Ben Roethlisberger got a warm welcome from the several thousand Steelers fans gathered for Saturday afternoon's practice here at Saint Vincent College.
Roethlisberger admitted to not being sure how he'd be received in his first real exposure to the fans. But everything seemed to go well and he spent an extended period of time signing autographs following the session.
Roethlisberger again split some snaps with Byron Leftwich in the early team portion of the drills. But Leftwich took all the first-team snaps in the final session.
© Running back Jonathan Dwyer left early with a hamstring injury, while nose tackle Casey Hampton sat out with a groin injury suffered this morning.
The team also got a scare when Mike Wallace came up limping after running a long route. But he returned and appears to be OK.
© Rookies Maurkice Pouncey and Jason Worilds got their welcome to the NFL moments in one-on-one blocking/rushing drills.
Worilds was put on his back by tight end David Johnson one one backers on tight ends drill. This after being driven into the ground by Heath Miller earlier.
Worilds also had trouble keeping his feet throughout the drills and must work on that aspect of his game.
Tony Hills also tossed him around a couple of times.
In o-line/d-line drills, Ziggy Hood clubbed Pouncey to the ground in a meeting of No. 1 draft picks, prompting head coach Mike Tomlin to exclaim, "What a difference a year makes."
Tomlin had that pairing go against each other two more times after that, with Hood again besting Pouncey before Pouncey came back and held his ground the third time.
© On a positive note, Thaddeus Gibson, the other rookie draft pick at linebacker, looked very good in pass rushing and taking on the tight end drills.
He looks strong at the point of attack.
© James Harrison sent a message on the opening of the 11-on-11 passing drills, leveling Rashard Mendenhall on the first play.
Mendenhall bounced right back up, though.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Roethlisberger takes first snaps
Contrary to what head coach Mike Tomlin said Friday, it was Ben Roethlisberger under center for the Steelers' first practice of training camp Saturday when the first-team offense took the field.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said the team will continue to work a rotation, with Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon trading off time with the first unit for the time being.
Right now, that means three snaps per player and then the next guy comes in. Later, that will shift to five snaps.
Those snaps will likely get fewer for Roethlisberger, who is suspended to start the season, as camp goes on. But for now, he's in the mix.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said the team will continue to work a rotation, with Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon trading off time with the first unit for the time being.
Right now, that means three snaps per player and then the next guy comes in. Later, that will shift to five snaps.
Those snaps will likely get fewer for Roethlisberger, who is suspended to start the season, as camp goes on. But for now, he's in the mix.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Players report
It was a busy day in Latrobe as the Steelers reported to training camp at Saint Vincent College.
Here are some quick hits about what I learned today:
© As I stated after the Flozell Adams signing, he will move in at right tackle with Trai Essex at right guard and Max Starks staying at left tackle.
The Steelers don't want to tear their entire line up unless they have to.
© Starks took some no-so-veiled shots at Adams being somebody who could contribute to the team "if he was in shape" and of the right mindset.
It sounds to me like Starks doesn't want a veteran coming in and trying to upset the applecart by doing things his own way.
The offensive line is a tight group and they expect Adams to adapt to them, not the other way around.
© Hines Ward said the hamstring injury that kept him out most of the offseason is healed up and he's ready to go.
Ward also said he's much lighter than he has been in recent years.
© Maurkice Pouncey signed his deal with the team, but not in time to do the team's run test. He'll do that at 6 a.m. Saturday. I don't think I'll be up to watch it.
© Casey Hampton looks lighter than he has in several seasons.
The defense is talking like it has a bit of a chip on its shoulder. That could be a good thing as these guys are motivated to make an attempt at showing last season was a fluke.
© Ben Roethlisberger barely spoke to the media today, but he was awfully polite trying to move through the crowds gathered around him.
Roethlisberger did say that he's happy to be back on the football field and hopes to put the offseason behind him.
© There were no casualties in the run test. Then again, many of the veterans, or over 30 guys, as Mike Tomlin called them, did not have to run.
© Troy Polamalu looked good running. We'll see if that holds up.
