Defending the Decision to Start Big Ben
by average joe blow on Dec 20, 2011 6:03 PM EST
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So there's been a mountain of second guessing and hindsight experts today, but I maintain first and foremost that I trust the decision making of Mike Tomlin and his staff. I trust him to make the decision that gives this team the best chance to win a given game and succeed months and years into the future. I trust him to put the most capable 22 players on the field and do his absolute best to lead those 22 men to victory. Obviously he came up short last night against a very good defense and the main question today is whether or not a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger should have started the game. Since the only two other options on the roster are Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon (the "we need to upgrade the backup QB spot is a discussion for another day") the question is simply, could Batch or Dixon have outperformed Big Ben last night? I contend that niether of these guys could have done any better than #7 under the circumstances and here's why.....
First, I think it the Steelers' coaching staff built a gameplan around the pass becuase they knew they'd have an awfully tough time moving the ball on the ground against the #1 ranked rush defense in the league. If this was a game that could have been won on the ground, their QB decision might have been different, but this was a game that had to be won through the air.
Secondly, Ben had a fairly decent statistical game outside of the turnovers (and yes I know that's a huge, huge part). But if we can focus on the numbers for a second, Ben was 25 of 44 (56.8%) for 330 yards (7.5 per attempt). Now since Batch seems like most people's #2 choice, I started wondering when was the last time he put up any kind of numbers similar to this (ie when was the last time he won a game "through the air). Amazingly, the last time Batch attempted even half as many attempts as Ben had in this game was December 30, 2007 (16 of 31 for 216) in a game where the Steelers rested most of their starters in the season finale against the Ravens. What about the last time Batch had a 300 yard game? That would be a full decade ago, November 18, 2001 (36 of 62 for 436) in what I would imagine was a wildly entertaining 38-45 loss. And since I'm sure some people are about to jump through the computer screen yelling "what about the turnovers?!?!?," it's worth noting that in the past four seasons he's thrown more picks than touchdowns and also fumbled twice (although both were recovered). So armed with that information, are you still prepared to say that Charlie Batch is capable of facing a good defense and winning a game based on his right arm? I'm certainly not.
Oh and what about Dennis Dixon? Is he capable of winning a game through the air? Well if he is, we've certainly never seen it at the pro level. His career highs for attempts is 32 and yards is 254 and those are highs for a season, not a single game. His career turnover to TD ratio is 3:1 (or 3:2 if you count a rushing TD). So again, are you prepared to say that Dennis Dixon is capable of facing a good defense and winning a game through the air? Again, I certainly am not.
Now that I've said all of that, I'll close with this....I don't think starting Ben against this defense was the ideal scenerio to pull out a victory, but considering the circumstances and personel avaliable, he gave the best chance to win. Second guess and question our SB winning head coach if you must, but I will not join you.
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Agreed, most any coach rolls with BB in this game...
I had us losing this game much to the chagrin of my buddies.
Cross country trip. Woods first game back in awhile and rusty. No Deebo. BB at 60%. A gimpy Troy (although this is growing very common). No Pouncey. Niners lose at AZ and get a needed wake up call. Home teams on Monday night seem to always play with such passion and fire. Oh and the Niners are good.
the niners are not that good and if Ben was 100%, we would have killed them!
Who's laughing now, O Line??? Ben Roethlisberger (from the Podium) to his O-Line and the world in Superbowl XLIII
by SteeladyinVA on Dec 20, 2011 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
Their defense IS that good, certainly top 3 in the league right now
Go big or go home!!
by average joe blow on Dec 21, 2011 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
Haven't given up a rushing TD this year
and Number 1 against the rush
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Dec 21, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Majabe I said the same thing about this game...it was lost long
before the Steelers plane landed in San Fran…we just had too many obstacles to over come….all in all I think the game went about as expected…it was a bit of a cluster fuck….the score should have been higher for how poorly we played….if we were healthy I say we def give the niners a run for their money no matter we play……the niners got off lucky and most of the reasonable niners fans I spoke with told me that.
I can resist everything but temptation.....
by the duchess of steel on Dec 21, 2011 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
Had they not started BB...
