Charges against Darrelle Revis in Pittsburgh case dismissed

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Thursday, March 16, 2017

A judge has dismissed all charges against NFL defensive back Darrelle Revisstemming froma February altercation in Pittsburgh.

Revis had been charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault, one felony count each of robbery and conspiracy and a misdemeanor count of terroristic threats. A TMZ video showed two men unconscious after a brawl, but Revis' attorneys said their client was not the person who knocked out the men.

Revis appeared in municipal court Wednesday when the judge decided to dismiss the charges after hearing testimony from one of Revis' childhood friends. The friend, Rashawn Bolton, 31, told the judge he came to Revis' defense during an altercation and punched the men, knocking them out.

Even though he was exonerated, Revis' case "remains under review" by the NFL for a possible violation of the personal-conduct policy, according to a league spokesman.

Revis' attorney, Robert Del Greco, told ESPN.com that Bolton testified he "got a phone call from Darrelle where Darrelle indicated guys were following him and he was going to be jumped. Bolton then testified he called Darrelle on two more occasions to find out where he was. By the time he arrived at the scene, Darrelle was being attacked by two individuals. Rashawn Bolton peeled them off, punched each of them once, knocked each of them out and told everyone else if anyone wanted to be next, he was ready to do it.

"It was patently clear to me this was a misguided prosecution, and, as I've been saying all along, Darrelle Revis was guilty of absolutely nothing," Del Greco said. "In all probability, [he] was a victim. ... When the record was done, it was clear that Darrelle Revis may have been a victim of harassment or an assault, but certainly was not culpable for any crimes."

Revis, a four-time All-Pro who was released by the New York Jets two weeks ago, had been ordered to appear at all hearings and instructed not to have any contact with the alleged victims and witnesses, not even on social media. He had to submit his passport.

The incident in question occurred at 2:43 a.m. ET on Feb. 12 on Pittsburgh's popular South Side. Two men, ages 21 and 22, told police that they were punched and knocked out amid a verbal altercation with Revis, though they did not know who hit them.

Witnesses said the two men were unconscious for 10 minutes, according to police, but also did not know who hit the men.

Revis, 31, is a free agent and has said he'd like to continue his NFL career, which includes a Super Bowl championship with New England and seven Pro Bowl selections.

Revis, who grew up in nearby Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, said he'd love to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"That would be great," Revis told NFL Network after the charges were dismissed. "As a child I watched the Steelers play, went to a few games as a young child. I played here in high school and college, so to play here professionally would be awesome, too. So we'll see. Hopefully, we'll have a conversation with the Steelers."

Revis, who admitted to reporting out of shape to training camp last summer and said during the season that his body was "breaking down," claimed he's in top condition and was eager to play, even if he would have to change positions. He has talked in the past about switching to safety.

"I'm 10 pounds lighter than I was last year at this time, so I'm really hammering that," he said. "The hunger is definitely there, just passion and love for the game, and I'm excited. I'm excited for this upcoming season. I just had to put this past me, and now I can really focus on what team I can fit with, the best system and team and coaches."

The Jets still owe Revis $6 million.

Information from ESPN's Rich Cimini was used in this report.

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