Frustrated NFL Star Walks Off Field Before Game Ends to Protest Play-Calling — the Stunt Couldn't Have Backfired Worse

Frustrated over not receiving a single carry during his team’s Monday night game, Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount reportedly walked off the field before the game ended and changed into his street clothes.

On Tuesday, less than 24 hours later, the Steelers released Blount.

(Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images)

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement that the team believes the “decision to release LeGarrette is in the best interest of the organization.”

The organization also confirmed the decision on Twitter Tuesday:

We have released running back LeGarrette Blount.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 18, 2014

NewsRadio 1020 KDKA’s Jeff Hathhorn told 93-7 The Fan that Blount walked out of the locker room fully dressed just as the last Steelers player went in. He then apparently had to be persuaded into returning to the locker room for his head coach’s post-game speech.

“He started to walk where the buses are,” Hathhorn said, according to CBS Pittsburgh. “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.”

Center Maurkice Pouncey supported his team’s decision to release Blount, saying, “We don’t need guys like that on this team.”

Blount, who undoubtedly possesses plenty of talent, has also had some off-field issues. He was arrested along with fellow Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell back in August for marijuana possession. Further, he infamously punched an opposing player after a football game when he was playing for the University of Oregon.