**Mike Tomlin on Why Steelers Re-Signed Cameron Sutton Despite Domestic Assault Allegations**
By Jeff Kerr | 1 hr ago | 1 min read
The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to give Cameron Sutton a second chance, bringing him back months after his arrest on a domestic violence warrant led to his release from the Detroit Lions.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin cited his long-standing relationship with Sutton and a thorough due diligence process as reasons for feeling comfortable with the decision.
“There haven’t been recent conversations; it’s the totality of our relationship,” Tomlin explained, according to a Steelers transcript. “I met Cameron in Knoxville six or seven years ago when he was coming out of school. He’s a great guy who loves football. Our decision is based more on the long-term relationship rather than recent discussions.”
Sutton, who spent his first six seasons with the Steelers, left for the Lions in free agency last offseason. He was released by the Lions in March after turning himself in following a weeks-long search due to a domestic violence arrest warrant.
Sutton entered a pretrial diversion program after his charges were reduced from a felony to misdemeanor battery, and he was required to undergo a mental health evaluation. The Steelers signed him to a one-year contract earlier this month, knowing he may face potential league punishment.
When asked if the Steelers were confident in their process, Tomlin affirmed, “That’s just due diligence. That’s what’s supposed to happen. … Obviously he’s here.”
