Steelers Rookie Alameda Ta’amu Apologizes For DUI Arrest

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Alameda Ta’amu apologized for his DUI arrest in court after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges that stemmed from the drunken-driving rampage.

Ta’amu, a 22-year-old fourth-round draft pick, was arrested in October after police alleged he crashed into several cars and ran away from officers on the city’s South Side, reports the Associated Press.

After he appeared in Pittsburgh Municipal Court on Thursday, Ta’amu stated:

“If there was any other word I would say it, bur ‘sorry’ is the only word I can say right now.”

Alameda Ta’amu, who is from Kent, Washington, was driving an SUV the wrong way around 2:30 am on October 14 when he fled from officers, crashing into four parked cars and injuring a woman, according to police.

Ta’amu then tried to run away from police before four officers were able to restrain and arrest him. The Steelers rookie nose tackle will be formally arraigned on December 31 for felony charges of aggravated assault by vehicle and fleeing and eluding police, according to ESPN.

He will also be arraigned for misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest, escape, and DUI. By waiving his hearing, Alameda Ta’amu has acknowledged there is enough evidence for him to stand trial in the case, though he may seek to resolve them through a plea bargain.

Defense attorney Robert Del Greco has said that Ta’amu is trying to negotiate financial settlements to pay for the damage and injuries he caused during the incident.

The Steelers suspended Alameda Ta’amu for two games immediately following his arrest. While he is back on their roster, he has yet to play a game this season.