…with so much on the line (#1 seed), it would be one thing. I do question leaving him in as long as they did, regardless of his desire to see the “mess” through. Any type of further injury to him would have led to howls from Steeler Nation.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
open
your windows, the streets are echoing with the howls of Steeler Nation anyway. Had they started Batch instead and the Steelers got trounced the howls would have different words, but the tune would be the same “Weeeeeee knoooooooow Beeeeettttteeeeerrrrrr!!!!!”
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 20, 2011 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
Had to close my window...
…mid-way thru the 3rd quarter. Those bandwagon fans the Cleveland DBN posters kept talking about were tearing their hair out and denouncing Tomlin, Steelers, BA, BB, god, Obama, their mother-in-law….(not necessarily in that order).
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
lol
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 21, 2011 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
the question is simply, could Batch or Dixon have outperformed Big Ben last night? I contend that niether of these guys could have done any better than #7 under the circumstances
It’s not about out-playing Ben. They’re healthy. I wasn’t hoping to have Charlie Batch save the day or anything. Just manage the game. A few throws here and there. Hoping our Defense could get a turnover or something.
"I think every quarterback should believe they’re the best. Do I think there are better quarterbacks than me? Possibly. But would I take anyone else with the ball in their hands at the end of the game? I don’t think so." - Ben Roethlisberger-
the D
hasn’t been very good at getting TO and SF actually gives up the least amount of turnovers as well as getting the most. I for one don’t mind Ben playing. Though it might have been wise to pull him late in the game, I understand the mentality of allowing him to stay in and finish what he started and not abandoning his offense.
I would also ask this, with the way the O line was getting shredded what if Batch gets seriously injured? Ben is a much tougher player than either of our currently available back ups. There really was very little possibility that the ankle gets further injured just because it is late in the game. If they were going to bench him, then it should have been for the entire game.
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 21, 2011 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
A few throws here and there? And you don't think Ben was capable of that
The problem was they needed a QB who could win the game through the air, not just manage the game and make a couple throws.
Go big or go home!!
by average joe blow on Dec 21, 2011 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
Is the author of this story Mike Tomlin??
Who's laughing now, O Line??? Ben Roethlisberger (from the Podium) to his O-Line and the world in Superbowl XLIII
yes he is
to the question : “who is the quarterback you’d least like to see suit up for an important football game?”
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
+1million to this.
"Leave the gun. Bring the Canolis."
that's a ridiculous dissing of Mr. Batch.
Batch has proven himself as a starter who can win games for ya. I don’t get it, why because he has a cold couple of series after BB last injury?
Weak…..
by steeler fever on Dec 21, 2011 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Well let’s see.
1) Earlier this month he turned 232 years old.
2) Watching him throw the ball is more painful than watching a certain other QB that’s in the news a lot.
3) He has proven himself as a starter in the past, but unfortunately they were still wearing leather helmets back then.
This isn’t about the series he played, I saw him in the preseason too. I watched him play last year as well. Great guy to have on the sideline, and I’ve always appreciated Ben having a (great great great grand) father figure to help him during the games, but there would never be any big game ever that I wouldn’t say “he’s the guy I’d least like to see suit up for this game”
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
Batch has proven himself as a starter who can win games for ya.
At some point alot of experience just means your old…..Batch is either crossing that threshold now or he already has.
Go big or go home!!
by average joe blow on Dec 21, 2011 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
37 isn't too old to be an nfl qb
I have a feeling you two will b singin a different song n a couple of weeks. We will see.
I want to see us acquire a solid back up next year. But right now Charlie is what we got. You give him a full week to practice, he can definitely manage our offense well enough to get us a couple of wins to end the season.
by steeler fever on Dec 21, 2011 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
Ok, sorry but I have to ask
I have a feeling you two will b singin a different song n a couple of weeks.
How is this a response to what I said, at all? I don’t believe I ever disputed his ability to be the guy taking snaps and getting credit for the victory against a team like the Rams or Browns.
The only way I could be singing a different song (sic) is if he were somehow able to lead the team to a win against a halfway decent team. (i.e playoffs, against good teams)
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
Obtuse?
1. my reply was to joeblow
2. both of you basically said he was too old too play anymore.
