PITTSBURGH -- Mayor Luke Ravenstahl responded Thursday to what he called "unfortunate rumors" regarding a 2005 incident with police at Heinz Field, Team 4's Jim Parsons reported.

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A locally written Internet blog alleges that Ravenstahl, who served on Pittsburgh's City Council at the time, pulled strings to get out of an incident in which he was arrested during an argument with a police officer before the Steelers-Ravens game on Oct. 31, 2005.

Ravenstahl said he believes the blog posting was politically motivated.

"There are politically motivated people out there, in my opinion, that have released inaccurate information that is not true," said Ravenstahl.

Ravenstahl said blogger John McIntire has always been critical of his administration and frequently has Bill Peduto, who is expected to run against Ravenstahl for mayor, as a frequent guest on McIntire's radio show.

In an interview with WTAE Channel 4 Action News, Ravenstahl admitted to attending the game at Heinz Field, saying some fans were getting upset and starting to push and shove as they waited in line to get into the stadium.

He said security at the game was taking extra long that night because fans were wearing Halloween costumes.

Ravenstahl said a city police officer unprofessionally rushed into the crowd to get people to stop pushing. Ravenstahl said he went to the officer, identified himself as a city councilman and said he didn't appreciate the officer's action.

According to Ravenstahl, the two got into a loud argument, which involved foul language, but at no point did things get physical.

"I went up to him and let him know, first of all, who I was, and that I didn't appreciate the way and the manner that he was treating the individuals in line, nor the manner or the image that was being portrayed on behalf of the city of Pittsburgh," said Ravenstahl. "He expressed back to me that he didn't necessarily care for my opinion, but I continued to stand up for what I believe in."

Ravenstahl said he was handcuffed by the officer and taken to a holding cell in Heinz Field. After about 15 minutes, Ravenstahl said the officer returned and the two of them talked out their problems, apologized and shook hands.

The officer decided not to press charges, said Ravenstahl, who also admitted to having drinks while tailgating. Ravenstahl said he was not intoxicated or impaired though.

Also circulating around the blogosphere are rumors that Dennis Regan, Ravenstahl's former operations director, pulled some strings to get Ravenstahl released from police custody. Those rumors escalated this year when Regan was accused of interfering with police disciplinary actions against an officer who is related to Regan's housemate.

Regan resigned in December after Ravenstahl ordered an investigation, but he said he had done nothing wrong.

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