Category:
Ben Roethlisberger
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NFL
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Pittsburgh Steelers
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Santonio Holmes
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The NFL Chick
When word got out late last night that Steelers WR Santonio Holmes had been traded to the NY Jets for a 5th round draft pick, I was floored. Not just because of the low price, but also because of who it was. Holmes is a Super Bowl MVP and has been a great asset to the Steelers since being drafted out of Ohio State. For him to be traded for a draft pick that may not even make the roster seems as crazy, if not more, than McNabb's big trade a week earlier. But looking past the Holmes trade, it's safe to say that the Steelers organization may have enough- and they are using Holmes as an example.
The Rooney family and the Steelers seemed to be fed up with its key players. Holmes is currently under investigation for an alleged assault incident in FL, and has just been informed that he will serve a 4 game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Holmes also was arrested for marijuana possession and was involved in a domestic violence incident in 2006. This was enough for the Steelers front office to send Holmes to the Jets for very little.
The Steelers are reportedly also looking into disciplining QB Ben Roethlisberger for his previous sexual assault cases. While he has not been charged for either incident, his poor judgement and bad decisions have been enough to keep the Steelers in a light they choose not to be a part of
While a decision from the DA's office will come today about Ben's fate on his current case, it has been indicated over the weekend that he will NOT be charged for any wrongdoing. Still, that's not enough for the Rooney family, who are looking to taking matters in their own hands and possibly reprimanding him for the previous incidents. Roethlisberger is meeting with NFL commission Roger Goodell in the near future, also about his incidents.
For decades, the Steelers have been proud to be looked upon as one of the most well-run organizations in the league.The Holmes and Roethlisberger stories being highlight stories of the NFL offseason is the last thing the Rooney family wants or needs, especially from a team that is looking to redeem themselves and make 2010 a rebound year with another playoff run. To the average fan, coach or even owner, Holmes' trade value was laughable, considering the fact that he has made some great catches in his career (as a Ravens fan, I will never forget the reversed TD call in 2008). But to the Rooney family, they were looking to get rid of a bad apple at any cost, even if that meant releasing them (which was another possibility had they not traded him). It also doesn't hurt that they have an emerging star at WR, in Mike Wallace. His playing for the 2009 made it that much easier for the Steelers to cut their ties with the disgruntled Holmes
Did the Steelers making the right decisions?? Until we find out what happens to Roethlisberger, that's to be determined. But so far, I can't say they haven't.
the Jets are becoming Raiders East
from that time in the 60's/ 70's that Al hired all the malcontents...and won
Great Post! I think that you make great points with your "blogservations"; I believe that the main thing the Rooney's are trying to show is that their integrity as an organization will not be tarnished. I believe that Ben is on thin ice as well, and that one more brain fart will cost him in Pittsburg... Ps. As a Ravens fan, I am required to say that PITTSBURG SUCKS at every mention of their team....