3. when/if charlie starts and wins two games against the rams and at browns, surely even a knucklehead like yourself, would give the old hasbeen a little love.
by steeler fever on Dec 21, 2011 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
feeling you two
oh, you meant both of the joe blows I get it, sorry.
both of you basically said he was too old too play anymore.
Again, I ask, how does that apply to me? I think you need to go reread what I actually typed, then what you responded to, that joe responded to, that you responded to. It will help.
when/if charlie starts and wins two games against the rams and at browns, surely even a knucklehead like yourself, would give the old hasbeen a little love.
Not really, I was never “not giving him a little love”. I was making obvious observations.
You mentioning him winning games against the Rams and Browns means nothing. I said “important games” ( I even clarified what that meant, but…that got lost in the wind I suppose)
So…one suggestion, if you are going to try to insult someone, and call them names, please oh please don’t make yourself look worse than the insult you threw out.
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
Please don't reply or comment to me anymore.
I am done commenting or replying with you frank. Whether you are purposely obtuse, just like to argue or whatever goes on inside your head. I really don’t care……….
I like this site very much. I don’t mingle well with you. As is surely noticeable with the other btscers. I am not saying you are a bad guy frank, just that we don’t mix well together.
I don’t want to have an ongoing comment battle with anyone. A troll occasionally is a little fun. But nothing on a regular basis with somebody. I have apologized publicly to you on here, I tried to play nice. Though for some reason you bring the worst out in me.
Next time I speak to you, it will be after the SB win and I will tell ya, I told ya so.
Nuff said, moving on…….
Please have the last word.
by steeler fever on Dec 21, 2011 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
Are you freaking kidding? You replied to me. I responded to your reply. Jesus man, is your skin that thin? If someone says something, and you question it, you should reasonably expect to have your point debated. If someone explains to you why your comment was sort of ridiculous, you get very offended. That is very “Malor” If what you want is to just say whatever you want, and never have anyone disagree with you, I’m sorry. I assume that we’re all adults, and we stand by what we say. And if my (very accurate) opinion of Charlie Batch is that he is the QB I’d least like to play a big game for us, and that bothers you, then ignore it. No skin off your back, right?
Please keep in mind that I never said a word to you until you started calling me a troll. I have directly responded to you few times, but you always have something to say to me. You’re kind of acting like that little kid that tries to pick a fight with someone, then if they come back to you, you go hide behind a parent.
Even in your passing comment, you said “after the SB win, and I will tell ya I told ya so”.
What? Told me what? I don’t know if drugs are a problem or what, but you are very confusing
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
37 isn’t too old to be an nfl qb
That’s too much of a blanket statement to be a valid point. For guys like Brett Farve, Kurt Warner and many others it wasn’t too old but for every 38 year old successful QB, I can give you two guys who were completely done by their mid-30’s: guys like Jake Delhomme, Chad Pennington, Drew Bledsoe, Steve McNair and Marc Bulger just to name some recent examples. It’s possible we’ve seen Donovan McNabb’s last succesful game and he’s only 35.
I’m not saying that his age should be the deciding factor as to how effective he can be, but at some point it’s fair to start questioning how effective an aging QB can be.
Go big or go home!!
by average joe blow on Dec 22, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
thats a valid point. Yet, I saw Charlie play as recently as last season and this preseason QBing the Steelers and doing so fairly well.
I look around at the Caleb Hanes and Tyler Palko and T.J Yates that are backups thrown into a starters role because of injuries. And I start to thinkin Charlie Ward might not be that bad of an option at backup.
That being said, I hope Pittsburgh acquires a new backup QB in the offseason. When we do, I really don’t want another later round QB pick ie: Dixon. I hope we get a younger version of Charlie Batch or Leftwich. A former starter who for whatever reason has been relegated to backup status. And is wanting to come to Pittsburgh for the possible opportunity to win a SB ring.
by steeler fever on Dec 22, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Nor is Dennis Dixon
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Dec 21, 2011 8:21 AM EST up reply actions
this
I would take Batch over Dixon any day of the week and twice on Sunday
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 21, 2011 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
I don't even know if a healthy Leftwich is
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Dec 21, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
Funny thing
Last season, everyone was quite pleased that our backup QBs successfully navigated Ben’s 4-game suspension period, posting a 3-1 record. But this season, suddenly they’re no good anymore.
