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Steelers' Ta'amu Appears In Court For Preliminary Hearing

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Alameda Ta'amu showed up for his preliminary hearing Thursday morning.

According to police, the fourth round draft pick was arrested last month in the South Side for driving drunk, hitting several cars and nearly hitting several officers.

He's also accused of resisting arrest.

Ta'amu spoke only briefly to the media after the hearing. He said he wished he could find more words to say, but at this time, he could only say sorry.

Ta'amu is accused of driving under the influence back in mid-October in the South Side, smashing into several cars and causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Pittsburgh Police stated that he was driving recklessly when an off-duty police officer in his personal vehicle initially tried to pull him over.

According to the criminal complaint, Ta'amu allegedly almost hit one officer who had pulled out his weapon and yelled, "Police. Stop the vehicle."

There were no major changes made to any of the charges in court today and after the preliminary hearing, Ta'amu addressed the media for the second time since his arrest.

"I'm back on the roster just taking it one step at a time. My teammates supported me and just trying to keep it moving through the season," Ta'amu said. "I'm sorry. If there was any other word, I would say it, but sorry is the only thing I can say right now."

Lawyers for both sides have said that they are trying to negotiate payment to the owners of the damaged vehicles outside of court.

Ta'amu will be back in court on Dec. 31, for his formal arraignment.

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