The Pittsburgh Steelers released running back LeGarrette Blount after he left the field early in the Steelers’ win over the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football.
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Steelers’ running back LeGarrette Blount reportedly walked off the field Monday night before the conclusion of the game with the Tennessee Titans. He was completely changed and dressed in street clothes by the time the rest of the team got to the locker room, according to a story by CBS Pittsburgh. He also reportedly nearly left before the conclusion of coach Mike Tomlin’s speech and had to be brought back by another player.
This isn’t the first time Blount has shown his negativity. Before his release, a story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette described that Blount has been an internal problem for the team all year. Other players have even pushed for his release.
Center Maurkice Pouncey had some particularly harsh words for Blount after his release.
"“We don’t need guys like that on this team,” Pouncey said to to KDKA-TV’s Rich Walsh."
Pouncey later added that Blount’s release was a blessing.
Coach Mike Tomlin released a statement on Blount’s release after the Steelers confirmed it.
"“We believe the decision to release LeGarrette is in the best interest of the organization and wish him the best of luck,” Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement."
The reason for Blount’s discontent seems to be his lack of carries against the Titans; he had zero.
Several other Steelers players voiced their support for the move and criticized Blount’s selfishness and apparent refusal to put the team first. Guard Ramon Foster said Blount was a good teammate, but it doesn’t excuse his actions and the team “can’t have that.”
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was more verbose.
"“If it was a guy who has been here for a while and we know and it was just a lapse in judgment and he was upset about something, I think it would be easier to look past. But, it will be tough if it was just for pure selfishness reason because that is not what the Pittsburgh Steelers are.”"
Blount’s final numbers this season for the Steelers was 266 yards on 65 carries and two touchdowns. He played all 11 games.
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