Here are some quick hits about what I learned today:
© As I stated after the Flozell Adams signing, he will move in at right tackle with Trai Essex at right guard and Max Starks staying at left tackle.
The Steelers don't want to tear their entire line up unless they have to.
© Starks took some no-so-veiled shots at Adams being somebody who could contribute to the team "if he was in shape" and of the right mindset.
It sounds to me like Starks doesn't want a veteran coming in and trying to upset the applecart by doing things his own way.
The offensive line is a tight group and they expect Adams to adapt to them, not the other way around.
© Hines Ward said the hamstring injury that kept him out most of the offseason is healed up and he's ready to go.
Ward also said he's much lighter than he has been in recent years.
© Maurkice Pouncey signed his deal with the team, but not in time to do the team's run test. He'll do that at 6 a.m. Saturday. I don't think I'll be up to watch it.
© Casey Hampton looks lighter than he has in several seasons.
The defense is talking like it has a bit of a chip on its shoulder. That could be a good thing as these guys are motivated to make an attempt at showing last season was a fluke.
© Ben Roethlisberger barely spoke to the media today, but he was awfully polite trying to move through the crowds gathered around him.
Roethlisberger did say that he's happy to be back on the football field and hopes to put the offseason behind him.
© There were no casualties in the run test. Then again, many of the veterans, or over 30 guys, as Mike Tomlin called them, did not have to run.
© Troy Polamalu looked good running. We'll see if that holds up.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Steelers reportedly sign Adams
The Steelers have reportedly signed offensive tackle Flozell Adams to a one-year contract.
No word on what position Adams will play, but the guess here is that he's put into the mix at RT - even though he's played LT throughout his career.
Adams has lost a step and has struggled with holding penalties on the left side. But he's still a solid run blocker and would seem better suited to play RT at this point in his career.
The Steelers, of course, have a void at RT due to the injury to Willie Colon.
No word on what position Adams will play, but the guess here is that he's put into the mix at RT - even though he's played LT throughout his career.
Adams has lost a step and has struggled with holding penalties on the left side. But he's still a solid run blocker and would seem better suited to play RT at this point in his career.
The Steelers, of course, have a void at RT due to the injury to Willie Colon.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Steelers sign Colbert to extension
The Steelers have signed director of football operations Kevin Colbert to a five-year contract extension Wednesday.
It was a move that had been anticipated for some time.
Since joining the Steelers in 2000, Colbert has overseen one of the most successful periods in team history.
The Steelers have also drafted a number of stars, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and strong safety Troy Polamalu, on his watch.
© The team is closing in on a deal with second-round pick Jason Worilds. His signing would leave only first rounder Maurkice Pouncey unsigned as the team readies to report to camp on Friday.
It was a move that had been anticipated for some time.
Since joining the Steelers in 2000, Colbert has overseen one of the most successful periods in team history.
The Steelers have also drafted a number of stars, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and strong safety Troy Polamalu, on his watch.
© The team is closing in on a deal with second-round pick Jason Worilds. His signing would leave only first rounder Maurkice Pouncey unsigned as the team readies to report to camp on Friday.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Getting closer
Talks between the Steelers and their final two unsigned draft picks - Maurkice Pouncey and Jason Worilds – are heating up and are expected to be completed before the team holds its first training camp practice on Saturday.
Rookie signings - particularly the first-round draft picks - have gone a little more slowly this year, at least in part, because of the instability in the league's CBA.
Higher draft picks normally sign longer deals than those drafted in later rounds and there's been quite a bit of haggling about those extra years.
© James Walker of ESPN.com wrote today that LaMarr Woodley will report on time for training camp Friday.
It's really not a surprise.
The Steelers don't negotiate with players who aren't in camp, so not showing up would do Woodley no good.
Rookie signings - particularly the first-round draft picks - have gone a little more slowly this year, at least in part, because of the instability in the league's CBA.
Higher draft picks normally sign longer deals than those drafted in later rounds and there's been quite a bit of haggling about those extra years.
© James Walker of ESPN.com wrote today that LaMarr Woodley will report on time for training camp Friday.
