A judge is allowing an assault charge against a former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman to move forward in connection with a bar fight in August.

Four of the five simple assault charges against Chukky Okobi were dismissed at a preliminary hearing Thursday.

The former backup center had been accused of assaulting a group of people who confronted him while he had a heated discussion with his girlfriend.

Defense attorney Bob Del Greco says his client was acting in self-defense after getting jumped by several people. One of the other men involved in the fight was convicted of harassment and fined $100.

The single remaining charge involves Okobi's scuffling with a bar security guard.

The 33-year-old Okobi spent seven seasons in the NFL, six of them with Pittsburgh.