Pittsburgh Steelers Report Daniel Did Nothing Wrong In New England
By Larry Snyder
The Pittsburgh Steelers oversaw their own internal review of an alleged circumstance that involved tight ends coach James Daniel. The incident with a Patriots fan is supposed to have occurred during halftime of Thursday’s season opener at Gillette Stadium. The Black and Gold resolved there was no wrongdoing on the part of Daniel.
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Steelers president Art Rooney II issued this statement Sunday:
“We have conducted an internal inquiry into the alleged incident involving Assistant Coach James Daniel at the Patriots stadium Thursday night. After interviews with Coach Daniel as well as other personnel who witnessed the alleged encounter, we find no corroboration that Coach Daniel was involved in any physical altercation with a fan.”
“Coach Daniel has worked as an assistant coach for the Steelers for the past 12 seasons. We have a high level of confidence in his character and are confident that any further investigation of this incident will reveal he was not part of any assault or misconduct involving a Patriots fan.”
Pittsburgh Steelers
The assistant coach stood accused of verbally accosting and kicking the New England fan. According to ESPN, it was National Football League security that brought the possible incident to the attention of the Steelers. The league is looking into the allegation and had nothing more to add to the report.
Daniel, 62, has hired by former head coach Bill Cowher in 2004 and is in his 12th season. Pittsburgh’s assistant head coach and defensive line coach John Mitchell and defensive coordinator Keith Butler have been with the Black and Gold staff longer.
The Steelers have their home opener Sunday, Sept. 20 as they host the San Francisco 49ers. They meet at 1:00 p.m. ET. If you do not have tickets, you can watch every first-down from Heinz Field on FOX.
From The Clipboard: Shaun Suisham told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com Sunday, “I am very disappointed and it’s hard not being a part of this. It’s special being a part of the Steelers. My focus now needs to turn now from rehab to getting ready for next year.”
The 6-foot, 199-pound placekicker suffered a season-ending ACL injury against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game.
Next: Steelers: Grading Week One Against The Patriots