Pittsburgh Steelers Release Joey Porter

5 PM UPDATE: Porter tells Channel 11’s Alby Oxenreiter that he leaves with no bitterness.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released linebacker Joey Porter Thursday from the team, according to the team's Web Site.

Porter was cut just days before a March 6 deadline that would have paid Porter a $1 million bonus.

He was also scheduled to make $4 million more in 2007.

Porter was an eight-year team veteran.

He was originally selected out of Colorado State by the Black and Gold in the third round, 73rd overall, of the 1999 NFL Draft.

The Steelers also cut popular backup running back Verron Haynes who was a third down specialist and provided depth at the running back position.

Previous Stories: December 14, 2006: Joey Porter Fined For Comments September 22, 2006: Steelers' Joey Porter Faces Charges In Dog Attack September 20, 2006: Police: Pit Bulls Belonging To Steeler Joey Porter Kill Horse August 22, 2006: Porter Tackles Media Coverage August 18, 2006: Porter Wants New Contract, More Money May 24, 2006: Porter's Knee Surgery Successful May 23, 2006: Porter To Undergo Knee Surgery May 23, 2006: Steelers Workouts: Is Porter A No-Show? May 17, 2006: Joey Porter Clears Up Comments About President Bush February 2, 2006: War Of Words Begins In Detroit August 1, 2003: Steelers' Porter Looking For Perfect Game