Even though I’m not a Steeler fan, I do appreciate the lore of the team and especially the image they’ve worked hard to cultivate of winning the right way. Loyalty to coaches (2 or 25 years or so) and players so long as they behave and compete within the ideals of the organization. The Rooney family has historically made moves or not made moves that set this tone and players gladly followed to be able to be part of such a great organization.
The last few years have seen some changes. Perhaps it is just getting harder for the Rooneys because so many people are doing the wrong thing. I was surprised as were many that they stuck with Ben Roethlisberger after his numerous bad decisions (motorcycle accident, 2 alleged sexual assaults). Recently Hines Ward was charged with DUI. Reminder that police action is still in process so remember charged and guilty are different. Finally this morning, reading this article about James Harrison made my blood boil. There is NEVER (and superlatives don’t apply very often as we all know) an appropriate time or place to comment with the hateful language James Harrison did, in business or otherwise.
I’ll be eager to see if the Rooneys respond in any way, either by trying to reign him in seeking to trade him to another team. While we are still in a lockout, he’s still referenced and known as “Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker” James Harrison.
So Mr. Rooney, if you are reading our blog, I challenge you to step up as the Rooney family has for decades and make the right decision to exit this guy from your organization. In my mind he is further tarnishing the image of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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