Former UF Star Arrested In Gainesville
GAINESVILLE (CBSMiami) – Former Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Florida running back Chris Rainey was arrested Thursday and charged with simple battery (dating violence) after an argument with a woman in Gainesville.
According to Gainesville Police, Rainey and the woman were arguing over his cell phone. The woman got into a car belonging to Rainey's roommate and Rainey confronted her on the passenger side and started to pull her out of the vehicle, Gainesville Police said.
Witnesses told police that Rainey slapped the victim across the face with his open hand and then both fell to the ground. According to Gainesville Police, the victim was able to run away, but Rainey chased after her because his phone was in a bag she was carrying.
The pair fell down again, but neither Rainey nor the woman suffered visible injuries from the incident, according to Gainesville Police.
While at UF, Rainey ran for 2,464 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 69 passes for 795 yards. He was a rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers this year.
Update 3:45 P.M.: After his arrest Thursday morning, the Steelers have cut ties with Rainey. The Steelers issued the following statement on Rainey:
"Chris Rainey's actions this morning were extremely disappointing," Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement released by the team. "Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers."
