Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala		Mat McBriar		Adrian Murrell		Kaulana Noa

Fuamatu-Ma'afala released by Steelers

Associated Press

Running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, once a valuable backup to Jerome Bettis, was cut yesterday as the Pittsburgh Steelers reached the 53-man roster limit.

Others with Hawai'i ties cut were:

• Nick Rolovich (University of Hawai'i), quarterback, Broncos.
• Kaulana Noa (UH), guard and Mat McBriar (UH), punter, Seahawks.
• Adrian Murrell (Leilehua High), running back, Cowboys.
• Joe Wong (Kailua High, UH), offensive tackle, Raiders.
• Steve Grace (Kamehameha Schools), center, Cardinals.
• Makoa Freitas (Kamehameha), offensive tackle, Colts.

Fuamatu-Ma'afala, a Saint Louis High and University of Utah alum, became expendable after the Steelers made the transition from a run-oriented offense to a passing team last season.

He went into camp as the No. 3 running back behind Amos Zereoue, now the starter, and Bettis, only to see second-year runner Verron Haynes pass him on the depth chart.

After rushing for 453 yards in 2001, when Bettis was injured for much of the second half of the season, Fuamatu-Ma'afala was limited to 115 yards on 23 carries in only eight games last season.

Fuamatu-Ma'afala missed part of the season with rib cage and pectoral muscle injuries, then injured a hamstring in the Steelers' third preseason game. He also had hamstring injuries in 1998 and 1999, a fractured hand in 1999 and a fractured foot in 2000.

He was in the final year of a $2.7 million, three-year contract.