PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh bar co-owned by Steelers receiver Hines Ward involved in a financial dispute will stay open until at least Oct. 31.

The Locker Room Bar & Grille co-owner Nicholas Lettieri Jr. accuses Ward and another co-owner of draining accounts by about $1.5 million. A bar attorney calls the accusations baseless.

A judge said Monday she wouldn't close the bar because it would put about 40 people out of work. A decision on its future will be made at an Oct. 31 hearing.

Last week, the bar sued Lettieri, claiming he withdrew nearly $19,000 from bar accounts though no longer authorized. A judge ordered him to return the money, and that the bar's business records be opened to him.