It's really not a surprise.
The Steelers don't negotiate with players who aren't in camp, so not showing up would do Woodley no good.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Kaye Cowher dies
According to the Post-Gazette, Kaye Cowher, wife of former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, has died at their home in North Carolina.
Cowher, 54, lost a battle with skin cancer.
Cowher, 54, lost a battle with skin cancer.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Steelers sign Jones
Competition is never a bad thing and the Steelers added more Wednesday, signing six-year veteran Adrian Jones to a one-year deal.
Jones (6-4, 330) was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round (132nd overall) in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Kansas. Jones started 44 games for the Jets from 2004-07 before being waived late in the 2007 season. He was then signed by the Kansas City Chiefs and started 10 games in 2008 at guard. Jones then spent time last year in training camp with the Houston Texans before being released.
To make room for Jones on the roster, the Steelers placed veteran offensive tackle Willie Colon on their Reserve/Injured List. Colon suffered an Achilles injury last month and had season-ending surgery.
Jones will likely be used at right guard, giving the team another body there and some leverage in contract negotiations with first-round pick Maurkice Pouncey.
Jones (6-4, 330) was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round (132nd overall) in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Kansas. Jones started 44 games for the Jets from 2004-07 before being waived late in the 2007 season. He was then signed by the Kansas City Chiefs and started 10 games in 2008 at guard. Jones then spent time last year in training camp with the Houston Texans before being released.
To make room for Jones on the roster, the Steelers placed veteran offensive tackle Willie Colon on their Reserve/Injured List. Colon suffered an Achilles injury last month and had season-ending surgery.
Jones will likely be used at right guard, giving the team another body there and some leverage in contract negotiations with first-round pick Maurkice Pouncey.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Woodley speaks out
Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley isn't a happy camper right now and he spoke out about the issue today in a story by Yahoo's Michael Silver.
Unhappy that he is still without a contract past the 2010 season, Woodley expressed his frustration to Silver.
"It's kind of jacked up," Woodley said. "Everything I've ever done for the Steelers, on and off the field, has been positive. Sometimes you don't get the same thing back in return."
"I'm not going to lie - I was a little disappointed that they didn't offer anything at all," Woodley continued. "I felt that was a little weird. I guess they decided they're going to sit back and wait for the CBA and all that to play out.
"You look around the league and you see different teams getting stuff done with their players in similar situations, and you think, 'What, the Steelers don't care about me?' Stuff like that goes through your mind."
Woodley is scheduled to earn $550,000 this season, the final year of his orignal rookie deal.
The Steelers, however, are in a tough spot with him thanks to the lack of a CBA for 2011. They cannot offer him a new contract that would include a base salary increase of more than 30 percent next season under the current NFL rules.
There are ways around that – giving large signing and roster bonuses – but the Steelers don't generally do that. And with the uncertainty surrounding the CBA negotiations, signing a player to a long-term deal may not be prudent.
So Woodley will stew about his deal. But in the end, he'll remain with the Steelers, despite his current level of unhappiness.
Unhappy that he is still without a contract past the 2010 season, Woodley expressed his frustration to Silver.
"It's kind of jacked up," Woodley said. "Everything I've ever done for the Steelers, on and off the field, has been positive. Sometimes you don't get the same thing back in return."
"I'm not going to lie - I was a little disappointed that they didn't offer anything at all," Woodley continued. "I felt that was a little weird. I guess they decided they're going to sit back and wait for the CBA and all that to play out.
"You look around the league and you see different teams getting stuff done with their players in similar situations, and you think, 'What, the Steelers don't care about me?' Stuff like that goes through your mind."
Woodley is scheduled to earn $550,000 this season, the final year of his orignal rookie deal.
The Steelers, however, are in a tough spot with him thanks to the lack of a CBA for 2011. They cannot offer him a new contract that would include a base salary increase of more than 30 percent next season under the current NFL rules.
There are ways around that – giving large signing and roster bonuses – but the Steelers don't generally do that. And with the uncertainty surrounding the CBA negotiations, signing a player to a long-term deal may not be prudent.
