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Get Marty: Former Steeler Issues Online Statement, Apology For Graffiti Tags

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- In a Get Marty exclusive, it now appears as if a former Pittsburgh Steelers running back is apologizing for what is described as a significant amount of illegal graffiti on local bike trails.

Nearly 50 "illegal" graffiti tags on the trails of the Great Allegheny Passage have a striking similarity to the art of former Steelers running back Baron Batch.

Now, Batch is apparently speaking out on his website.

On his blog, he says, "Great artists paint on things. And sometimes great artists paint on things they aren't supposed to. As some of you have recently heard, I broke the rules."

Batch goes on to say, "I left my tags directly on the trail to ensure that they were seen by every cyclist that rode over them."

He also says, "None of it was meant to be disrespectful, but simply to inspire. I am sorry. I did break the rules. I will not be tagging on the trails anymore.

"I am not a bad person, but I am a renegade," says Batch.

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Meantime, police sources tell KDKA's Marty Griffin that there are nearly 50 similar tags on the trail. Police sources confirm they are investigating.

KDKA tried to reach out to Batch and his publicist. We did not receive a return phone call.

If you'd like Marty to help you solve your problem, email him at GetMarty@kdka.com.

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