Latest News 2013 April Steeler's Defensive Lineman, Alameda Ta'amu, Pleads Guilty to DUI

Steeler's Defensive Lineman, Alameda Ta'amu, Pleads Guilty to DUI

As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and several other media outlets, Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle, Alameda Ta'amu, has pleaded guilty to a DUI incident that endangered several police officers and members of the public.

Ta'amu told the court, "I know what I've done is wrong. I'd do anything to make it right. What I did affected my whole family. I've got to keep learning from my mistakes. So far, I think I've done a good job of staying away (from alcohol)."

The incident occurred on October 14 at approximately 2:30 a.m. Ta'amu proved to have a blood alcohol level at twice the legal driving limit at 0.196 percent.

A rookie with the Steelers at the time of his arrest, Ta'amu led police on a dangerous chase along East Carson Street in the South Side. He was charged with several counts of aggravated assault. The prosecution would later withdraw the counts. Instead, Ta'amu pleaded guilty to three counts of reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and driving under the influence.

Ta'amu was sentenced to 18 months of probation, four days in a DUI housing program and 150 hours of community service, by Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Anthony M. Mariani. The judge further suggested that the defendant serve his community service at the Best of the Batch Foundation that is run by Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch.

Ta'amu was first seen driving in the wrong direction on Fort Pitt Boulevard, by an off-duty officer, and then over the Smithfield Bridge.

As he continued driving unsteadily down East Carson Street, responding officers drew their guns in an effort to stop him. The officers narrowly escaped being struck by his vehicle as they watched him drive into four parked cars.

The damage to the cars is over $22,000 and one woman, who was inside one of the cars, was injured.

Ta'amu attempted to flee his vehicle after the crash, however, officers were able to catch up with him at Uxor Way. Ta'amu, at 6'3" and 348 pounds, required the strength of four officers to eventually control him.

As the first officer that tried to chase down Ta'amu was undercover and in an unmarked vehicle, the judge found Ta'amu not guilty of fleeing and eluding. Ta'amu said that he was unaware that the man following him was an officer and had assumed it was just someone angry about his driving.

However, when chased by uniformed officers, Ta'amu also refused to stop. He explained that was because he was a rookie at the time, he "was scared", knew he "was drunk driving and so he "wrecked" his car in his panic.

The judge called the defendant's driving "outrageously dangerous" and told him, "You shouldn't be treated any more harshly that any other first-time DUI offender."

According to his lawyer, Ta'amu has since signed up for the substance abuse program offered by the NFL and has random drug and alcohol checks at least twice a week.

Kevin Colbert, the Steelers general manager, said, "We take these types of behavior very seriously, and Alameda is well aware of the standards he has to maintain to remain a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization."

If you are facing a drunk driving charge contact a DUI attorney right away. Your sentencing may include the loss of driving privileges, fines and jail time. An attorney that specializes in cases of DUI, DWI, OUI and OWI will best serve your needs.

Categories: DUI, DUI/DWI Arrests

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