Former Steeler Haselrig Shot

William Herring said he feared for his life when former Pittsburgh Steeler offensive lineman Carlton Haselrig stopped by his home.

Herring, 36, was charged with simple and aggravated assault and firearms violations Saturday after Haselrig was shot in the left leg.

“I had to do what I had to do,” said Herring, who said Haselrig’s father is his godfather. “I’m very sorry it happened. I really am. If I could undo it, I would.”

Haselrig arrived outside Herring’s home Saturday morning to continue a Friday fight that erupted after Herring helped Haselrig’s girlfriend move into an apartment, Herring said.

Haselrig, who has been convicted of three drunken driving offenses in recent years, was hit with a .22-caliber bullet as several shots were fired. He was treated and released from a nearby hospital.

“I wasn’t trying to kill him or nothing like that,” Herring said late Saturday.

Haselrig was a Pro Bowl selection with the Steelers in 1992. He also played for the New York Jets.

Herring was released on $35,000 bond. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.

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Two noteworthy statistical items from Sunday’s games:

* The Steeler secondary, which yielded only three plays of 25 yards or more last September, already has given up seven in two games.

* The Atlanta Falcons, who sacked Carolina quarterback Steve Beuerlein six times, have 10 sacks in their first two games. Last year, they had only 36 sacks, and that was their best total in a decade.