How to Detect a Locker Room Cancer

[Prowler]

I think by now we've seen the signs of locker room cancers over the last several years.

First there was Bryant and Brown. The we had Claypool and now DJ.

It is very easy to detect these cancers by their body language on and off the field.

Plus these jerks just up and quit on the team deciding not to try at all on plays just like the crybaby DJ did yesterday.

I was the first to call these 4 locker room cancers before anyone else. I received a lot of crap for this.

And I'm telling you now there needs to be some kind of intervention for Pickens as well, before its too late.

I don't know how the hell we keep finding these guys but can we please go back to finding true warriors like Hines Ward at WR.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I think by now we've seen the signs of locker room cancers over the last several years.

First there was Bryant and Brown. The we had Claypool and now DJ.

It is very easy to detect these cancers by their body language on and off the field.

Plus these jerks just up and quit on the team deciding not to try at all on plays just like the crybaby DJ did yesterday.

I was the first to call these 4 locker room cancers before anyone else. I received a lot of crap for this.

And I'm telling you now there needs to be some kind of intervention for Pickens as well, before its too late.

I don't know how the hell we keep finding these guys but can we please go back to finding true warriors like Hines Ward at WR.

It’s tough because so many WR are divas.

I honestly think most of them settle down when they get to pro bowl status - Hines made some questionable comments early in his career…

in what this offense *was* it would be easy for a wr to get frustrated.

here is to hoping that an improved passing game shuts them all up

[Prowler]

It?s tough because so many WR are divas.

I honestly think most of them settle down when they get to pro bowl status - Hines made some questionable comments early in his career?

in what this offense *was* it would be easy for a wr to get frustrated.



here is to hoping that an improved passing game shuts them all up

You're right. The offense infuriated me under Canada. I can't imagine how much worse it would be for the players. Definitely a valid point.

[Captain Lemming]

I think by now we've seen the signs of locker room cancers over the last several years.

First there was Bryant and Brown. The we had Claypool and now DJ.

It is very easy to detect these cancers by their body language on and off the field.

Plus these jerks just up and quit on the team deciding not to try at all on plays just like the crybaby DJ did yesterday.

I was the first to call these 4 locker room cancers before anyone else. I received a lot of crap for this.

And I'm telling you now there needs to be some kind of intervention for Pickens as well, before its too late.

I don't know how the hell we keep finding these guys but can we please go back to finding true warriors like Hines Ward at WR.

I will debate you on who was first on Brown and Pickens (who despite recent outbursts is a WAY bigger diva than Deonte imo). I was pretty early on both. OV was way ahead of the curve on Brown too.

Dont know who was first but several saw it early.

[Captain Lemming]

You're right. The offense infuriated me under Canada. I can't imagine how much worse it would be for the players. Definitely a valid point.

Yes, this is why I dont know if this is a pure LOOK AT ME selfish diva move. I think his outburst was about Canada, and if it contributed to his firing… not gonna judge too harshly.

That said I simply don’t love him as a player at his salary.

[Chucktownsteeler]

I am holding out hopes for Pickens, but it wouldn't hurt my feeling if we had new WRs next season. Maybe give Austin another year to develop.

I have spoke out against DJ many times here and he has no guaranteed money next season but a hefty dead cap hit. I'd try and move him, FD mentioned Carolina.

That play with the fumble was pathetic, he needs benched for at least a half but it won't happen.

As Tomlin states: "I will tolerate you until I can replace you."

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Yes, this is why I dont know if this is a pure LOOK AT ME selfish diva move. I think his outburst was about Canada, and if it contributed to his firing… not gonna judge too harshly.

That said I simply don’t love him as a player at his salary.

Honestly think that signing was out of need. Claypool was there, but was a question mark. Juju was gone. There wasn’t anyone dependable.

But, you have an elite route runner with average hands who likes to run backwards… how rough do you want to make it in your young QB?

[Terrapin]

WRs were divas 10-20 years ago, but now I can't really think of any. Diggs maybe?

For some reason, we seem to collect and/or tolerate this crap more than any other team. Divas like TO, Chad Johnson, etc were way worse than DJ. Of course they were also much better players too. But really, what other team/coach has produced more diva WRs than the Steelers and Tomlin?

[Buzz]

I am holding out hopes for Pickens, but it wouldn't hurt my feeling if we had new WRs next season. Maybe give Austin another year to develop.

I have spoke out against DJ many times here and he has no guaranteed money next season but a hefty dead cap hit. I'd try and move him, FD mentioned Carolina.

That play with the fumble was pathetic, he needs benched for at least a half but it won't happen.

As Tomlin states: "I will tolerate you until I can replace you."

Meh, there's no reason Tomlin couldn't bench him for a half. We're not that dependent on him. And it might do a lot more good, long term, to send a message to the team that this kind of crap is not gonna be tolerated, not even if you are making more $$$ than any other player on our offense.

Bench him. Give Tiny a chance to take his place and see what he can do.

[Captain Lemming]

WRs were divas 10-20 years ago, but now I can't really think of any. Diggs maybe?

For some reason, we seem to collect and/or tolerate this crap more than any other team. Divas like TO, Chad Johnson, etc were way worse than DJ. Of course they were also much better players too. But really, what other team/coach has produced more diva WRs than the Steelers and Tomlin?

I would suggest were you not a Steeler fan you’d have less knowledge of our drama. Works both ways.

[WindyCitySteel]

I would suggest were you not a Steeler fan you’d have less knowledge of our drama. Works both ways.

But I know about it and obviously I'm not a fan

[Captain Lemming]

But I know about it and obviously I'm not a fan

LOL, yeah per 86 I guess you got a point there.

[Captain Lemming]

But I know about it and obviously I'm not a fan

You are making progress Windy!

The first step on the road to fan recovery is to admit you have a problem.

[Flasteel]

There is no defending his behavior on the Warren fumble play. Whether it's announced or not, there has to be internal discipline. There's also going to be that point where his teammates and coaches will be in the same room with him looking at that film. There will be no escaping the glares, groans, and lip-smacking for him in that moment. It better also be a moment of self-reflection for Johnson.

DJ was a quiet and reserved guy his entire career until this year, so I don't think he's a diva or a cancer on any level. I think he's frustrated and is not handling it well. But when it manifests like it did on the Warren fumble, it goes beyond his attitude and is adversely impacting the success of this team on the field. That cannot happen again.

We need this guy to get his head on straight and make the plays he is capable of making. Regardless of how any of you feel, he's got the kind of talent and capability the Steelers need if they are going to make a run. Those of you calling for his benching or release are understandably frustrated with his antics of late but are not thinking in the best interests of this team.

The locker room leaders need to be in his earhole, he needs to engage in some self-reflection, and he needs to be disciplined for that play. Most of all, he needs to man-up and use his talent to make plays for this team. That's what we all should be rooting for.

[feltdizz]

I think DJ is way worse than Pickens.
DJ thinks he is a pro bowler
DJ has been PAID.
DJ gets most of the targets.
DJ has most of the drops.
DJ checks out
DJ runs backwards

Pickens had 2 outburst in his career.
Pickens is our best WR
Pickens is our best blocker
Pickens has a right to be upset IMO.

Last 2 years.

DJ has 1 TDs
Pickens has 7 TDs

I understand being frustrated as a WR in this offense but we have seen DJ make some ridiculously boneheaded plays and mental errors all while acting like he has played perfect football and everyone else is the problem.