That being said, it’s obvious that MT is going to ride Ben until he drops, injured or not. And Ben will never cry “uncle,” so we can probably expect him to start every game from now on. Time will tell whether that’s the best decision but MT is the boss and this team will go where he leads it.
I think
we were happy they were able to navigate the wins, but it doesn’t mean we were happy with what we had. Those were the only options. Also the D was playing lights out at that time and was completely healthy with no suspensions. Go back and watch those games, the D had more to do with the wins than the QB play.
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 21, 2011 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
I thought our D played well enough to win on Monday night too.
I’m not saying we’re happy with what we have as backup QBs (except for Leftwich when healthy). I’m just saying that they did a pretty good job, all things considered. So if your QB is having trouble walking, let alone running, maybe it’s not the end of the world if he sits out one game and gets another 2 weeks to heal.
can't
disagree with that sentiment. However I do understand playing the best option you have even if he is a bit gimp.
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 21, 2011 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
Bottom line: If Ben says he can go, Tomlin will never sit him out.
I just wonder how many more years Ben will be able to sustain his “tough as nails” approach. Ben’s taking a terrific pounding out there and I’m concerned about continuing to let him play when his mobility is so limited.
I am
also worried about Bens health, but you live by the sword you die by the sword. He sustained the injury holding on to the ball far too long (regardless of whether the hit was legal or not). I think the FO is doing what they can to solidify the O line and protect him, but he has to work on the fundamentals and not rely on the play extension so much. He didn’t really take anymore hits than usual in the SF game, he needs to realize that he has to get rid of the ball faster.
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 21, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
I think you touched on a key problem that many of us recognize.
Ben has never truly been coached and, thus, his play is still quite undisciplined. For example, who is insisting that Ben learns to dump the ball when the play isn’t there? We have a pair of RBs, either of whom could be very effective in space, but who is insisting that Ben and the OL learn to run a respectable RB screen, a basic play that helps you sustain drives and takes pressure off of your QB? And anytime he’s quoted on the subject, Arians always says he’s just fine with Ben exactly the way he is. So we’re kidding ourselves if we expect anything to change.
yea I think we've seen enough of Ben to know his style of play isn't changing
He’s never going to be a ‘dump it off or throw it away when the play breaks down’ type of QB. He’s essentially a gun slinger who never gives up on a play. At times that’ll bite in the arse, either with a turnover or injury, but it also leads to his explosive, signature plays.
Go big or go home!!
by average joe blow on Dec 21, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
And that has to be on the coaches
I still believe that with a good offensive coaching system Ben will one of the great passing QBs.
Flacco had Jim Zorn and Cam Cameron as his coaches for about 2 years. Imagine if Ben had that talent coaching him. Now Flacco not capitalizing on that is a different argument altogether.
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
I honestly don't think coaching has anything to do with it
That’s like saying Farve or Steve Young would have been better passing QB’s if only a coach could have taught them to stay in the pocket. Some guys are simply gun slingers who thrive in caotic environments.
Ben will never be a “stand in the pocket and dump the ball off when the protection breaks down” type of QB and that has nothing to with the coaching he either has or hasn’t recieved. He’s simply not that kind of player.
Go big or go home!!
by average joe blow on Dec 21, 2011 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that coaching (or lack therof) plays a role.
I don’t care how good a QB is or whether he’s a once-in-a-decade draft pick. You don’t just let a player come in and do whatever he feels like doing. The Steeler coaches should have worked with Ben when he was a rookie and insisted that he learn to dump the ball after so many seconds in the pocket. This wouldn’t prevent him from making big plays with his mobility, but it would probably save him from half of the sacks he’s taken so far in his career.
I also agree that Ben has never had a QB coach who really knew how to optimize his natural skills.
Look at their stats from those games....
did the quarterbacks do anything other than hand it off to Mendy and let the D win the game? I thinks not.
"Leave the gun. Bring the Canolis."
man, I remember that T.B game…it was downright painful watching Batch play. I know he made some throws and all that, but wow..
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
because of
spectacular D play
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 21, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
I know. Mendenhall had a huge game, actually the whole team had a great day rushing. Batch did throw 3 tds (iirc). threw some int’s too. But that Bucs defense was nothing like this 49er defense. A big game from Mendy was highly unlikely.
