Just Watch the Game Blog

This is my first posting on the JUST WATCH THE GAME blog. The plan here is to blog at least once a day and probably several times a day. JUST WATCH THE GAME is the title of the book that I’ll be releasing in a few months and you’ll be able to read excerpts at justwatchthegame.com.

I guess I should get my two cents in on Ben Roethlisberger:

First of all, none of this surprises me. Ben is a bad citizen. He doesn’t know how to treat people and he definitely doesn’t know how to handle being the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In my more than 30 years of working in the Pittsburgh sports media, I have never had any player come close to generating as many unsolicited questions from fans as Roethlisberger has. They want to know why he’s such a jackass. And these aren’t just Steelers fans who got turned down for an autograph. It’s men and women from all walks of life.

Most of the accounts of the incident in Georgial mention that Ben wasn’t drinking much. The implication being that he wasn’t high. Let me be the first to point out that he could very easily have been high on something other than alcohol. If that turns out to be the case, will you be surprised?

If this jackass is charged with sexual assault, the NFL should immediately suspend him for several games next season. If the league doesn’t, the Steelers should. We hear all the time about how the Rooney family does things differently. This is a chance to prove it. It’s one thing to suspend or cut a third receiver or a backup lineman. Suspending a $100 million quarterback would really set the Rooneys apart.

Roethlisberger is a punk who needs to be knocked down a peg or two.

A couple of years ago I heard from a woman who said that Roethlisberger blew off a Make-A-Wish kid. When KDKA-TVs News Director, John Verrilli, was shown the email, he made it clear that it was a story that his news department would not be pursuing. I eventually got in contact with the parents of the little girl who the jackass snubbed. They said the story was true but they didn’t want to go public with it for their daughter’s sake. The little girl had cystic fibrosis.

As I said, Bad citizen who needs a comeuppance.

Date: March 12, 2010

Categories: Blog

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Reply

Federico Miranda

in March 18th, 2010 @ 15:19

The Rooneys should trade this scumbag to some NO-integrity team. i can think in NE, WAS. He is an embarrasment to the team, the city, and the fans.

John great blog.

Regards from Mexico
Federico

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JohnSteigerwald

in March 18th, 2010 @ 19:57

We’ve gone international. Bueno.
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Hambone

in March 23rd, 2010 @ 15:25

Famous rich people are magnets for opportunists. Ben is a good guy. Don’t judge him too harshly. No charges were filed, must mean the chick in Georgia has a weak testimony.

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JohnSteigerwald

in March 23rd, 2010 @ 21:55

He’s not evil by any means but, by most accounts not a good guy. Never did anything to me. Just have heard way too many bad stories about him. If one fourth of them are true he’s got a long way to go to reach good guy status.

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JoeD

in March 18th, 2010 @ 15:27

Thanks John, its about time someone called him out. Roethlisberger’s antics can’t be justified by Superbowls. His lude behavior in Pittsburgh’s night clubs and his mistreatment of Pittsburgh’s service industry has become common knowledge over the course of his career here. The Steelers organization is what wins Pittsburgh Superbowls not Ben Roethlisberger. In any case I’d rather watch a mediocre offense (which we had this year with him anyway) than watch him at the helm of my favorite team.
Thankyou
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Kilroy

in March 19th, 2010 @ 15:40

You certainly have no axe to grind, do you John? While I agree with you about Roethlisberger as a person, the Steelers as a team will be far less a contender without him at QB. Contrary to what JoeD and others have said below, those two Lombardis the Steelers have won in this decade would not be in the Great Hall at Heinz if not for Ben Roethlisberger behind center. He was finally the QB to replace Terry Bradshaw after suffering through every LOUT from Cliff Stoudt to Tommy Maddox. If he goes, then it’s back to mediocrity. Will Steeler Nation accept it? I’m guessing not.

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JohnSteigerwald

in March 19th, 2010 @ 15:56

What if he’s convicted? Would you be OK with him getting weekend furloughs to play for the Stelers?

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Kat

in March 19th, 2010 @ 19:54

John, did you check out the new episode of “South Park” the other night?

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JohnSteigerwald

in March 19th, 2010 @ 20:00

Missed it. Heard Ben made the show. I’m sure his parents are proud.

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meanbean

in March 22nd, 2010 @ 17:48

Spot on!

