Former Steelers player facing charges after police find marijuana, weapon at his home

WHITE OAK, Pa. — A North Huntingdon man and a former Pittsburgh Steelers player are facing charges following a traffic stop and subsequent search at the player’s White Oak home, police said.

Authorities said officers first arrested Nicholas Jackel, 28, Tuesday night following a traffic stop, which resulted in the recovery of four pounds of marijuana and $6,500 in cash.

During a follow-up investigation, officers arrested former Steelers defensive back and McKeesport Area High School star Russell Stuvaints, 37, after serving a search warrant at his home, police said.

Officers recovered one pound of marijuana, a digital scale and a firearm during the search, officials said.

Jackel is charged with possession with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance.

Neighbor Dory Rickard was surprised to hear what police say was doing on inside Stuvaint's home.

“I just see him coming and going a lot and walking his dog,” Rickard said. “I don’t know any drama or anything going on there.”

Stuvaints is charged with possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of the Uniform Firearms Act.

Stuvaints was a member of the Super Bowl XL champion Steelers, although he sat out due to a knee injury. He was released by the Steelers following the 2005 season after playing for the team for three years.

This is the second time in three years that Stuvaints is facing serious charges.

He pleaded guilty in 2013 to aggravated assault and resisting arrest for an incident in McKeesport.

Last year, Channel 11 talked to Stuvaints when he hosted a youth football camp, where he wanted to give children life lessons.

“Trying to get the message to them,” he said. “You know, the right crowds to follow after, the right things to be doing in life, and just trying to get them on a positive track."

Channel 11’s Catherine Varnum tried knocking on Stuvaints' door. She said someone inside turned off the lights but didn’t answer.

Cox Media Group