Watching him play reminds me of that movie Little Giants when they put the nerdy kid with the glasses in.
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
Agree, at one time Batch was a decent-looking QB.
But the Lions pretty much ruined his early development and now he’s just too old.
"Big Ben"
After the 2 interseptions, I believe Ben should have been pulled and let him heel for future games. Since he could not pass with full speed and accuracy, his performance suffered greatly. Would the replacement have won the game? Who knows but the chance of Ben being hurt worse would not be there and he would be healthier for the next game(s). I feel Ben staying in and not being pulled lost the game for us.
Ben should've left after the second offensive drive of the game?
When we were down a whopping six points? You can’t be serious…..
Go big or go home!!
by average joe blow on Dec 21, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Questioning Tomlin?
Hehe, spoiled Steeler fans. Don’t question Tomlin, he’s way smarter about football than you.
"Hey look over there. Isn't that John Candy?"
F U
we as fans know waaaaaaay more than any coach
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 21, 2011 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
i mentioned weeks ago....
and got labeled a troll……that these guys would blow it. all u know nothing talkin heads told me i was wrong. what was the score in san fran monday? the defense rests.
In Communist China and Russia, you have 1 choice of "Kool Aid": RED
In America, you have 2 choices of "Kool Aid": RED (republican), AND BLUE (democrat)
The difference is, in China and Russia THEY KNOW IT’S KOOL AID.
Ha! I remember you…you didn’t mention anything really. You just used an ambiguous term, that left you open to be “right” should the team lose one more game down the road.
You were labeled a troll because a) you are b)you copied someones name, but removed one z
and c) nothing you said made any sense.
That’s the recipe.
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
And u are the biggest phony of them all Frank..
yinz sit around, in judgement of everyone, from the towel boys to the head office..if u had any talent, fortitude, or connection to the business of professional sports u would be in a position of importance. But your not.
It’s easiest to criticize when u don’t have to make the decision(s). So ur station in life is relegated to sittin in your mom’s basement, next to ur ham radio, runnin your gub about things u know nothing about. (its nice to see u defending ur boyfriend too about my screen name, but in all honesty i didn’t do anything creative to get it, i just chose that name)
You and Bean must be from the same mold.
In Communist China and Russia, you have 1 choice of "Kool Aid": RED
In America, you have 2 choices of "Kool Aid": RED (republican), AND BLUE (democrat)
The difference is, in China and Russia THEY KNOW IT’S KOOL AID.
lol what? What do “u” do in your “position of importance” in professional sports?
I don’t know Bean at all, so I can’t say whether we are or not. He seems like more of a writer than I am, since I don’t write. He’s also a site manager, I don’t think I could do that kind of thing.
Boy, I'm three generations deep, in gangstadom
wow man.......ur good!
how did you know “these guys” would blow it? You got ESP or sumthin?
by steeler fever on Dec 21, 2011 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
i kneel
before your amazing prescient omnipotence
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 22, 2011 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
Kneel before Zod
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Dec 22, 2011 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I used
that on a post just the other day, well met sir.
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 22, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
Being a Pittsburg Steelers fan for 40 of my 47 years has been a real honor to my family and I. I have spent a great deal of my families recreational spending on Pittsburgh Steelers novelties, Northern California Steelers games and postage trying for a chance to purchase Super Bowl tickets. This year my wife and I purchased 49ers season tickets just to ensure we could get tickets for the Steelers vs. 49ers game. I also attended my very first Pittsburg Steelers football game in Pittsburg Heinz Field. As soon as I depart the plane I knew that I was home with the Franco Harris statue in the airport, it was a dream come true. I enjoyed this game very much and bragged to my friends when I returned home.
My wife and I attend the Raiders vs. 49ers game (see enclosed photo I’m wearing the Blue Stanford Shirt with wife standing behind me for cover) the same week and we were traumatized at the amount of violence at that game. I felt a need to let the 49ers know that I was deeply concerned regarding the safety of my wife or family attending future games. Tyson Lamps phoned me right away to reassure me that measures were being taken to rectify my concerns. Then came the most disconcerting moment in my life as a California Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. My wife and I were able to upgrade our tickets to the Pittsburg Steelers vs. the 49ers game to a luxury Suite #74. At approximately 5:12PM I was returning back to the Luxury Suite # 74 when I noticed a man whom I spent years admiring. He was being escorted by two men one in front of him and one behind him with each being equally spaced distances between them.
