On February 17 Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga entered a plea of not guilty after the manager of a downtown bar claimed Maualuga had assaulted him in the early morning hours on February 5. The case went to mediation in early March until a settlement could be reached, avoiding jail time while Maualuga also covered the bar owner's medical bills.

According to Kimball Perry with the Cincinnati Enquirer, a settlement was reached in mediation and Maualuga's criminal assault case was "dismissed from court today." Though we're sure that's great news for Maualuga, it's not the final heartbeat on the issue.

Based on previous violations against the league's Personal Conduct Policy, he is extremely likely to face a multiple-game suspension to start the season.

Maualuga is entering the final year under contract, with no known talks between the linebacker and the Cincinnati Bengals regarding an extension.