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Report: Blount Walked Off Field Early, Angry About Lack Of Carries

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back LeGarrette Blount the team announced Tuesday.

According to our news partners at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, LeGarrette Blount walked off the field before the game had finished Monday night.

His reasoning appears to be frustration over not getting a single carry against the Titans.

According to the Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette, at least one of the other players felt they even should have left Blount in Nashville.

NewsRadio 1020 KDKA's Jeff Hathhorn confirmed to 93-7 The Fan that Blount had left the field early.

"When the Steelers came off the field, we're able to see them go in the ramp and into the locker room itself. After the last player had gone in, all of a sudden LeGarrette walks out fully dressed - street clothes dressed. So, you know he had to have left early because there's no way he's changing that quickly."

Blount apparently even left before Mike Tomlin's post game speech and had to be convinced to return to the locker room.

"He started to walk where the buses are. Joey Porter walks out and starts talking to him in a soft voice. It wasn't loud or anything and just convinces him to come back into the room for Mike Tomlin's post game speech. By the time we were allowed back in, LeGarrette was gone."

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger addressed Blount's action during his weekly show on "The Cook and Poni Show" for "The #1 Cochran Ben Roethlisberger Show" on Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan.

"I don't know exactly what happened but if it is true it's disturbing because I would think he would be happy for a close friend and of his fellow position guy." Roethlisberger said. "I figured he would be happy but like I said I'm not going to rush to judge because I don't know exactly what happened so I think today we will be able to find out more details."

Ben also talked about whether or not he could forgive Blount for his actions.

"It will be tough if it was just for pure selfishness and he was just upset about not getting the ball or whatever and walked out because he is a new player to our team," Roethlisberger said. "If it was a guy who has been here for awhile and we know and it was just a lapse in judgment and he was upset about something I think it would be easier to look past. But it will be tough if it was just for pure selfishness reason because that is not what the Pittsburgh Steelers are. It's not what we are about but like I said, I don't know anything about that yet so I'm not going to judge right now."

Roethlisberger also talked about what actions or punishment might be taken with Blount.

"I don't think it's something that coach is going to take lightly because he knows how important team is and comradery," Roethlisberger said. "It's a tough situation he is going to be in but that is why he is our head coach. He will make the decision that is best for the team and us as players will live with it and make it work whatever it is."

Ramon Foster also joined "The Fan Morning Show" Tuesday and addressed Blount's actions. While he said Blount is a good teammate, it doesn't excuse his actions.

"You've got to be all-in for the team," Foster said. "But, whatever happened last night, we can't have that type of thing. For whatever reason, you can't bring negativity to the team."

Earlier this season, Blount told John Phillips of 93.7 The Fan that he wanted the ball more.

Phillips asked Blount how he felt the team had balanced things out in terms of the running game and distribution between him and Bell.

"I don't think we've balanced things out a lot," Blount said without malice. "With him getting the bulk of the carries, but the fact that it's working, I can't complain. We're winning games like that."

Then, Blount added this:

"I've been a featured back in this league. I was a starter with one of the best teams in the league last year. Obviously, I want the ball more."

Blount didn't say it in a way that suggested he was demanding anything. It sounded more like the words a competitive player who has a track record of success would offer in support of his cause.

However, his actions Monday night in Nashville might say otherwise.

As for the game itself, Bell rushed for 204 yards and a touchdown in a 27-24 win over the Titans.

Bouchette joined "The Fan Morning Show" Tuesday and said Bell's performance was, "As good as I've ever seen a running back yesterday."

The Steelers now head into their bye week and will face the New Orleans Saints at Heinz Field on Nov. 30 at 1 p.m.

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