Steelers Weigh In On Rookie's Arrest
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie Alameda Ta'amu wasn't on the practice field Monday morning, but his teammates say he apologized for the incident that happened on the South Side early Sunday morning.
Several players were glad no one was hurt seriously during the chase and multiple crashes. They offered support while admitting Ta'amu was wrong.
"He made a mistake and that's the way I look at it," said Steelers' nose tackle Casey Hampton. "We still love him, but the guy made a mistake - not taking away from what he did cause it's a terrible thing."
"Everybody makes mistakes," added Steve McLendon, Steelers' defensive tackle. "Now it's time for him to live and learn and grow from it."
"He needs to learn from it," said Brett Keisel, Steelers' defensive end. "You can't put yourself in those situations."
Ta'amu faces 15 charges, including driving under the influence and felony assault charges.
Two women suffered minor injuries when their car was hit. Police say Ta'amu hit seven cars causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Steelers' management will have to make a decision on his future with the team.
"They've got a tough call to make, but he's a good, hard-working kid," said Keisel. "I like the kid, but you've got to watch what you're doing."
Former Steeler Edmund Nelson met Ta'amu and says it's totally out of his character. He hopes the team gives him a second chance.
"Get him some help, try to help him recover from this," said Nelson. "Where ever the Steelers go from here is something they have to make internally. It's going to be a tough decision."
Safety Ryan Clark also hopes the Steelers won't sever ties with Ta'amu.
"When somebody in your family makes a mistake you do your best to work with him," Clark said.
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Steelers' Rookie Arrested Overnight, Facing Multiple Charges (10/14/12)
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