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Rooney: Blount released for 'right reasons' by Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't known for their front-office blunders, but the November release of LeGarrette Blount has drawn criticism in the lead-up to Super Bowl XLIX.

Especially after the hard-charging running back was unstoppable on Sunday, blasting for 148 yards and three touchdowns in New England's AFC Championship Game romp over the Indianapolis Colts.

Steelers president Art Rooney II, though, doesn't question cutting Blount after he left the field before the end of Pittsburgh's Monday night win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 11.

"Obviously we don't want to have those kind of things happen in the middle of the season but it is what it is and I think we made the decision for the right reasons," Rooney said, per ESPN.com. "Not going to worry about it too much. We just have to make sure that we make a better decision this year and fill that position with someone we're comfortable with and who will be a good fit."

The Steelers could have used Blount after star running back Le'Veon Bell was ruled out for the team's wild-card loss to the Ravens with a hyperextended right knee. The combination of Ben Tate, Josh Harris and Dri Archer squeezed out just 68 yards against Baltimore's stiff run defense.

Still, Blount always struggled to fit in with the Steelers, with one team source telling NFL Media's Albert Breer that the player's release boiled down to "selfish behavior."

It's not the first time the Patriots have made lemonade out of a rival's lemons, but New England has now revived Blount's career not once, but twice. He'd be wise to stay on Bill Belichick's good side.

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