Glad to see you blogging Mr. Steigerwald. You and I often share the same opinions on sports, especially baseball. I haven”t watched a world series for a decade and I once attended an average of 50 Bucco games a season.

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JohnSteigerwald

in March 22nd, 2010 @ 19:40

Another man after my own heart. Now if we can only convince about 500,000 more people to do the same thing, we might get an NHL-style makeover and the Pirates would be back to being a real MLB team again.

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UsedtobeaSteelerfan

in March 23rd, 2010 @ 10:56

I have turned my Pittsburgh Steelers chrome license plate border upside down, and it will stay that way until Ben is off of the team one way or the other.
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Joanne

in March 26th, 2010 @ 06:12

Thanks for being so upfront with your readers. I think its time we stop putting these athletes on a pedestal and see them for what some of them really are. They are over paid and over idolized. This does not give them the entitlement to do what ever they want in spite of the consequences. Its time Pittsburgh Steeler fans realize this too. We idolize them way to much. We need to stop putting them on a pedestal that they do not all deserve.
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J.B.

in March 26th, 2010 @ 12:24

YOUR CHARACTERIZATIONS OF MR. ROETHLISBERGER ARE RATHER HARSH CONSIDERING, “BEN NEVER SNUBBED ME OR ANYONE I KNOW IN ANY WAY.” YOUR QUOTE OF 3/16.

I’M NOT BEN’S APOLOGIST BUT YOUR COMMENTS ARE AT ODDS WITH THE ABOVE STATEMENT. I ASSUME THE STEIGERWALD BROTHERS HAVE CONTACTS WELL INTO THE HUNDREDS. ….AND NONE HAVE BEEN SNUBBED BY #7.

REGARDING THE NUMBER OF UNSOLICITED QUESTIONS ABOUT ROETHLISBERGER OUT NUMBERING ANY PLAYER YOU COVERED IN 30 YEARS KEEP IN MIND ROETHLISBERGER’S CAREER SPANS THE INTERNET/TEXTING ERA. YOU CAN SPREAD A RUMOR TO A HUNDRED OTHERS WITH THE PUSH OF A BUTTON.

MAYBE WE ARE MISTAKEN IN THINKING THE STEELERS ARE A CUT ABOVE IN THE CHARACTER DEPARTMENT. I HAVE ALSO FELT THE STEIGERWALDS WERE A CUT ABOVE AS LOCAL JOURNALISTS.

“JACKASS-BAD CITIZEN-CREEP”–COME ON JOHN, THAT’S MARK MADDEN SCHTICK. IF YOU HAVE SOLID REPORTING PUT IT OUT THERE. REPEATING RUMORS IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH YOUR BODY OF WORK.

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JohnSteigerwald

in March 26th, 2010 @ 13:46

I have not reported one “rumor”.

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adam

in March 26th, 2010 @ 14:54

Wow, way to start out with a bang. I like what I see. Bet he isn’t around too much longer any more.
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wizzard

in March 29th, 2010 @ 13:45

Its not true that the girl is not talking to police. Her attorney was on Pittsburgh news stating that the media is reporting false information.. They are cooperating and tehre are more meetings with police….
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wizzard

in March 29th, 2010 @ 13:47

Legally, if the person is drunk, even if they don’t say ‘No’ it can still be considered rape. Court rulings have recently upheld this, broadening the definition of rape to include sex with the inebriated.

As Tehtaza mentions, reaching orgasm while saying “No” doesn’t make it a yes. Why would you wonder if “No” meant “Yes”? I’m disturbed.

If someone is so drunk, it’s likely they won’t remember everything that happened, they’re in no position to say “Yes.”, and it would be criminal to take advantage of them. If something, or someone helped them be that drunk, there is something very wrong indeed.

Did you drug someone, rape them, and now wonder if it wasn’t rape because they “orgasmed”? If so, don’t wonder. You’re a rapist. If not, this is still a very interesting question…
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wizzard

in March 29th, 2010 @ 13:47

Rape is to use the other person if they are unable to say no and does not understand what’s really happening for some reason. This applies to those that are drunk/stoned and more or less unconscious and unaware of what is happening as well as it applies on those that have mental disables and do not understand for that reason. This is because the person can’t give his/her consent or say no. No consent and it’s rape.