So Woodley will stew about his deal. But in the end, he'll remain with the Steelers, despite his current level of unhappiness.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Goodell to visit Steelers camp
The NFL has announced that commissioner Roger Goodell will visit the training camps of seven teams in the coming weeks, including that of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Goodell is scheduled to be at the Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe Thurs., Aug 5.
Any guesses on what the main topic of conversation will be if - and I'm assuming he will - Goodell fields questions from the media?
Goodell is scheduled to be at the Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe Thurs., Aug 5.
Any guesses on what the main topic of conversation will be if - and I'm assuming he will - Goodell fields questions from the media?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tomlin gets new deal
It seemed like only a matter of time before the Steelers gave head coach Mike Tomlin the contract extension he deserved/desired and it finally came to fruition Tuesday.
Tomlin was given a three-year extension by the team on Tuesday, keeping him under contract through the 2014 season.
As I explained in my column in today's Observer-Reporter, Tomlin faces his biggest test as a head coach with this year's training camp.
There are plenty of unknowns for this team heading into the 2010 season.
But Tomlin's contract status is now not one of them.
Tomlin was given a three-year extension by the team on Tuesday, keeping him under contract through the 2014 season.
As I explained in my column in today's Observer-Reporter, Tomlin faces his biggest test as a head coach with this year's training camp.
There are plenty of unknowns for this team heading into the 2010 season.
But Tomlin's contract status is now not one of them.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Adams visits
Former Dallas offensive tackle Flozell Adams visited with the Steelers today as the team looks at its options for replacing injured Willie Colon at right tackle.
It's a somewhat surprising move considering the Steelers' past regarding bringing in players late in the game - ie. after spring practices - but speaks somewhat to the desperation this team has.
They haven't signed Adams yet, but the bringing him in tells me the front office knows its defense is getting older and the window of opportunity for this current group to make a Super Bowl run is closing.
Then again, they may have just brought him in for a physical in case they have another injury on the offensive line.
We'll see what happens.
It's a somewhat surprising move considering the Steelers' past regarding bringing in players late in the game - ie. after spring practices - but speaks somewhat to the desperation this team has.
They haven't signed Adams yet, but the bringing him in tells me the front office knows its defense is getting older and the window of opportunity for this current group to make a Super Bowl run is closing.
Then again, they may have just brought him in for a physical in case they have another injury on the offensive line.
We'll see what happens.
What Colon's injury means
With Willie Colon likely out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, the door has opened for rookie Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers' top draft pick, to step into the starting lineup from Day 1.
That's not exactly the scenario the Steelers wanted with Pouncey, but it's likely what will come to pass.
The big winner will likely be Trai Essex, who started last season at right guard. Essex was expected to be pushed out of the starting lineup at some point by Pouncey. But with Colon out, he'll likely slide over to right tackle.
Colon's injury seriously hurts the Steelers' depth. It's also a tough break for Colon, who is looking toward unrestricted free agency.
That's not exactly the scenario the Steelers wanted with Pouncey, but it's likely what will come to pass.
The big winner will likely be Trai Essex, who started last season at right guard. Essex was expected to be pushed out of the starting lineup at some point by Pouncey. But with Colon out, he'll likely slide over to right tackle.
Colon's injury seriously hurts the Steelers' depth. It's also a tough break for Colon, who is looking toward unrestricted free agency.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Roethlisberger shows at youth camp
According to the Associated Press: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was a surprise visitor to the youth football camp he usually runs each summer north of Pittsburgh.
Roethlisberger has run the camp at Mars Area High School the past two years, but begged off after offseason legal problems that saw him accused of rape at a Georgia nightclub in March, but not prosecuted.
Coach Mike Tomlin has been running the camp and even brought his 8- and 9-year-old sons — but Roethlisberger made a surprise visit Wednesday.
Tomlin says he’s enjoyed getting to “baby sit” the camp and may return next year, even though he expects Roethlisberger to be back running the camp.
Camper Bethany Carcaise, of Illinois, says she misses Roethlisberger “because he used to play with us more. He acted like a kid.”
