asked Bellevue District Judge Tara L. Smith to drop the charges during a preliminary hearing. Defense attorney Robert Del Greco said Harrison voluntarily completed counseling and anger management classes, which prosecutors would have requested if the case proceeded. Del Greco said the judge granted the motion to withdraw the charges after learning that Harrison attended counseling, was a first-time offender and had no history of violent crime. According to the criminal complaint, Harrison told police he and Tibbot argued and that he broke through the door to her bedroom and struck her. Del Greco said the couple argued over Harrison's desire to have their child baptized. "They've resolved their differences and she, through her attorney, made it clear that she is not interested in prosecuting him," Del Greco said. Harrison, a four-year veteran out of Kent State, exceeded expectations and was named the team's Most Valuable Player in 2007, edging quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Harrison was not the only Steeler to face charges stemming from a domestic dispute. A district judge last week ordered former wide receiver Cedrick Wilson to undergo an eight-week anger management program after he was charged with assaulting his former girlfriend at a Pine restaurant. The day after Wilson was arrested, the Steelers terminated his contract. The status of his case is unclear. Running back Najeh Davenport was charged with domestic violence, child

8 Assault charges against Steelers' Harrison dropped - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 endangerment and unlawful restraint in October in Cleveland after a confrontation with the mother of his two children. Davenport is scheduled for a jury trial this morning in Cleveland Municipal Court, according to court officials. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes was charged with domestic violence and assault in 2006 in Columbus, Ohio, after an altercation with his girlfriend. A judge dismissed the charges when Holmes' lawyers assured him the former Ohio State star was undergoing counseling offered through the NFL. Tony LaRussa can be reached at tlarussa@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

9 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 1 Print Page FRIDAY APRIL 4, 2008 :: Last modified: Friday, April 4, :15 AM EDT Steelers to meet Eagles again in preseason By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff The Steelers have announced their four-game pre-season schedule. Even though an exact date and time has yet to be determined, the Steelers will play their first exhibition game at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. That game will be played between Aug. 7 and Aug. 11 at Heinz Field. The Steelers and Eagles have met the past five seasons in preseason play, and they ll play again during the 2008 regular-season at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Then as previously reported, the Steelers will play the Buffalo Bills at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. That game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14. The last time the Steelers played in Toronto was Aug. 3, 1960 when they beat the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in an exhibition game. At 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, the Steelers will play the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The Steelers conclude preseason play with a home game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Aug. 28. The exact time for kickoff has yet to be determined. The Steelers have yet to announce the official start of training camp.

10 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 1 Print Page FRIDAY APRIL 4, 2008 :: Last modified: Friday, April 4, :15 AM EDT Baby mama drama: Charges dropped against Harrison By The Associated Press PITTSBURGH Prosecutors on Thursday dropped domestic violence charges against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison. An assistant Allegheny County District Attorney told a judge of the decision before Harrison s scheduled preliminary hearing on charges of simple assault and criminal mischief. He has entered domestic abuse counseling. The victim did not request any further restitution and the victim did not wish to pursue further prosecution, said Mike Manko, a spokesman for the district attorney. Harrison, a 29-year-old All Pro, was arrested March 8. Police said he hit his girlfriend, Beth Tibbott, 29, at her home in Ohio Township, west of the city. The Steelers have said the couple were arguing about whether to baptize Harrison s son. Harrison told police he and Tibbott argued and that he then broke through her bedroom door, slapped her in the face and snapped her cell phone in half, according to a criminal complaint. Defense attorney Robert DelGreco Jr. said Harrison has completed anger management and psychological counseling which likely would have been required had the case been tried in court. The couple are trying to work out their differences, DelGreco said, and he confirmed that Tibbott did not want the case to move forward.

