COLUMBUS -- The domestic violence trial of top Steelers draft pick Santonio Holmes has been postponed more than three months while talks continue about a possible deal that might involve counseling provided through either his new team or the NFL.

The 22-year-old wide receiver and former Ohio State University standout made a brief appearance this morning before Franklin County Municipal Judge Michael T. Brandt, who warned there would no further delays in the case, now set for trial on Dec. 4.

Mr. Holmes faces domestic violence and assault charges in connection with a June 19 incident involving LaShae Boone, his Columbus girlfriend and the mother of one of his three children. The domestic violence charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in prison, but it is unlikely he would face any jail time.

The prosecution of the case has been complicated by Ms. Boone's reluctance to testify against Mr. Holmes, who is expected to continue trying to prove his worth as such a high draft pick in tomorrow's pre-season home game against Carolina.

Bill Meeks, one of Mr. Holmes' attorneys, declined to talk about the counseling program.

"I'm aware of it, but I'm not going to discuss that with you," he said.

"That's not part of the discussion that we're having. That's a matter with the NFL and their particular players."

But Stephen McIntosh, chief city prosecutor, said details of the program are one of the holdups in reaching resolution to a case that he doesn't expect to reach a jury.

"That's one of the things we need, more specific information about what is going to be required of him as he goes through the program," he said. "I don't know if it's a Steelers program. I don't know if it's an NFL program. I don't know if it's through a private organization. The more information that they're able to provide to us, then that will at least alleviate some of our concerns as to whether or not he is truly dealing with the situation."

Mr. Holmes did not speak to Judge Brandt and did not speak to reporters as he left the courthouse. Ms. Boone sat outside the courtroom with their 7-month-old daughter, Shaniya.

She has told the prosecution she wants the charges to be dropped. But the prosecution still has the 911 call she made that night and a statement she gave police in which she accused Mr. Holmes of "choking (her), throwing her to the ground, grabbing her arms, and slamming her into a door, leaving her with bruises, pain, and a torn shirt."

"We would subpoena her and place her on the witness stand," said Mr. McIntosh. "How strong a witness she would be for us would be the issue. Then we would have to debate the issue of contempt."