The only real surprise about the New England Patriots fan who purposely set off a fire alarm at the Steelers hotel the night before the AFC Championship game is that he was charged with a crime at all.
The midnight reveler, Dennis Harrison, was booked on charges of disturbing the peace and setting off a false fire alarm, and published reports say he admitted to police early Sunday morning that his reason for doing so involved alcohol, a bet and love for his hometown team.
"I'm drunk. I'm stupid. I'm a Pats fan," Harrison said, according to the Boston Globe. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance Monday morning following an arraignment in East Boston Municipal court.
Police said Harrison told them he was at a party and was dared to pull the fire alarm at the Boston Hilton Logan Airport Hotel, resulting in a late night disturbance for Pittsburgh somewhere around 3 a.m.
Mission accomplished.
The Patriots overwhelmed the Steelers 36-17 to advance to the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons in Houston on Feb. 5.