The Pittsburgh Steelers have reacted to Joey Porter’s last night arrest, announcing they have placed him on leave for an undetermined amount of time.
Porter was arrested at a South Side bar last night and charged with assault, public drunkenness, and disorderly conduct. He is alleged to have gotten into an altercation with a police officer.
Kevin Colbert released a statement to the team website on the decision.
“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.”
It’s unclear the extent of Porter’s leave though it could run through the rest of the playoffs. For now, the legal system will have to sort out fact from fiction.
Porter has served as the Steelers’ outside linebackers coach for the past two seasons and been with the team for the past three. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in 1996, racking up 60 sacks with the club.
It’s not fully known who will take over for Porter’s responsibilities. But the team has two linebackers coaches, Jerry Olsavsky coaches the inside linebackers, and could take over for the group. Keith Butler served as the team’s linebackers coach before replacing Dick LeBeau in 2015. Filling Porter’s shoes shouldn’t be an issue for the team going forward.
