The Pittsburgh Steelers have released a statement regarding allegations that assistant coach James Daniel assaulted a fan on Thursday night.
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During Thursday night’s season-opener between Pittsburgh and New England, Steelers tight ends coach James Daniel was allegedly involved in an incident with a Pats fan at halftime. Initial reports were that Daniels kicked the fan in the back of his leg before heading into the locker room. Police and NFL officials interviewed Daniel that evening shortly after the alleged incident occurred.
On Sunday, the Steelers released a statement that they had conducted an internal review and found no misdoings by Daniel. Furthermore, the team stands fully behind the 12-year assistant and is certain that all investigations of the incident will exonerate Daniel.
Per Adam Schefter’s Facebook page:
"Statement by Steelers President Art Rooney II on James Daniel“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.”"
The Steelers lost their opener to the Patriots, 28-21. They next play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 20 – the 2015 home-opener at Heinz Field.
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