PITTSBURGH -- Steelers tackle Barrett Brooks was arrested
early Sunday after police said he fled from them on his motorcycle.
Brooks
The 34-year-old offensive lineman was charged with fleeing and
eluding, reckless driving, driving at an unsafe speed and other
traffic violations. He was taken to Allegheny County Jail, police
Sgt. Dennis Washington said.
Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said he was aware of the arrest
but did not have any further information.
The arrest occurred shortly before 2:30 a.m. on the city's South
Side when Brooks allegedly drove recklessly around a police car,
prompting officers to try to pull him over, Washington said. Brooks
did not stop and officers gave chase for about five minutes, he
said. Brooks rode through a red light and a stop sign, Washington
said.
When Brooks dropped his motorcycle at an intersection, he tried
to get back on his bike and drive away when officers made the
arrest, Washington said.
Police said Brooks was not legally intoxicated and was not
wearing a helmet.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger broke his jaw, nose and
orbital bones in a June 12 motorcycle crash in which he was not
wearing a helmet. He apparently has recovered.
Brooks spent the last two seasons with the Steelers after
originally signing with the team in October 2003. He played for
Philadelphia from 1995-98 and for Detroit in 1999-00. He also
played two games for Green Bay in 2002.