Steelers Release RB Chris Rainey

RB Chris Rainey has been waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers following an arrest for simple battery in Gainesville, Florida.

As reported earlier today here on NPC (http://nicepickcowher.com/2013/01/10/chris-rainey-arrested-another-2012-steeler-draft-class-member-with-problems/), RB Chris Rainey was arrested this morning in Gainesville, FL and charged with simple battery after allegedly striking his girlfriend in the face.  The confrontation occurred as a result of a dispute over a cellphone, with witnesses stating that Rainey pulled the woman out of a vehicle and struck her with an open hand.  The incident continued with Rainey chasing down the woman on foot and pulling her to the ground while attempting to retrieve the cellphone from a bag she was carrying.  Rainey was taken to the Alachua County Jail for booking, according to the Gainesville Police Department.

The Steelers announced that they had waived their 2012 fifth-round pick this afternoon in a statement from team general manager Kevin Colbert.

“Chris Rainey’s actions this morning were extremely disappointing,” team general manager Kevin Colbert said in a release.

“Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

This event follows a 2010 arrest in Florida on a felony stalking charge and a December citation for defiant trespass while at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino outside of Washington, PA.

Chris Rainey played in all 16 games during his rookie season with the Steelers, leading the team with 1,035 yards on 39 kickoff returns.  He added 102 yards rushing on 26 carries, 14 catches for 60 yards, and two touchdowns.

Quotes courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-rookie-charged-with-simple-battery-in-florida-669866/