Alameda Ta’amu, the Pittsburg Steelers’ rookie nose tackle, was suspended for two games by the team after a disturbing encounter with police over the weekend.
The fourth-round draft pick faces three felony counts — fleeing police, aggravated assault and aggravated assault by vehicle — among a dozen other charges after a late-night run-in.
Calling Ta’amu’s behavior a “detriment to our efforts,” coach Mike Tomlin said Ta’amu is barred from the team’s facility and will not be paid during the suspension, which could be lifted before the Steelers (2-3) play the New York Giants Nov. 5. Ta’amu will have a preliminary hearing on the matter next Monday.
“We thought it was very important that we act and act quickly in addressing this,” Tomlin said. “Obviously it’s a disturbing incident, one we take very seriously.”
Tomlin declined to expand how the team reached the suspension length or who was involved in the process, saying only “we intend to do what’s right, that’s always our No. 1 charge.”
Tomlin also updated the injury status of several key players, including star safety Troy Polamalu and starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert.
Tomlin ruled safety Polamalu (calf), Gilbert (ankle) and backup linebacker Chris Carter (hamstring) out for the game against the Bengals.
Tomlin said Gilbert saw a foot specialist on Monday, and it was determined that he won’t need surgery.
“He has a tendon injury in his ankle,” Tomlin said, according to the team’s website. “It does not require surgery. He is week to week. He will be out this week. But it was a positive meeting in that the injury does not require surgery.”
