http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/storie...LT?SITE=TXHOU&SECTION=SPORTS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Sep 2, 1:36 PM EDT Woman who accused Barkley withdraws PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The woman who accused Charles Barkley of groping her at a nightclub withdrew her police complaint. "It's a noncase. It's over with," her lawyer, A. Charles Peruto Jr., said Thursday, adding "everyone is under agreement that this was just a big misunderstanding." The woman had told police the former NBA star inappropriately touched her breast last week in a crowded nightclub. Police were investigating and the woman hired Peruto, but then she had second thoughts about pursuing the matter. Philadelphia police would not comment on the case. On Wednesday, Peruto said she was willing to drop any complaints, civil or criminal, as long as Barkley apologized. Peruto declined to say Thursday whether that happened, but said both sides were satisfied the issue was resolved. No money changed hands, he said. "She's had time to reflect, and we just want to close this chapter," he said, adding he believed Barkley didn't intend to treat the woman disrespectfully. "I've known him for 20 years, and to be honest with you, I've always found him to be an honorable guy." Barkley, who played for the 76ers, was a nine-time All-Star and the league's MVP in 1993. He has been an analyst with cable network TNT since his retirement in 2000. © 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
