Steelers offensive lineman Barrett Brooks was arrested on the South Side early yesterday morning and charged with fleeing and eluding police.

Mr. Brooks was later tested for driving under the influence, but police said his blood alcohol level was under the legal limit.

Dave Lockett, communications coordinator for the Steelers, said team officials were aware of the situation, but declined any further comment.

At 2:28 a.m., according to Pittsburgh police Sgt. Dennis Washington, Mr. Brooks, driving a motorcycle near 17th and East Carson streets, illegally passed a police car on the right.

The officer activated the car's lights and siren, but Mr. Brooks, who police said was not wearing a helmet, sped off, running a couple of stop signs.

At 12th and Muriel streets, police said, Mr. Brooks stopped and got off the motorcycle, but tried to get back on when he realized he was going to be arrested.

Mr. Brooks, drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995, has spent the last two seasons with the Steelers, signing on Oct. 22, 2003.