A first arrest typically isn't reason to cut a rookie just months after drafting them, but the over-the-top nature of Alameda Ta'amu's DUI apprehension early Sunday morning means the Pittsburgh Steelers might opt to part ways with him.
Mark Kaboly of the Tribune-Review made the case as to why Pittsburgh should cut and keep the rookie defensive tackle out of Washington. Mitigating factors for Kaboly include the fact that this is the first time Ta'amu, a seemingly harmless 22-year-old who has never lived more than a few miles from his family in Washington, has ever gotten trouble. However, when spelled out, seem like more than enough reason to release him, even if Ta'amu can avoid the same behavior in future:
The shear [sic] enormity of the violations listed in the police report warrants him to be cut. If it was simply a DUI or an assault, that’s one thing, but the more than a dozen … wow. That’s unacceptable on any level. The Steelers have to save face and cut this kid to drive home the point to the players that there will be no toleration for this kind of behavior from anybody.
Another reason the Steelers might opt to cut him is that he doesn't play a very important factor for the team: as of right now, the fourth-round pick is their third-string nose tackle behind Casey Hampton and Steve McClendon.
Ta'amu faces about a dozen charges, including several potential felony charges, after a late-night police chase where he allegedly crashed into several parked cars, nearly ran over a police officer, and blew a blood-alcohol level of .192, well over twice the legal limit. He allegedly attempted to escape arrest and was eventually subdued in a double set of handcuffs.
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