Steelers TE coach under investigation for allegedly attacking Patriots fan

AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers players‘ helmets sit on the field during practice at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas February 3, 2011, ahead of NFL football‘s Super Bowl XLV between the Steelers and the Green Bay Packers to be played February 6. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

NFL security is investigating Pittsburgh Steelers tight ends coach James Daniel for allegedly attacking a New England Patriots fan at halftime of Thursday night’s game.

A league official confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the NFL is aware of the incident and is looking into it. A Steelers spokesman said NFL security has informed the team about the incident and the Steelers are investigating.

The incident while Daniel was on his way to the locker room at halftime of the Steelers’ 28-21 loss on Thursday night, according to ESPN. Daniel was seen allegedly kicking a Patriots fan in the back of his leg and yelling at the fan in front of witnesses.

Daniel returned to the coaching booth after halftime, and police and NFL security were waiting for him. Once the coach was identified by witnesses and police approached him about controlling his behavior, Daniel began shouting at the police officer, according to witnesses.

NFL security interviewed Daniel afterward about the entire incident, according to ESPN sources.

The 62-year-old Daniel is in his 12th season on the Steelers’ staff and has more than 20 years of NFL coaching experience. He also spent time on the staffs of the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.