Steelers RB Arrested: Chris Rainey Cut By Team For Battery Of Girlfriend, Sent Ex 'Time To Die' Text [Photo]

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Chris Rainey has been cut by the team after assaulting his girlfriend in Gainesville, Florida. The 24-year-old athlete was arrested and charged with battery after an altercation with his girlfriend in which he tried to pull her out of a car following an argument over Rainey's cell phone.

People witnessed  Rainey slap his girlfriend then chase her down once she got away with his phone. The team's general manager, Kevin Colbert spoke out about the incident and their decision to let him go, "Chris Rainey's actions this morning were extremely disappointing," he said. "Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers."

This is not the first offense to threaten the fifth round 2012 NFL Draft pick. In 2010, Rainey was arrested for aggravated stalking, a third-degree felony, for allegedly texting a former girlfriend words that included, "Time to die ...."

The NFL athlete spent one night in jail and was excused by the Florida coach Urban Meyer after violating the team's core values against violence against women. Rainey later agreed to a plea deal and eventually returned to the field.

In the NFL Rainey only worked on special teams his rookie season and averaged 26.5 yards on 39 kickoff returns. The dismissed athlete finished his brief Steelers career with 102 yards rushing and two touchdowns while catching 14 passes for 60 yards.