Then there is force of course, if one forces him/her self on the other then it’s rape. But force is not necessary, a no is a no and an orgasm does not make it a yes. Both men and women can reach an orgasm without wanting it, it’s body responses that doesn’t obey the mind and the will. When you are forced it’s not consensual and when you say no it’s not consensual.

So, 1. if she did not understand what was happening then it can be seen as rape. 2. No is no.

[Edit]
For studfinder, look at the answer in here, at least one says that “if you liked it it’s not rape”, and a lot of people think that reaching an orgasm is the same thing as liking it. That’s why I pointed out that reaching an orgasm does not mean that it’s a yes (or that you liked it). I keep coming across people over and over again that just doesn’t understand the difference and I find that really disturbing. There’s people out there that thinks that it’s not rape as long as the victim shows any sign of arousal or orgasm, and as long as the rapist get to that point in one or another way he/she didn’t really rape the victim.

* 1 in 12 male students surveyed had committed acts that met the legal definition of rape or attempted rape. (Warshaw, Robin 1994 “I Never Called It Rape”)

* In a survey of college males who committed rape, 84% said what they did was definitely not rape. (Warshaw, Robin 1994 “I Never Called It Rape”)
Source: http://www2.ucsc.edu/rape-prevention/sta…

That’s ^^ what it’s all about. People don’t understand the difference, and it’s not just men even though that study was about men. Most of the guys in studies like that just doesn’t know the difference between “no is no” and “no is not no if it seems as if she likes it”.
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TrishD

in April 5th, 2010 @ 07:09

I’ve seen the Steelers play at Forbes Field, Three Rivers and Heinz Field.
Been to every 70’s Steel Curtain parade as well as 40 and 43.
I have no idea how much money I’ve spent on tickets, stadium food, parking, sweatshirts, hats, etc over 40 years. Quite a bit.

BR is a great quarterback and a delight on the field.
However, I WILL NOT spend another penny on Steelers gear or tickets until Roeslisberger is gone.

I am one fan who will vote with her pocketbook.

Good, to-the-point blog, John.
Shame there aren’t more.

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JohnSteigerwald

in April 5th, 2010 @ 09:30

You’d be surprised at how many people feel the way that you do. Trust me. Dan Rooney knows.

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Diane

in April 13th, 2010 @ 17:17

John, Perhaps the NFL should do more to prepare players for the life they will lead once they sign a professional football contract. Afterall we take these kids straight out of college, pay them millions and expect to own a part of them. When Ben first joined the steelers, I truly believe that WWJD stood for his faith in God who gave him the talent to play. Then we publicly told him it is not in the best interest of the NFL to thank God for his talent. After all heaven forbid we insult someone who thinks no god exists. We then expect him to stop eating in a restaurant if we want his autograph, after all we do own a part of him. We hound them so we can keep current with all their likes and dislikes. We feel we have the right to know how many times a day they use the bathroom and what consistency it had. One of my kids had the fortune of meeting Ben before he was a star. He was kind and welcoming to fans at practice signing footballs and shirts. That was before we made him into our super athlete. Perhaps the NFL and steelers alike need to tutor the players on the art of being a star in public and a human being in private. Perhaps we need to learn to respect their private, maybe then he could date like any other single man and not have to resort to calming his urges in a bathroom in georgia with a giggling drunk girl. I do not condone his behavior any more than I condone us for driving these kids to perform as stars. Football is a game perhaps we need to put it into the perpective it belongs.

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JohnSteigerwald

in April 13th, 2010 @ 19:29

Two words: Sidney Crosby.
By all accounts he was a jackass in college. Too many guys have been able to handle it for me to allow him the excuse of being a star. We’ve had plenty of them in this town and they were able to stay out of trouble and not acquire reputations as all around bad guys.

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Richard

in April 14th, 2010 @ 14:41

And he’s fat.
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Richard

in April 14th, 2010 @ 14:46

Any true Steeler fan would be proud to send their 20 year-old daughter into the toilet with Ben.

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guitarg.

in April 15th, 2010 @ 10:30

Dear Richard,

Please tell me you do not have any daughters! Your comment is beyond sick.