Roethlisberger has been doing and saying all the right things over the past few weeks since he was given the OK by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to re-join the Steelers.
This is another step in the right direction as he attempts to save his tarnished image.
Roethlisberger has run the camp at Mars Area High School the past two years, but begged off after offseason legal problems that saw him accused of rape at a Georgia nightclub in March, but not prosecuted.
Coach Mike Tomlin has been running the camp and even brought his 8- and 9-year-old sons — but Roethlisberger made a surprise visit Wednesday.
Tomlin says he’s enjoyed getting to “baby sit” the camp and may return next year, even though he expects Roethlisberger to be back running the camp.
Camper Bethany Carcaise, of Illinois, says she misses Roethlisberger “because he used to play with us more. He acted like a kid.”
Roethlisberger has been doing and saying all the right things over the past few weeks since he was given the OK by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to re-join the Steelers.
This is another step in the right direction as he attempts to save his tarnished image.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
And then there were two
The Steelers signed two more draft picks Wednesday, leaving them with only two unsigned.
Signed to three-year deals Wednesday were offensive tackle Chris Scott and cornerback Crezdon Butler. Financial terms of the three-year deals were not disclosed.
Scott (6-4, 319), out of Tennessee, was the Steelers’ first of three fifth-round picks (151st overall) in this year’s Draft. Scott started the final 39 games of his career at left tackle and helped the Vols’ offense average 157 rushing yards per game and 383 total yards per game in 2009.
Butler (6-0, 191) was the second of three fifth-round selections (164th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft. Butler was an honorable mention all-ACC honoree in 2009 as Clemson finished sixth in the NCAA in pass defense. He started the final 40 games of his career and finished his career with 11 interceptions.
The Steelers now have eight of their 10 draft picks from this year’s NFL Draft signed to contracts. First-round offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey and second-round linebacker Jason Worilds are the two Steelers’ draft picks who have yet to sign a contract.
The Steelers released rookie free agent Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith to make room on their roster.
Signed to three-year deals Wednesday were offensive tackle Chris Scott and cornerback Crezdon Butler. Financial terms of the three-year deals were not disclosed.
Scott (6-4, 319), out of Tennessee, was the Steelers’ first of three fifth-round picks (151st overall) in this year’s Draft. Scott started the final 39 games of his career at left tackle and helped the Vols’ offense average 157 rushing yards per game and 383 total yards per game in 2009.
Butler (6-0, 191) was the second of three fifth-round selections (164th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft. Butler was an honorable mention all-ACC honoree in 2009 as Clemson finished sixth in the NCAA in pass defense. He started the final 40 games of his career and finished his career with 11 interceptions.
The Steelers now have eight of their 10 draft picks from this year’s NFL Draft signed to contracts. First-round offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey and second-round linebacker Jason Worilds are the two Steelers’ draft picks who have yet to sign a contract.
The Steelers released rookie free agent Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith to make room on their roster.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Steelers sign four more picks, release seven
The Steelers signed four draft picks today from this year’s NFL Draft, including wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, linebacker Stevenson Sylvester, running back Jonathan Dwyer and wide receiver Antonio Brown. Financial terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
The Steelers made additional roster moves by releasing seven free agents, including wide receiver Jason Chery, kicker Piotr Czech, linebacker Derrick Doggett, punter Adam Graessle, nose tackle Cordarrow Thompson, center Bradley Vierling and cornerback Trae Williams.
Sanders (5-11, 180), out of SMU, was the Steelers’ third round pick (82nd overall) in the Draft and finished as the Mustangs’ career leader in receptions (235), touchdown receptions (34) and receiving yards (3,791). He was a first-team all-Conference USA selection last year as a senior after posting 98 catches for 1,339 yards and seven touchdowns. Sanders ranked sixth in the NCAA with 103 receiving yards per game in 2009.
One of three linebackers selected in this year’s Draft by the Steelers, Sylvester (6-2, 231) was the team’s third of three selections in the fifth round (166th overall). A first-team all-MWC selection for Utah, he was a two-year captain and the defensive MVP of the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl. Sylvester started all 13 games last year and finished with a team-best 81 tackles.
