A preliminary hearing for suspended Pitt defensive end Jabaal Sheard has been postponed to Aug. 4 while prosecutors and his lawyer try to work out a settlement to have the case withdrawn.

Sheard was arrested July 18 after Pittsburgh police broke up a fight between him and Edward Parker, 27, on a South Side street.

Police said Sheard, 21, of Hollywood, Fla., remains free on bond, pending a hearing on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident outside LaFond Galleries on East Carson Street.

The university suspended Sheard indefinitely from the team, pending the case's resolution.

If charges are withdrawn, defense attorney William Difenderfer said he will recommend his client be reinstated to the team in time for training camp next week.

After police were called to the scene of the fight, they said Sheard refused to stop fighting. He tossed Parker, of Stanton Heights, through the glass doors of LaFond Galleries, then pounced and began beating his foe about the head and face, police said.

An officer then used OC spray on both men to subdue them, and Sheard was handcuffed. Parker suffered cuts and bruises to his head and face.

Sheard's lawyer said the hearing was postponed until the court could determine the cost of Parker's medical bills and lost wages, which Sheard is expected to pay.

Sheard, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound senior this fall, started all 13 games for Pitt last season and made 42 tackles. He also has led the team in quarterback hurries each of the past two years.

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