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RLIII

in April 14th, 2010 @ 17:16

Mike Tomlin has done a great job letting this team unravel. In just a few short years our storied franchise is starting to look a lot like teams Pittsburgers have despised in the past. If you were born in Pittsbugh then you already know exactly what I am talking about. This team is the heart and soul of this city and there is a limit to the what Steeler fans should have to tolerate from its top paid player. Ben is not a leader.He is not a role model, he is simply a bad person with a consistent pattern of poor judgement and reckless behaviour.I would not want my son to be anything like him nor would I want him dating my daughter. In fact, He is a self centered jackass that should be be playing in LA if they ever get another franchise. Then he can hang out at the Viper room with his pal Kid Rock and all of the other Idols a guy like Ben aspires to be like. I would trade him even up for 20 other QB’s in the league and let him take his pathetic deviate lifestly with him He does not deserve to wear the uniform or live in our great city. For that matter, you take Tomlin with you when you go. See ya Ben. Go back to Ohio where you belong. Opps , I meant Hollywood!

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JohnSteigerwald

in April 15th, 2010 @ 09:32

Sorry. I’m not going to blame Mike Tomlin for Holmes or Ben. He inherited both of them and, James Harrison, for that matter.

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Diane

in April 14th, 2010 @ 20:19

John,

There is no comparison between Sidney Crosby and Ben. Sidney has been living in a carefully orchestrated cocoon since the day he arrived in Pittsburgh for just this reason. After all his parents and Mario made it part of his contract. He just has been smart enough to stay put. Maybe now that Ben’s parents are in town, they need to drag him home by the scruff of the neck and make him live by the same rules and curfews that Sidney has. By the way when was the last time you saw Sidney out on a normal date either?

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JohnSteigerwald

in April 15th, 2010 @ 09:32

For some reason Sid doesn’t call me or anybody else in the media when he goes out on a date. There has never been a better kid playing a sport in Pittsburgh than Sidney Crosby. it’s pretty pathetic when you’re suggesting that a 28 year old multimillionaire needs to have his parents around to keep him in line.

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Paul Rozmus

in April 15th, 2010 @ 00:46

You should post a survey sometime, like in this case with Ben: have an over/under on how many games he’ll be suspended…….Love hearing you on THE FAN radio —- keep pushing for the elimination of all field goal kickers in the NFL!!!!!!
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Diane

in April 15th, 2010 @ 19:16

You chose the comparison my dear, not me. Sidney is a dear, a tremendous player, and Mario and his parents will not allow him to be anything other. These guys don’t need to call anyone when out on a date, my point is that they cannot live a normal life without the media hot on the trail. Ben is an ass, but I firmly believe that we added to the fire. Had he lived in the same cocoon in Dan’s house, living by Dan’s rules don’t you think it would have had the same effect as Sid?
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Brooks

in April 22nd, 2010 @ 12:22

I hope he gets traded. It would be tough to pull for a team that he is on. Worst case scenario he is a rapist who should be in prison for the next 25 years. Best case scenario he is a sexual predator who has no problems getting a 20 year old girl so drunk that she can no longer speak coherently and have sex with her in a bar bathroom while his “security guards” stand outside and stop the girls’ friends from coming into the restroom to stop the sexual act. I know it isn’t much but I will not support a team, financially or as a fan, that has him on the roster. I am also disgusted to think that 2 local policemen would allow this to happen as off duty security guards and them come back here to work to “serve and protect” me.

Sexual assault is a very serious subject and I never want it to look like I would support someone who would be capable of doing what has happened.
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Joanie

in April 22nd, 2010 @ 16:48

Big Ben has talent,but he has shown that being talented doesn’t mean you are the sharpest tool in the shed.He may have the size and all..I mean who else out there can see over the whole front line? And doesn’t even have to back out of the pocket to do it?But when you see him,and really look at him….Well, it’s a No Brainer,cause Big Ben will forever be stupid Ben!! such talent wasted..
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Kathleen

in April 23rd, 2010 @ 12:26

I wish Ben would have been traded! I want the players with heart in Pittsburgh . . . people my son can look up to!
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BFWoodson