Dwyer (5-11, 229) was the Steelers first of two sixth-round picks (188th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. A first-team all-ACC selection his final two seasons, he earned the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award as a sophomore in 2008 after leading the team with 1,395 rushing yards on 200 carries while earning All-America status. Last year as a junior, he matched his rushing total from the previous year with 1,395 yards on 235 attempts, the fourth-best rushing total in school history. Dwyer added 14 touchdowns in 2009.
Brown (5-10, 186) was Pittsburgh’s second of two sixth-round selections (195th overall) in this year’s Draft. He finished his career as Central Michigan’s all-time leader in receptions (305), which ranked second in MAC history. As a junior in 2009, Brown was named the conference’s Special Teams Player of the Year for the second straight season and earned first-team all-MAC honors as both a receiver and punt returner. He caught a school-record 110 passes for 1,198 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
With today’s signings, the Steelers now have six of their 10 draft picks under contract. Linebacker Thaddeus Gibson and defensive tackle Doug Worthington signed last week.
The Steelers made additional roster moves by releasing seven free agents, including wide receiver Jason Chery, kicker Piotr Czech, linebacker Derrick Doggett, punter Adam Graessle, nose tackle Cordarrow Thompson, center Bradley Vierling and cornerback Trae Williams.
Sanders (5-11, 180), out of SMU, was the Steelers’ third round pick (82nd overall) in the Draft and finished as the Mustangs’ career leader in receptions (235), touchdown receptions (34) and receiving yards (3,791). He was a first-team all-Conference USA selection last year as a senior after posting 98 catches for 1,339 yards and seven touchdowns. Sanders ranked sixth in the NCAA with 103 receiving yards per game in 2009.
One of three linebackers selected in this year’s Draft by the Steelers, Sylvester (6-2, 231) was the team’s third of three selections in the fifth round (166th overall). A first-team all-MWC selection for Utah, he was a two-year captain and the defensive MVP of the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl. Sylvester started all 13 games last year and finished with a team-best 81 tackles.
Dwyer (5-11, 229) was the Steelers first of two sixth-round picks (188th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. A first-team all-ACC selection his final two seasons, he earned the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award as a sophomore in 2008 after leading the team with 1,395 rushing yards on 200 carries while earning All-America status. Last year as a junior, he matched his rushing total from the previous year with 1,395 yards on 235 attempts, the fourth-best rushing total in school history. Dwyer added 14 touchdowns in 2009.
Brown (5-10, 186) was Pittsburgh’s second of two sixth-round selections (195th overall) in this year’s Draft. He finished his career as Central Michigan’s all-time leader in receptions (305), which ranked second in MAC history. As a junior in 2009, Brown was named the conference’s Special Teams Player of the Year for the second straight season and earned first-team all-MAC honors as both a receiver and punt returner. He caught a school-record 110 passes for 1,198 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
With today’s signings, the Steelers now have six of their 10 draft picks under contract. Linebacker Thaddeus Gibson and defensive tackle Doug Worthington signed last week.
No big deal
Once again, Pro Football Talk is trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill, picking up on a story from the Tribune-Review over a federal lawsuit filed this week.
Here's the story:
"Last August, photos emerged of a gun-shooting party at a state police facility in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, during which at least 14 members of the Steelers used ammo provided by authorities and illegal assault weapons from the evidence room.
The photos showed players posing with various weapons.
Said one unnamed official at the time: "It's a state police firing range used for state police to train. When we're there, it's downright military. But at this event, it's chaos. Everybody's throwing contraband assault weapons around like they're toys; it's like they're having G.I. Joe tryouts. Not only is this totally unethical, but it's totally illegal."
The incident spawned a federal lawsuit from the employee who blew the whistle on the situation, claiming that it raised serious safety problems. The process has revealed that, amazingly, the state police entrusted the internal investigation to the man who organized the shooting party.
