BRANDON AIYUK
Let me begin this communique by hitting the rewind button with a quote from the original cinema classic, “The Wizard of Oz.” When the characters Dorothy, Tin Man, and the Scarecrow begin their journey to find the “Great Oz,” Dorothy asks, “Do you suppose we’ll meet any wild animals?” The Tin Man replied: “We might but mostly lions and tigers and bears.” Dorothy answered, “Oh my.” They responded in unison: “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my.”
That line prompts me to ask, “Do rookie players ask what hazards they might face during and after their NFL journeys, besides injuries and being cut?” Could one of the answers be: Lions, tigers, and lies, oh my. Lions, tigers, and lies, oh my. Lions, tigers, and lies…. oh my. Lies and innuendos can be far more dangerous and life-threatening than any animal that we may face in the wild kingdom because generally speaking, a wild predator might kill and devour a few of us at a time, but lies and misinformation possess the power to destroy and devour entire generations. There was a story recently posted by Allison Koehler on steelerswire.usatoday.com: “Steelers rumored to have ‘deal in place’ with 49ers for WR Brandon Aiyuk.” In the article, Koehler calls out the credibility or lack of journalistic credibility of local sports radio personality Andrew Fillipponi. Koehler wrote that: “It was initially reported that the Steelers were out of the running after failing to meet the Niners trade demands. However, the next day, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Steelers are ‘for sure’ still in the mix. 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi stirred the pot a little bit more, tweeting that Pittsburgh has a “verbal agreement in place” for the sought-after playmaker. Keep in mind that this is Fillipponi, who has a tendency to farm for engagements. You have to wonder if his “sources” are credible or even existent. He could just be throwing it against the wall to see if it sticks. No one of repute reported that Pittsburgh was close to a deal with San Francisco.
Please allow me to repeat that. No one of repute has reported that Pittsburgh is close to a deal with San Francisco. No one of repute has reported that…Lions, tigers, and lies, oh my.
I don’t get it, but as far as I am concerned, it is simple. Scribes, report what is and leave what ain’t alone. Many of these writers continue to throw bricks of fiction through the windows of facts. Once they are exposed, they have no regrets or remorse. They are not even remotely interested in repairing the damage their ill-based opinions have caused.
On Dec. 17, 2023, Jonathan Heltritter posted this story on steelersdepot.com; “Former NFL Scout Believes That Mike Tomlin ‘Should Want To Be Fired.’” And former NFL scout John Middlekauff stated on the 3 and Out podcast that Tomlin should want Art Rooney II to call him into his office after the season, for he and the team to go their separate ways. “I think Mike Tomlin should want to be fired at this time at this moment with where they are at.” Middlekauff said on 3 and Out: “It’s just time, I’ve been fired twice. Best thing that’s ever happened to me. Both times went on to more success and make more money. It’s time for a break.”
Has Middlekauff, “Biletnikoff, and Stroganoff, play more golf,” lost the last remnant of his sanity? What arrogance, what insolence and sense of entitlement. How can a mere scout remotely compare his career choices as a “personnel runner” to one of the greatest coaches in NFL history? Oh, oh, oh, my, my, my, my, my. Usually, when great coaches are sought after, the team that desires his services compensates the team that he is departing from and him with money, draft choices or a combination of both. But in the case of Mike Tomlin, he should want Steelers owner Art Rooney II to fire him so that the team that is in line to possibly employ him won’t have to compensate the Steelers much or anything or at all.
Now, since Tomlin signed his contract extension, I have not heard a peep out of Mr. Helritter. As far as where the “scout” is, don’t have a clue. Would any one of us rather be fired from a job or give the employer the proper notice and leave with dignity rather than being escorted from the premises by security? Just remember this word from the wise. Beasts in the wild are not the only bloodthirsty predators lurking around the corner. Beware of some, writers, writers and liars….oh my.
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