COVINGTON — A judge on Tuesday approved a mediated settlement between Cincinnati Bengals kicker Neil Rackers and a man he was accused of assaulting at a restaurant last year.

        In approving the settlement, Judge Douglas Grothaus dismissed the assault charge against Mr. Rackers in Kenton County District Court.

        Mr. Rackers and the alleged victim — Brian Stoehr of Cincinnati — agreed to keep the terms of the settlement confidential.

        Ken Easterling, chief prosecutor in the Kenton County Attorney's Office, said he is considering whether to appeal the judge's dismissal of the assault charge. Mr. Easterling said the state, not the judge, should decide whether a prosecution should go forward.

        The state has 30 days to file an appeal, Mr. Easterling said.

        Mr. Rackers said Mr. Stoehr shouted obscenities at his wife and mother while they ate at Willie's Sports Cafe in Covington. The fight occurred the night of Dec. 9, hours after the Bengals lost 14-10 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

        Mr. Stoehr said Mr. Rackers, 25, choked him and slammed him into a restroom wall.

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