NFL teams
Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer 11y

Steelers release Alameda Ta'amu

NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers released backup nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu a month after the rookie fourth-round pick's drunken driving incident.

Ta'amu, 22, could be re-signed or added to the practice squad if he is unclaimed on waivers. The Steelers replaced him with wide receiver David Gilreath, who adds depth at that position with Antonio Brown (ankle) out.

Once considered the eventual replacement for Casey Hampton, Ta'amu couldn't beat out Steve McLendon for the backup nose tackle job and fell out of favor with the team last month, when he was arrested after police said he crashed into several other cars and then ran away from officers. He'll be formally arraigned Dec. 31 on felony charges of aggravated assault by vehicle and fleeing and eluding police, as well as misdemeanor charges including resisting arrest, escape and DUI.

The Steelers suspended Ta'amu for two games, and he apologized after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing earlier this month. "If there was any other word I would say it, but 'sorry' is the only word I can say right now," Ta'amu told reporters on Nov. 8.

Ta'amu had been inactive for every game this season.

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