in April 27th, 2010 @ 02:11

All these over-reactions to the whole Big Ben saga (is he really that bad??) is NOTHING in comparison to what antics and shenanigans that bestowed arguably one of the Greatest players of Australian Rules Football’s Wayne Carey. Some of you may have heard of him.. he has actually assaulted a Florida policeman for that matter (after retirement). On Field, he was a BEAST!! (think domination) He was the type that many other opposition supporters HATED but still knew it’s exactly the type of player they wanted to play for their team. Admired by many yet despised like no other. Big Ben has only transgressed on a minor scale.. CAREY was already a felon (charged for indecent assault) of a female in the early hours of the morning after a play-off loss (read: Conference Championship) …but you know what… in the upcoming years.. his ON-FIELD DOMINANCE overshadowed his negatives. Winning Two Championships in 4 years (very ironic to the Steelers) and losing one. To cut a long story short.. Wayne Carey was was actually FIRED by his own team-mates… having to ‘unceremoniously force to retire’ from the club. This happened because of being caught on the spot with a team-mate’s wife in the bathroom… two weeks before the actual 2002 season started!!! Team still made the play-offs
without him. Would of gone alot further with him.. maybe win the club’s Third Championship in that era of the ’90’s & early 00’s..

On field Arrogance played a big part in Carey’s dominance and ‘persona’. No Doubt.
Big Ben is a play-ful puppy off the field in comparison who will need to realise that he must make smarter adjustments.

And make no mistake, IMHO, the Six week suspension has clearly SAVED his career as the Steelers QB.. he would of been most likely traded if it were say 2 weeks. I know how important it is to have a franchise QB and the Rooney’s have to hold their nerve. Smart move.

I’ve been a passionate Steelers fan since 1989.
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Mitch

in May 5th, 2010 @ 16:52

He was a jerk in high school too, I sat with him in class so I was there to watch it all. Also played football with him. He was respectful to the teachers and authorities however, but not a lot of other high school people liked him.
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StevieRay

in May 5th, 2010 @ 23:24

Everyone reporting this crap on Roethlisberger should lose all credentials. It is unbelievable to me that writers are interviewing & reporting on things that drunks say happened in bars and nightclubs. You could find people to say negative things about anybody. Especially athletes. The higher profile athlete, the more stories there are and the more people will embelish them. Search hard enough and you could find theres someone out there willing to say bad things about anybody. Even you Mr Steigerwald. How about “JUST REPORT ON THE GAME” …you should be embarrassed for using these alleged incedents to try to resurrect your carreer. And the writer for SI should be fired!

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JohnSteigerwald

in May 6th, 2010 @ 07:11

I’m starting an investigation today to find out why all these people are lying about Ben Roethliusberger.

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Fungame

in August 1st, 2010 @ 06:08

Good posts. I have book marked your blog. Thanks
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 21:38

I just raised the possibitlity. Ben’s a great QB, second best in franchise history, but the Rooneys have claimed that they’re different and don’t tolerate this stuff. They can do what they want, but they can’t keep Ben and keep making the claim.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 21:41

Ben has created 10 times as many unsolicited “what’s wrong with this guy” comments than any player I”ve covered in over the 30 years. Great quarterback. Bad Citizen.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 21:55

Rob:
Thanks for the kind words. Not being a nice guy and having two possible sexual assault cases pending against you are two very different things. You can’t win a Super Bowl if you’re wearing an orange jumpsuit.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 21:58

I’m little and I could be a weasel, but I was never ignored by Ben. However low Ben is right now. he got there all by himself. I have no sympathy for him. He is a great QB and a bad guy.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 22:45

You may be right. Of course, none of that can happen if he’s in prison and that’s where he’ll be if he’s charged and convicted. I realize that’s a long way from where we are right now.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 22:47

He has amassed an unbelievable amount of bad impressions in a very short time. Bad Citizen.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 22:48

Bob Nutting is a smart business man. Ben may be a sex offender. Get some perspective, please.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 22:51

I said he was a bad guy a year and a half ago on KDKA radio.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 22:54

Lynn Swann is the only name that surprises me there. Bill Cowher was known to blow off people in the Steelers office.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 22:55

Thanks.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 22:56

It’s been fun. Thanks
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 22:58

Tell your son to try number 43.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 23:00

That would be OK with me but it doesn’t work if he’s in prison. Thanks for the kind words
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 11th, 2010 @ 23:01

Thanks. Do you remember Sister Cecelia?
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Ellen

in March 11th, 2010 @ 23:32

I do not but I bet my sisters do!!!
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Bill

in March 12th, 2010 @ 09:20

Well, there was that ridiculous justification of James Harrison’s spousal abuse, “taking the baby to get baptized”.

Keep up the good work, John…who else will go after the “sacred cows” of Pittsburgh sports?
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The_Game

in March 15th, 2010 @ 03:53

Well, they did keep Jerome Bettis after the accusations against him. They did keep James Harrison and he admitted in his book that he punched a woman. Santonio’s been doing all kinds of drugs, but they won’t let him go.

