There is a buzz zipping through Steelers Nation faster than the scalpel of a plastic surgeon in Hollywood. What is all of the chatter about you ask? Duh, it’s all about the quarterback controversy bubbling up in the town of a zillion Iron City “brewski’s” as well as other player personnel issues. First things first, let’s discuss why there is even a quarterback controversy at all. Let’s reexamine the root of irresponsible behavior over the years by “Big” Ben Roethlisberger that has precipitated not one but two ill-advised decisions that have directly affected his playing status and the wholeness of his team. The off the field actions by No. 7 revolved around and continue to be centered on the concept of self, self, self.
The basketball gods were shining on the Connie Hawkins Summer Basketball League as it returned to the indoor facilities of The Club 4-life in Monroeville to celebrate its 35th anniversary. For nearly four decades the league was the gold standard in which Pittsburgh’s great basketball players were tested. The league has been nationally recognized and was once named one of the top 10 best summer leagues by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It is the fifth-longest running league in the country. ‘TEAM HAWK’—From left: John Krchmar, Terry Smith, Munz Abdulla, Devante Goudy, Bill Neal, B B Flenory, Kevin Corlew, and Karlton Griffin.
by Barry WilnerAssociated Press Writer CANTON, Ohio (AP)—Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith can stop the chase now. Linked as the NFL’s leading receiver and rusher, two of the greatest players football has seen, entered the Hall of Fame Aug. 7. Both admitted their destinies are fulfilled. “This is finally it,” Rice said. “There are no more routes to run, no more touchdowns to score, no more records to set. That young boy from Mississippi has finally stopped running. CLASS OF 2010—The 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. From left: Emmitt Smith, Dick LeBeau, Russ Grimm, John Randle, Rickey Jackson, Jerry Rice and Floyd Little after enshrinement ceremonies at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio Aug. 7.
There was something special in the air regarding the 2010 Pro Football Hall-of-Fame inductees. All of these men deserved to be enshrined and in the case of Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau, better late than never. What struck me, aside from the heat and humidity at Canton, was the humility of Russ Grimm and LeBeau; the swagger and bright personality of Emmitt Smith; the coolness and calm confidence of Jerry Rice; the quiet intensity of Ricky Jackson; the craftiness of John Randle and the relieved smile of Little. They all have my heartfelt congratulations at being part of one the world’s greatest sports fraternities. Oh by the way, Emmitt Smith gave a 24-minute speech without any notes and without the use of a teleprompter. Mr. Smith does not need me to write any of his quotes.
CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP)—Super Bowl or bust? Well, the New York Jets’ big hopes might hinge upon the one player not at training camp. And, unless a major resolution occurs soon, it could be a while before they see former Aliquippa and Pitt star Darrelle Revis on the field. The All-Pro cornerback sat out the first practice of camp Aug. 2, locked in a contract dispute. “We’ve got to get who we have ready to go,” coach Rex Ryan said. “If Darrelle’s not here, then we’re going to move on. We won’t make excuses. We think we’ll have a great defense anyway, and I know we will. It’s just a lot easier if Revis is out there.” DARRELLE REVIS
by Tim DahlbergAP Sports Columnist Sam Bradford is coming off of shoulder surgery, and has never taken a snap in the NFL. Yet the No. 1 draft pick managed to get the St. Louis Rams to guarantee him $50 million and a possible $78 million over six years. Tom Brady hasn’t had as much luck so far at the bargaining table with the New England Patriots. And that’s despite three Super Bowl wins, a proven arm, and an uncanny ability to complete a pass when it means the most.
It is that time of year, ladies and gents. What time is it? Well as if you didn’t know, it does not snow in August and if you lose your afro pick, just make a few “twisties” and grow some dreads. It’s make ’em, or break ’em time at Steelers training camp now in full swing at St. Vincent’s College in Latrobe. Sometimes heat, coupled with stress, may occasionally cause temporary insanity but usually a Valium or Prozac washed down with a forty of Old “E” will cure all that ails ya; but has Mike Tomlin lost his “fro” comb along with the split ends and the brain matter located beneath?
by Malik Vincent The Pittsburgh Board of Education and the Department of Athletics’ George K. Cupples Stadium are in the midst of a $2 million project that will give the home of City League football and soccer a new look. Among the changes are a replaced playing surface, new lights, as well as updated drainage and sub-drainage systems. ALMOST DONE—An overhead view of the $2 million renovation that is taking place at George K. Cupples Stadium, home of City League football and soccer July 27. The project is expected to conclude before the start of the 2010 football season on Sept. 3. “It’s outstanding for the players,” said Pittsburgh Perry’s coach Bill Gallagher. “It will eliminate all of that astro-turf burn and other problems that were associated with that old surface we had before.”
by Alan RobinsonAP Sports Writer LATROBE, Pa. (AP)—Larry Foote is the mouth of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room. James Farrior is its conscience. Foote loosens up his teammates with his nonstop chattering and incessant arguing on any subject. Farrior is the defense’s acknowledged leader, a reliable perfectionist and team captain who is almost always in the right position to make a tackle or shut down a play. SIGNALING—Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote gives a signal during the NFL football team’s training camp in Latrobe, Pa., Aug. 1.
WASHINGTON (AP)—Nolan Harrison was hired by the NFL Players Association on Monday as senior director of former player services. Harrison played 10 seasons in the NFL and was the player representative for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1998-2000. He also served on the NFLPA’s executive committee from 2000-02. NOLAN HARRISON “The lessons in leadership that I learned serving in those positions really served as a springboard for me in my professional career in the financial services industry after I left the game of football,” Harrison said. “The confidence those guys showed me really inspired me, but also served to ignite my passion to continue to serve and protect my brothers in any way possible.”
