Chiefs Coach Merritt's Domestic Battery Charge Dismissed

A misdemeanor domestic battery charge against Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt was dismissed without prejudice this week by the District Court of Johnson County, Kansas, court records show.

Merritt, 54, was arrested on April 23 by Overland Park police and charged with a Class B misdemeanor for allegedly causing bodily harm to his daughter. He pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance and was released from jail on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond. The dismissal came less than three weeks later, after prosecutors reviewed additional information, according to Merritt's attorney, Ryan Ginie. "The DA's office looked at it a little more thoroughly and agreed it was a matter that should be dismissed," Ginie said.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation last weekend during rookie minicamp, where Merritt participated. "Dave's been very upfront with everything," Reid said. "We're still going through that whole procedure. In this case, you always let the law enforcement part take care of itself and work its way out." Reid added that the team had communicated with both Merritt and authorities.

Merritt, a former NFL linebacker who played for the Miami...