And so it's no surprise that Major Frank Monaco concluded that the event broke no rules, and that the controversy was "much ado about nothing."
"They shot with personally owned weapons with the troopers. Not state weapons. Not state ammunition," Monaco said, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
But the incident occurred while the Steelers were at training camp, a place to which firearms routinely aren't brought. "I was given a shotgun. It wasn't mine. It wasn't my ammunition," Steelers tackle Max Starks told the Tribune-Review.
And in a strange twist, the commissioner of the state police at the time now works for the NFL, as a security official. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the Tribune-Review that Jeff Miller had "no knowledge of the firing range incident until roughly two years after it occurred."
Though the Steelers players face no charges or discipline from the league, it's another example of the separate set of rules that apply to athletes and celebrities."
End of story.
It apparently doesn't occur to Mike Florio, the head honcho at PFT, that the Steelers players could have been using guns personally owned by State Troopers, not the players themselves. And even if they were guns owned by the players, so what? This is still the United States, after all.
If the range in question is where I think it is - just a few miles from the St. Vincent campus - they could have easily checked their weapons there before heading on to camp.
But, instead of thinking this through, Florio goes for the headlines - and internet hits.
Here's the story:
"Last August, photos emerged of a gun-shooting party at a state police facility in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, during which at least 14 members of the Steelers used ammo provided by authorities and illegal assault weapons from the evidence room.
The photos showed players posing with various weapons.
Said one unnamed official at the time: "It's a state police firing range used for state police to train. When we're there, it's downright military. But at this event, it's chaos. Everybody's throwing contraband assault weapons around like they're toys; it's like they're having G.I. Joe tryouts. Not only is this totally unethical, but it's totally illegal."
The incident spawned a federal lawsuit from the employee who blew the whistle on the situation, claiming that it raised serious safety problems. The process has revealed that, amazingly, the state police entrusted the internal investigation to the man who organized the shooting party.
And so it's no surprise that Major Frank Monaco concluded that the event broke no rules, and that the controversy was "much ado about nothing."
"They shot with personally owned weapons with the troopers. Not state weapons. Not state ammunition," Monaco said, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
But the incident occurred while the Steelers were at training camp, a place to which firearms routinely aren't brought. "I was given a shotgun. It wasn't mine. It wasn't my ammunition," Steelers tackle Max Starks told the Tribune-Review.
And in a strange twist, the commissioner of the state police at the time now works for the NFL, as a security official. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the Tribune-Review that Jeff Miller had "no knowledge of the firing range incident until roughly two years after it occurred."
Though the Steelers players face no charges or discipline from the league, it's another example of the separate set of rules that apply to athletes and celebrities."
End of story.
It apparently doesn't occur to Mike Florio, the head honcho at PFT, that the Steelers players could have been using guns personally owned by State Troopers, not the players themselves. And even if they were guns owned by the players, so what? This is still the United States, after all.
If the range in question is where I think it is - just a few miles from the St. Vincent campus - they could have easily checked their weapons there before heading on to camp.
But, instead of thinking this through, Florio goes for the headlines - and internet hits.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Steelers sign a pair of picks
The Steelers agreed to terms with two of their draft picks from this year’s NFL Draft, linebacker Thaddeus Gibson and defensive tackle Doug Worthington. Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Gibson (6-2, 243), who was unable to participate in the Steelers’ recent organized team activities (OTA) due to class requirements at Ohio State, was Pittsburgh’s fourth-round pick (116th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft. Gibson played defensive end for the Buckeyes and earned second-team all-Big Ten honors in 2009 with four sacks and 13 tackles for a loss.
Worthington (6-5, 292) was the Steelers’ seventh-round selection (242nd overall) in this year’s Draft and also played on the defensive front for Ohio State. He had 42 tackles his senior season, including two sacks, and helped the Buckeyes rank seventh in the NCAA in holding opponents to 90 rushing yards per game.
Gibson and Worthington are the first two draft picks to sign with the Steelers this season.
Gibson's signing early was extremely important since he missed the OTAs because of Ohio State's graduation date. He'll need to get as much work as possible at training camp - not that it was likely he would hold out.
