I don’t have a major problem with what Ben said, but it does seem that he has not been taught how to handle those types of questions. What I mean is, it seems like no-one in the organization has apparently thought to sit down with him and coach him or prepare him for those types of questions. He is asked a question, and he just says the first thing that pops into his mind, not thinking through the possible ramifications. One would think that the FO would have discussed the “tall receiver” comments with him and just let him know that the media will take whatever angle they like, so you must be more careful with what you say.

These recent answers just seem like exactly what you said Blitz, that he felt bad about irritating Hines, and so now he’s kind of overcompensating with to let the veterans know he still likes them. He’d have been better off just saying that these things will be worked out based on the upcoming camps, and he’s looking forward to doing all he can to help the team win (coach-speak).

I think he’ll be fine, but I do wonder how much advice and direction he’s getting from the organization on how to handle the media.

Nothing in that article really rubbed me the wrong way, other than maybe the Dixon comment. Ben said something stupid like, “yeah, it would be sweet to have a tall WR” and talked out of his ass trying to justify why being tall is much of an asset to a WR, then the media blew it out of proportion, Ben and Hines made up, every mock draft had the Steelers taking a “tall WR” because “Ben demanded it” and unfortunately a “tall WR” fell into our laps in the second round. I think Ben’s right. If he doesn’t make that comment, we still draft Sweed. I think he’s standing up for his teamates, some of whom won’t make the team, and saying that the new guys have to pay their dues. I give him some credit for that.

First, I think the tall receiver thing was a harmless comment that the media hyperbolized to the max. Of course Ben wants a tall receiver and no one should have been surprised or insulted, including Hines. Ed Bouchette ran all the way to Georgia to throw that comment in Hines’ face and of course, he defended himself and his size. That whole thing seemed much more of a media sensation than anything substantive between Ben and Hines.

Regarding Ben’s comments toward rookies, what he said was simply a right of passage. I am sure he remembers the same thing in reverse when Alan Faneca questioned “going into battle with a rookie.” If you recall, Ben handled that situation beautifully by actually agreeing with the veteran and understanding that you only earn your way into respect on the playing field, not by some high draft choice. Ben then quietly went out and earned Faneca’s and everybody else’s respect.

His comments now about rookies are the same lesson he learned. His message is that none of those guys has earned anything at this point, not a carry, not a pass. I hope Sweed and Mendenhall get that message, work their rear ends off, and appreciate Ben’s leadership in making that clear much the same way Ben heeded Faneca’s leadership four years ago.

Moreover, Ben’s rookie message served a dual purpose. He also displayed confidence in the current players, which is showing added leadership.

I think Ben has said everything right for four years now on both sides of the fence. His continued support of the offensive line last year when every media member under the sun was trying to bait him was exemplary. That high road will serve him and all of us well in 2008.

they know he’s a very cocky and arrogant guy who rubs people the wrong way so those comments don’t surprise me at all.

I think he was just saying that Sweed was not going to start out low on the depth chart so he would probably be running with the second or third team which means Batch or Dixon or whoever will be throwing to him while Ben is throwing to Hines, Santonio, etc

I think we should cut him! Or D Squared might flat beat him out.

About Ben, obviously. Just look at all the different posts and perspectives. I don’t think you were misconstrued. I think you were accurate in your assessment. Ben is not a wordsmith. That too is obvious. He tries to be funny at times and it comes out awkward. He just isn’t as polished in the speech department as he is in the scramble-out-of-trouble department. Fortunately, we are paying him for the latter and not the former.

I think all the differing opinions, including mine, reflect the degree to which Ben’s interview style bugs us or not. I’m really not bugged at all by Ben but it is more than fair if others wince when he talks sometimes. That’s what makes us all different. Mind you, none of us is making any kind of deal out of this, including the original post. We’re all just weighing in. This board is an interesting social dynamic in addition to being a site about the steelers.

The draft always has to be a little tough for a team because alot of those guys are your family, and people you liked or were used to playing with will be gone.
It certainly reads like Ben could have been more diplomatic, but it’s May and I would have had to be there listening to get the full intent.

We have all certainly read comments from Favre or McNabb ripping their organization for drafting a qb on the first day- and those guys should be “mature” enough.