Pittsburgh Steelers running back and return specialist Chris
Rainey was arrested on Thursday morning and charged with one count of simple
battery in Gainesville, Florida, and he was soon thereafter released by the
team.
General manager Kevin Colbert sent out the following statement regarding the arrest and resulting release of Rainey:
“Chris Rainey's actions this morning were extremely disappointing," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement released by the team. "Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers."
The altercation between Rainey and his girlfriend reportedly
turned physical over a dispute about a cell phone. Witnesses observed Rainey
slap his girlfriend across the face with an open hand, though he denies hitting
her.
While Rainey showed flashes of being a dynamic option both
as a rusher and return man in 2012, the Steelers opted to part ways considering
the arrest and the rookie’s questionable past. It was not the running back’s first
arrest, as he plead guilty to misdemeanor stalking while attending the
University of Florida.
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