It was Dan Rooney, to my delight I started to tell him how long I had been a Steelers Fan and about my first trip to Pittsburgh to see a Steelers Home game earlier this year. That I thought the Steelers were a extraordinary organization and I was proud to support them. The whole time Mr Rooney never broke stride while walking to his Luxury Suite # 80. What I happen next has left me heavyhearted regarding my support for the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I asked Mr Rooney if I could take his picture he quickly replied NO and kept on walking. I could not believe my ears and was totally astonished. It seems that there are double standards for the owners and players.
The players are encouraged to socialize with the fans and sign autographs as this is a great marketing tool, and protect the shield. But as an owner who has reaped the rewards of dedicated fans like me his entire life and you don’t have 30 seconds to take a picture (Really Shame on you Mr Rooney) you have left me confused and a bitter taste in my mouth regarding my continual support of an organization that your father has built to what it is today. I think the Mr Dan Rooney should refresh and re-read his own mission statement.
Steelers Community Relations Mission Statement
The Pittsburgh Steelers are proud to be a part of the western Pennsylvania community. The organization’s strong commitment to this area dates back to 1933 when Arthur J. Rooney first founded the team. Steelers chairman emeritus Dan Rooney and president Art Rooney II are known as two of the most active NFL owners and are some of Pittsburgh’s most involved executives in civic affairs. Steelers players, coaches and front office staff are involved in appearances, charitable donations and outreach programs with nonprofit and community groups. It’s our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much for more than 75 years!
Sincerely
Terry Smith
go away
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 22, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry that happened to you
I have seen hundreds of celebrities over the years in my work roles. The only thing I can say in their defense is that they are constantly beseiged for autographs and pictures. That said, I hate hearing stories like yours because Dan Rooney should make the effort if at all possible. Maybe he was in a hurry or something was going on behind the scenes. He should have said “I’m sorry but I have to go, thanks so much for your support.” or something like that.
I was never an autograph seeker and never fawned over anyone, even before I started seeing celebrities regularly. They are just people like everyone else. Unfortunately, I found that I was mostly disappointed with how celebrities and their handlers conducted themselves. I stayed away as much as I could because if I liked an actor or musician or athlete, I didn’t want to see them act like an ass. My suggestion would be to focus on your enjoyment of the game and how the Steelers organization is consistently competitive and usually doesn’t condone or employ people who are jerks. If Dan Rooney had a bad moment, so be it. If he is a jerk, well, you are not really rooting for him anyway.
Two of the biggest asses I ever talked to in the sports world – Greg Norman and Joe Dimaggio. Enjoy the competition if not the competitor’s themselves. They are dependent upon all us little people for their so-called status and very literally their high incomes. We don’t need them to live or lives but they need us to live theirs. Your level of support or interest is your decision, you don’t owe them anything.
"Franz" in NoCal
There i was at a buffet,
and noticed Roger Godell taking all the Shrimp Cocktails. I’m watching this go down, in disbelief, and i can’t help but think to myself,
sweet
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Dec 22, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
greg norman
him & that sham marriage to chrissy evert- sickening couple!- i thinktheyre split now, right?
Yeah, they have been done for awhile I think
He had a really good public image for a long time. Guys like him and Lee Trevino play it up for the cameras a bit but have a rep for being very arrogant when the red light is off.
"Franz" in NoCal
ben should nto have played in that game
that he did- tells me all i need to know about this coaching staff
same old steeler58
Unqualified to judge a coaching staff.
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Dec 22, 2011 4:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
This schtick sounds familiar but I wouldn't say Tomlin or any coach is above criticism
"Franz" in NoCal
You missed this guys’ poast saying the steelers wont make the SB and criticizing woodley for injuring his hamstring during a sack dance celebration. Since his poast was bounced (or he pulled it) I wanted to suggest to him to calm down.
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Dec 22, 2011 4:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
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