Art Rooney II, Steelers Deny Assistant Coach Assaulted Patriots Fan

The Pittsburgh Steelers have cleared their assistant coach of any wrongdoing from an incident Thursday night.

Steelers president Art Rooney II issued a statement Sunday morning on tight ends coach James Daniel, who allegedly assaulted a New England Patriots fan at halftime of the teams’ NFL season opener at Gillette Stadium.

“We have conducted an internal inquiry into the alleged incident involving Assistant Coach James Daniel at the Patriots stadium Thursday night,” Rooney said, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “After interviews with Coach Daniel as well as other personnel who witnessed the alleged encounter, we find no corroboration that Coach Daniel was involved in any physical altercation with a fan.

“Coach Daniel has worked as an assistant coach for the Steelers for the past 12 seasons. We have a high level of confidence in his character and are confident that any further investigation of this incident will reveal he was not part of any assault or misconduct involving a Patriots fan.”

Daniel allegedly was seen kicking the Patriots fan in the back of the leg and verbally accosting him while on his way to the locker room at halftime. Daniel reportedly began shouting at a police officer after being confronted about the situation.

NFL security reportedly also is investigating the incident.

Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images