Steelers issue statement on incident with TE coach

An internal investigation done by the Pittsburgh Steelers into an alleged incident between tight ends coach James Daniel and a Patriots fan during halftime of the season opener has found no wrongdoing by the long-time tight ends coach.

Steelers president Art Rooney II released the following statement on Sunday:

"We have conducted an internal inquiry into the alleged incident involving Assistant Coach James Daniel at the Patriots stadium Thursday night. 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 stood accused of verbally abusing and possibly physically assaulting a New England fan at Gillette Stadium before and after halftime on Thursday.

The Steelers began their internal inquiry after they were informed of a possible incident by NFL Security. The NFL is also looking into the matter.