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Staley changes story
Staley
Chaz Palla/TRIBUNE-REVIEW
In an incident report given early Saturday morning, Staley told investigators from the Richland County sheriff's department that he was grabbed around the throat and assaulted, causing him to lose two earrings and a bracelet worth a total of $100,000.
But Staley, reached yesterday by WTAE-4's Sheldon Ingram, offered an altered version.
"I didn't get involved in an altercation," Staley said. "That happened in the club, but that didn't involve me.
"I wasn't robbed, and I had my two earrings. I lost my bracelet, that's all. I had to file a police report in order to have it replaced by my insurance company."
The incident occurred at Studio 54 on Two Notch Road in Columbia. Staley called police around 4 a.m., according to police records. The incident is still being investigated, and no charges have been filed, said Lt. Chris Cowan of the Richland County sheriff's department.
"We're in the process of trying to investigate the people from the club, and Mr. Staley, to determine what happened," said Cowan, who was told last night that Staley now claims he was not robbed or involved in an altercation. "The incident report states what he said at that time. The total larceny reported was a $50,000 bracelet and two earrings worth $50,000. We're investigating the altercation and the larceny. We haven't had significant problems from that location (Studio 54) in recent months. We're trying to work through all the information."
Staley, who turns 31 in two weeks, was activated for the Steelers' 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL on Feb. 5, though he did not play. It was the first time he had been activated since Dec. 4.
With the retirement of Jerome Bettis, he could be the backup to starter Willie Parker next season. Staley has three years remaining on his current contract. He opened last training camp at the top of the depth chart, but dropped behind Parker and Bettis after undergoing arthroscopic surgery just a few days into workouts at St. Vincent College.
He ran for 148 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries last season and made a strong impression on coach Bill Cowher by not complaining about dropping on the depth chart. A little more than a week before Super Bowl XL, Staley's father, Lannie, died of cancer.