11 DA drops charges against Harrison Page 1 of 1 DA drops charges against Harrison Associated Press PITTSBURGH - Prosecutors on Thursday dropped domestic violence charges against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison. An assistant Allegheny County District Attorney told a judge of the decision before a Harrison's scheduled preliminary hearing on charges of simple assault and criminal mischief. "He has entered domestic abuse counseling. The victim did not request any further restitution and the victim did not wish to pursue further prosecution," said Mike Manko, a spokesman for the district attorney. Harrison, a 29-year-old All Pro, was arrested March 8. Police said he hit his girlfriend, Beth Tibbott, 29, at her home in Ohio Township, west of the city. The Steelers have said the couple were arguing about whether to baptize Harrison's son. Harrison told police he and Tibbott argued and that he then broke through her bedroom door, slapped her in the face and snapped her cell phone in half, according to a criminal complaint. Defense attorney Robert DelGreco Jr. said Harrison has completed anger management and psychological counseling which likely would have been required had the case been tried in court. The couple are trying to work out their differences, DelGreco said, and he confirmed that Tibbott did not want the case to move forward. The judge approved the decision to drop the charges because, "James Harrison was a first-time offender having no history of violent crime in his background and that he attended an appropriate protocol for anger management," DelGreco said. Harrison and Tibbott both appeared for the hearing, arriving separately. Neither commented before or after the hearing. Harrison is the second Steelers player to face domestic violence charges this year. Backup wide receiver Cedrick Wilson was released last month after he was arrested on simple assault and other charges for allegedly pushing and punching his estranged girlfriend at a suburban restaurant lounge on March 20. The Steelers have said Wilson was released, while Harrison was not, because Wilson had a history of domestic violence with the woman, including an argument that resulted in her holding police at bay with his gun, did not immediately express remorse or take responsibility for his actions. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

12 The Bus carries the evening Page 1 of 1 The Bus carries the evening BY SHAWN B. CURTIS The Tribune-Democrat ALTOONA Since winning Super Bowl XL, former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis has kept busy. But that didn t stop Bettis, a partner in the Altoona Curve ownership group, from delivering the first pitch of Thursday night s home opener at Blair County Ballpark. The pitch thrown to Ronald Belisario crossed the plate high of the strike zone, but that may not have been the highlight of sequence, as Curve General Manager Todd Parnell came from the skies in a helicopter, barrel-rolled onto the ballpark grass and then greeted Bettis with a chest-bump before handing him the baseball. It was all in the name of fun, which Bettis is no stranger to. Parney is something else, Bettis said with his trademark grin. The barrel-roll was pretty neat, but the chest bump took the cake. He s special and I think that s why the Curve is the team that it is, because it s run by a great GM. Bettis, who retired as the NFL s fifth leading rusher all-time with 13,294 yards and is noted for his bowling prowess, donned the Curve s throwback uniform and cap adorned with the No. 36 that s associated with the three-time all-pro. Were there any thoughts about bowling the ball in from the mound? I got some important advice. I think it may have been a little high, but I got it down in good style, Bettis said. I didn t want to dribble it to home plate. I was more concerned about the ball dribbling than anything else. The bowling thing was definitely out. Since playing his last game in his hometown of Detroit a victory over Seattle in Super Bowl XL Bettis has remained active while working with his charitable The Bus Stops Here Foundation, working in the studio during NBC broadcasts of the NFL, opening a restaurant on Pittsburgh s North Shore. All that while he and his wife, Trameyka, welcomed a son, Jerome Jr., into the world 11 months ago. It was the second child for the couple, with daughter Jada already in tow. Home time is No. 1 and everything else just falls in to when you have time to do it, Bettis said. That cluttered schedule still doesn t stop Bettis from following his old team when he can. I ll always look at the Steelers closer than I would any other teams just because of my affiliation and where my heart is, Bettis said. Copyright cnhi, inc.

13 Bills' first game in Toronto tops NFL preseason slate - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Bills' first game in Toronto tops NFL preseason slate ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) The Buffalo Bills will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a preseason game Aug. 14 at Toronto to kick off Buffalo's five-year bid to expand its market north of the border. Advertisement The game against the Steelers, unveiled Thursday as part of the Bills' preseason schedule, will be one of Buffalo's three preseason games played at Toronto's Rogers Centre one every other year through Buffalo will also play five annual regular-season games, starting this year, at the downtown, retractible-roof facility as part of the team's deal reached in February with a Toronto sports partnership group. FULL SCHEDULE: 2008 NFL preseason The date and opponent of the Bills' regular-season game at Toronto will be announced later this month. Buffalo will be the NFL's first team to play annual home games outside the United States. The Steelers were considered one of several obvious opponents because they also maintain a large following in Toronto. A 90-minute drive from Buffalo, Toronto is Canada's largest city, the financial capital and considered part of the Bills' northern market. The Bills are looking to Toronto to generate additional revenue and help preserve the small-market franchise's future in Buffalo. Bills chief operating officer Russ Brandon reiterated that the games in Toronto are part of the team's regionalization plan, and not a first step toward the franchise's relocation. "This somewhat finalizes how we want to regionalize this franchise and put a stick in the ground above the border," Brandon said. "We would be remiss if we did not try to capture over five million people within our home marketing territory... and try to strengthen the franchise right here in western New York." Brandon said expanding to Toronto is no different than the team expanding its market in 2000, when it relocated its training camp to nearby Rochester. The move led to the Bills gaining additional season-ticket holders and sponsorship deals from Rochester. "We hope to replicate that right here again with the Toronto partnership," Brandon said. It's the Bills' fourth preseason game in Canada. Buffalo has previously played twice at Toronto against Dallas in 1995 and Green Bay in 1997 and also faced the Canadian Football League Tiger-Cats in Hamilton, Ontario, in "This is a really exciting step for us," said Adrian Montgomery, spokesman for Rogers Communications, one of the main stakeholders in the Toronto series of games. "It's a new era in Toronto sports and Canadian sports. It's actually real now that the NFL's coming." Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Find this article at:

