The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have an appreciation for off-season drama, don’t they? TMZ is reporting that last night Hines Ward was removed from a vehicle at gunpoint and placed in handcuffs by the LAPD.

Law enforcement sources tell us cops had run the license plate and noticed the car had been reported stolen.  We’re told police drew their weapons … and ordered both Hines and the female driver out of the car and placed them both in handcuffs.

The female driver then explained … SHE was the person who reported the car stolen in the first place after an incident involving a valet. But she got her car back … and forgot to tell cops to call off the alert.

At least Hines isn’t in any sort of legal trouble. It will be interesting to see if and how this event will be mentioned on Monday’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Perhaps Hines could do an interpretive dance.