Hmmm...interesting reading...

[Chadman]

[url="http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/bobsmizik/archive/2010/04/14/ss-ert-uu.aspx"]http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs ... rt-uu.aspx[/url]

Kind of what Chadman has been thinking- if the Steelers really want to be 'The Pittsburgh Steelers', upstanding, moral beacons of the NFL, then perhaps we should take our lumps & deal with being a lesser team...without Ben...but strengthening the team resolve, the character of the organisation, for the future...

It's worth contemplating.

[spyboots]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

No.

[birtikidis]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

I wish everyone would take aabout a week to let everything digest before writing these ridiculous articles...

[stlrz d]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

No.

Agreed.

Anything "written" by Bob Smizek should be banned from this forum forever. How 'bout it, mods?

[ghettoscott]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

ufck that hsit.

still love that sig Chadmanneth....

[Sugar]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

No, I'm thinking it's really not worth contemplating at all.

[LouSteel]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

When Ben was accused of assault by McNulty, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Lord knows the world has plenty of crazies

I'm also willing to give him the benefit of the doubt with this accusation. Ben hasn't been charged -- let alone convicted -- of a crime.

Until Ben is convicted of a crime, he is innocent until proven guilty, just like every other American.

BUT... consider:

• If Ben won't tone back his lifestyle he is going to be a target for these claims in the future. Bad people will see him and think "ah ha, here's a chance to make some cash."
  [/*:m:2sbmyvta]
• Ben's actions reflect very poorly on both the NFL and the Steelers. If I was twice accused of sexual assault and was the face of my company, I'd be out on my ass in no time flat. The next accusation, truthful or not, will likely lead to a major suspension.
  [/*:m:2sbmyvta]
• Additionally, it's possible that Goodell may impose restrictions Ben may not want to live with. With rumors swirling about Ben entering an alcohol abuse program, any small violation there could lead to much stricter sanctions. I'd assume if Goodell mandated this program it would fall under the NFL substance program...
  [/*:m:2sbmyvta]
• While QBs have a much longer shelf life than other positions, Ben isn't a traditional pocket passer. He takes a ton of hits and relies much more on guts and his feet to make plays. He's a concussion or two away from big trouble.[/*:m:2sbmyvta]

With all that in mind, maybe it is time to strike while the iron is hot. We'd be able to get two first round picks for Ben without breaking a sweat.

I'm a fan of the Steelers -- I pull for this team, which has the best ownership of any NFL team. And if the owners decide that Ben isn't going to be able to stay out of trouble, I'll be happy with that decision.

So long as they get more than a 5th round pick for Ben

[stlrz d]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

No, I'm thinking it's really not worth contemplating at all.

I can't wait for the season to start so people will kindly STFU with all this trade Ben BS.

[AngryAsian]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

For two first round picks? I say pull the trigger. Let the beatings begin!!!

[Steel Life]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

No, I'm thinking it's really not worth contemplating at all.

I can't wait for the season to start so people will kindly STFU with all this trade Ben BS.

Agreed...all the "chicken littles" are driving me crazy.

[grotonsteel]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

No, I'm thinking it's really not worth contemplating at all.

I can't wait for the season to start so people will kindly STFU with all this trade Ben BS.

Also I would be really pissed if Roger or Steelers suspend Big Ben for even 1 game. Make Big Ben do community service or some charity work.

[steelblood]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

At best, Ben is a jerk. But that jerk gives the Steelers their only chance to win a Super Bowl in the next two years.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

If I were the front office, I'd be thinking like this:

1) Ben's trade value will be very very low if another episode like this occurs.
2) If Ben does everything he can to avoid these situations, it's pretty good odds that we as an organization won't have to go through this again. But if he doesn't "get" it, it seems almost inevitable that it will happen again.
2) So - let's make a best estimate of how likely it is that another episode will occur - interview him, talk to him, see if he "gets" it.
3) If he's so stubborn or stupid that we think he's likely to continue acting in ways that make a repeat episode, or three or four, more likely - trade him now while we can get something for him.
3) Otherwise - let's play football!

I trust the Rooney's to make the right decision.

[SteelAbility]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

No, I'm thinking it's really not worth contemplating at all.

I can't wait for the season to start so people will kindly STFU with all this trade Ben BS.

If the regular season starts and Ben is still with us it doesn't prove anything one way or the other about the merits of possibly trading Ben. If the right offer is made, he should be dealt. If no trade is effected, it could very well be a case of a huge strain created because his talent level is so high, but his perceived off-field problems are also very high, so the Rooneys simply cannot get an offer commensurate with his playing potential. It would be nice if people would learn to think an issue through before ramming a "STFU" in people's faces.

Your post shows exactly what you are all about ... getting a thrill out of ramming it in people's faces.

[stlrz d]

Re: Hmmm...interesting reading...

Let's trade Troy while his value is high. He had rest all last season so he'll be back and ready to go.

I say we should do it...who's with me?