Gibson (6-2, 243), who was unable to participate in the Steelers’ recent organized team activities (OTA) due to class requirements at Ohio State, was Pittsburgh’s fourth-round pick (116th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft. Gibson played defensive end for the Buckeyes and earned second-team all-Big Ten honors in 2009 with four sacks and 13 tackles for a loss.
Worthington (6-5, 292) was the Steelers’ seventh-round selection (242nd overall) in this year’s Draft and also played on the defensive front for Ohio State. He had 42 tackles his senior season, including two sacks, and helped the Buckeyes rank seventh in the NCAA in holding opponents to 90 rushing yards per game.
Gibson and Worthington are the first two draft picks to sign with the Steelers this season.
Gibson's signing early was extremely important since he missed the OTAs because of Ohio State's graduation date. He'll need to get as much work as possible at training camp - not that it was likely he would hold out.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Steelers bring in new long snapper
In an interesting move on their final day of OTA practices - the last two days aren't really practices - the Steelers added long snapper and linebacker Matt Stewart for a one-year deal. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Stewart (6-3, 236) was originally drafted as a linebacker by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Vanderbilt. A six-year veteran, Stewart played in 15 games as a rookie and 16 games the following season for the Falcons at linebacker. He also spent time on the Cleveland Browns’ active roster (2005-07) and was in the Arizona Cardinals (2008) and Dallas Cowboys (2009) training camps before being released.
The Steelers made room for Stewart on their roster by releasing veteran long snapper Jared Retkofsky.
The move shows that they likely feel Greg Warren, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last year, is healthy enough to hold down the position this season.
Stewart (6-3, 236) was originally drafted as a linebacker by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Vanderbilt. A six-year veteran, Stewart played in 15 games as a rookie and 16 games the following season for the Falcons at linebacker. He also spent time on the Cleveland Browns’ active roster (2005-07) and was in the Arizona Cardinals (2008) and Dallas Cowboys (2009) training camps before being released.
The Steelers made room for Stewart on their roster by releasing veteran long snapper Jared Retkofsky.
The move shows that they likely feel Greg Warren, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last year, is healthy enough to hold down the position this season.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Ben talks; Evaluation for Reed
It wasn't exactly a state of the union address, but Ben Roethlisberger finally fielded a couple - literally - questions from the media today.
There was nothing earth shattering to come out of the event. To summarize: He's learned his lesson. He's re-evaluated everything he's been doing. He's looking forward to playing football.
© As the league did with Roethlisberger, placekicker was also ordered to undergo an evaluation by the NFL after his latest run-in with the law last season.
Reed has already completed the evaluation, which he only revealed to reporters today.
So we're learning a little more about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's thought process when it comes to off-field troubles.
© Congratulations go out to Greg Alan of 4for4.com, the best fantasy football web site going.
Alan is among the inagrual class for the Fantasy Football Hall of Fame.
If you haven't taken a peek at 4for4.com, you should. Alan has developed some groundbreaking software that pretty accurately predicts how a player will perform each week and throughout a season.
Again, I've found it to be the best fantasy football site out there - and I'm not just saying that because I'm a contributor on the site. I've used his projections myself for a number of years.
There was nothing earth shattering to come out of the event. To summarize: He's learned his lesson. He's re-evaluated everything he's been doing. He's looking forward to playing football.
© As the league did with Roethlisberger, placekicker was also ordered to undergo an evaluation by the NFL after his latest run-in with the law last season.
Reed has already completed the evaluation, which he only revealed to reporters today.
So we're learning a little more about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's thought process when it comes to off-field troubles.
© Congratulations go out to Greg Alan of 4for4.com, the best fantasy football web site going.
Alan is among the inagrual class for the Fantasy Football Hall of Fame.
If you haven't taken a peek at 4for4.com, you should. Alan has developed some groundbreaking software that pretty accurately predicts how a player will perform each week and throughout a season.
Again, I've found it to be the best fantasy football site out there - and I'm not just saying that because I'm a contributor on the site. I've used his projections myself for a number of years.
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