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15 Domestic charges against Steelers' Harrison dropped - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Domestic charges against Steelers' Harrison Advertisement dropped PITTSBURGH (AP) Prosecutors dropped domestic violence charges against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison on Thursday. An assistant Allegheny County District Attorney told a judge of the decision before a Harrison's scheduled preliminary hearing on charges of simple assault and criminal mischief. "He has entered domestic abuse counseling. The victim did not request any further restitution and the victim did not wish to pursue further prosecution," said Mike Manko, a spokesman for the district attorney. Harrison, a 29-year-old All Pro, was arrested March 8. Police said he hit his girlfriend, Beth Tibbott, 29, at her home in Ohio Township, west of the city. The Steelers have said the couple were arguing about whether to baptize Harrison's son. Harrison told police he and Tibbott argued and that he then broke through her bedroom door, slapped her in the face and snapped her cellphone in half, according to a criminal complaint. Defense attorney Robert DelGreco Jr. said Harrison has completed anger management and psychological counseling which likely would have been required had the case been tried in court. The couple are trying to work out their differences, DelGreco said, and he confirmed that Tibbott did not want the case to move forward. The judge approved the decision to drop the charges because, "James Harrison was a first-time offender having no history of violent crime in his background and that he attended an appropriate protocol for anger management," DelGreco said. Harrison and Tibbott both appeared for the hearing, arriving separately. Neither commented before or after the hearing. Harrison is the second Steelers player to face domestic violence charges this year. Backup wide receiver Cedrick Wilson was released last month after he was arrested on simple assault and other charges for allegedly pushing and punching his estranged girlfriend at a suburban restaurant lounge on March 20. The Steelers have said Wilson was released, while Harrison was not, because Wilson had a history of domestic violence with the woman, including an argument that resulted in her holding police at bay with his gun, did not immediately express remorse or take responsibility for his actions. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

16 Domestic charges against Steelers' Harrison dropped - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

17 The Herald Standard - Sports - 04/04/ Charges against Harrison dropped Page 1 of 1 04/04/2008 Charges against Harrison dropped PITTSBURGH (AP) - Prosecutors on Thursday dropped domestic violence charges against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison. An assistant Allegheny County District Attorney told a judge of the decision before Harrison's scheduled preliminary hearing on charges of simple assault and criminal mischief. "He has entered domestic abuse counseling. The victim did not request any further restitution and the victim did not wish to pursue further prosecution," said Mike Manko, a spokesman for the district attorney. Advertisement Harrison, a 29-year-old All Pro, was arrested March 8. Police said he hit his girlfriend, Beth Tibbott, 29, at her home in Ohio Township, west of the city. The Steelers have said the couple were arguing about whether to baptize Harrison's son. Harrison told police he and Tibbott argued and that he then broke through her bedroom door, slapped her in the face and snapped her cell phone in half, according to a criminal complaint. Defense attorney Robert DelGreco Jr. said Harrison has completed anger management and psychological counseling which likely would have been required had the case been tried in court. The couple are trying to work out their differences, DelGreco said, and he confirmed that Tibbott did not want the case to move forward. The judge approved the decision to drop the charges because, "James Harrison was a first-time offender having no history of violent crime in his background and that he attended an appropriate protocol for anger management," DelGreco said. Harrison and Tibbott both appeared for the hearing, arriving separately. Neither commented before or after the hearing. Harrison is the second Steelers player to face domestic violence charges this year. Backup wide receiver Cedrick Wilson was released last month after he was arrested on simple assault and other charges for allegedly pushing and punching his estranged girlfriend at a suburban restaurant lounge on March 20. The Steelers have said Wilson was released, while Harrison was not, because Wilson had a history of domestic violence with the woman, including an argument that resulted in her holding police at bay with his gun, and did not immediately express remorse or take responsibility for his actions. Copyright Associated Press 2008 The Herald Standard 2008