Just hours after learning about the incident, the Steelers have released running back Chris Rainey after he allegedly attacked his girlfriend this morning in Florida.
General Manager Kevin Colbert told TMZ, “Chris Rainey’s actions this morning were extremely disappointing. Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
TMZ reported that Rainey “allegedly flew off the handle this morning in Gainesville when his girlfriend swiped his phone — and slapped her in the face.”
The Steelers fifth round pick in last seasons draft ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns, caught 14 passes for 60 yards, and averaged 26.5 yards on 39 kickoff returns in his first season.
He has been charged with battery stemming from the incident.
6 Comments
Leave a Reply
Show Your Team Spirit
Get Your Steelers Tickets
Steelers Gab Newsletter
Sign up to receive our Steelers Gab newsletter, and keep up to date with all the latest Pittsburgh Steelers news.
Pingback: Steelers Release RB Rainey After Being Charged With Battery - Pittsburgh Steelers - NFL - PlanetSteelers.com | Pittsburgh Steelers – NFL – PlanetSteelers.com
DrGeorge
January 11, 2013 at 10:49 am
Matt, where is the story behind this story? As the father of two lovely daughters, I am the last man in the world to defend Rainey for manhandling his girlfriend. Punishment is merited. But cutting him for this offense seems uncharacteristically harsh. When the Steelers learned S. Holmes was puffing pot, he got a second chance. When Ta’amu in an inebriated state side-swiped a row of cars and resisted arrest, he was placed on the practice squad in the NFL version of a time out. Ben R’s infamous escapades in Georgia and Nevada merited a stern lecture. But Rainey slaps a girl who ran off with his cell phone, and he gets the death penalty. Why? This sounds more like the straw that broke the camel’s back than a capital offense. What did Rainey do before this incident that provoked such an immediate and implacable response? It seems as though the Steelers were glad to get rid of him. Why?
And, yes, I do recall that Cedric Wilson was cut for a similar offense, but his battery of his wife was far more than a slap.
George H
January 11, 2013 at 1:18 pm
From what I hear Rainey has a checkered past and got into some trouble in college. I assume the Steelers had him in a short leash when we drafted him. Great talent but the steelers need to start taking a harder stand with players accountability
DrGeorge
January 12, 2013 at 12:03 pm
Thanks for the kind reply, George H. I figured there had to be more to this than the article reported.
larry
January 11, 2013 at 7:03 pm
do we need computers iphones ipads or whatever to look in the heart of a person and tell who should if he can represent the organization in an honorable manner? it’s a crap shot drafting these players who from all walks of life their resume is stamped half hoodlum half athlete.if you take a chance on these young people and they already have a paper trail then you make the decision and move on. he may get picked by another team but they are taking a big chance. and lets not forget it’s another wasted pick by the front office personnel who should be talent evaluators.steelers you are who you are.
Ed
January 13, 2013 at 12:12 am
Rooney’s can cut the whole team because it will be a very long, long time before they get out of last place in there division. With the young players on all AFC North teams and the Steelers deadbeats we are in real trouble. Maybe we should go to confession.