I think all sports teams are alike…if you’re a superstar, they’re going to keep you around. If you’re a 3rd stinger, you’re probably gone.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 12th, 2010 @ 10:06

I don’t claim to know him. Here’s what I know. In 30 plus years ov covering sports in Pittsburgh, I have never had more people ask me why a certain player is a jackass (only they don’t use the word jackass) than I’ve had with this creep. I’d say it’s at least 10-1. Nothing I’ve said or written about him is based on how he treated me. He doesn’t know who I am. I haven’t said that I believed all the stories about him, either. I’ve mostly just commented on the huge number of people who, unsolicited, ask me why he’s such a jackass.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 12th, 2010 @ 10:08

Thanks. One more story to add to a growing list. I can’t vouch for the veracity. I’m just passin’ ‘em along.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 12th, 2010 @ 10:38

Nobody’s denying that he ever did charity work. It’s just that it looks more and more like the bad far outweighs the good.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 12th, 2010 @ 10:45

Thanks
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Emma

in March 14th, 2010 @ 21:46

Okay John…You seem to have an inside track; ; Has Ben always been this way? Belligerent? Arrogant?

Ben was the reason I became a fan of the Steelers again. This is a “kid” who had WWJD on his shoes (unless the J stood for John Elway).

I have a black and white photo of him ’squatting somewhat meditatively’ on the field before his first game after the motorcycle accident where he seemed to be genuinely thankful (to God?) that he was alive and playing.

This is a guy who had to rush home for his sister’s graduation.

So, my question is this. What the hell happened ? Too much fame? too much money?, too many concussions (brain damage can cause personality change)? Where is Ben’s family in all of this. Does no one have his ear?

I am NOT saying Ben the victim here. I’m a woman with daughters. But I just can’t comprehend how he could change so drastically.

P.S. To those who “worry; about Crosby. No need to. First, he’s Canadian and there just so wonderfully polite. Second, he has Mario who has done an excellent job of warning him about fame and the negative consequences. Sid will be just fine.

Wish that that entire Steeler team could be made up of men with the integrity of Charlie Batch and Troy Polamalu.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 15th, 2010 @ 10:10

I have no idea. It’s too bad.
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SteelerSam

in March 16th, 2010 @ 02:16

Nothing happened it is all nasty rumors

I actually had the chance to meet Ben a couple of times through a mutual friend that played football with Ben at Miami. Ben always was polite and very down to Earth. He seems very guarded against strangers, but once he got to know me he joked and messed around like we were old friends. I even have a photo on my camera phone of Big Ben giving me a noogie. He’s a big kid and it’s very easy to forget that he is a star because he acts like an average Joe. The guy adores his sister and is always at her games supporting her. Doesn’t sound like something a jerk would bother to do.

I’ve never seen him show off or act like he was better than anyone. He picked up the tab everywhere we went. I keep hearing how he skips on the bill at restaurants but when we stopped to grab something to eat at a BW-3 he slipped two $100 bills on the table as we walked away. I think the tab was only $30 and I joked that he should have given me the extra $100 bill. My friend always tells me how Ben is overly generous with all his friends, especially the Steelers linemen and Brett Kiesel, his best friend on the team.

I keep hearing all these stupid rumors that his teammates hate him and don’t respect him and that is flat out BS. Kiesel is known as one of the highest characters on the Steeler team. I can’t see him hanging out with a serial jerk as John seems to claim. Same goes with Heath Miller and Troy Polamalu, two players that Ben is very close to. Do you think high character players like Miller and Polamalu would be friends with a “jerk?” Ben is first to defend his Oline and often times gives them credit when they clearly don’t deserve it. After the SB win against the Cardinals, Ben hoists up the Lombardi and what is the first thing he says “how do they like you now Oline?”

From everything I’ve ever seen of Big Ben I will never believe that he is guilty of any kind of assault. People here’s a newsflash, Ben doesn’t need to force himself on some random girl at a bar…there are plenty of famous women that have expressed interested in him.

It’s been over a year since I got to hang out with my friend when Big Ben is around but I doubt that he suddenly turned into an ass. Here’s my take, you have a lot of people out there that act like morons when they see someone famous. When the famous person then turns around and refuses to give an autograph or pose for a photo then they become “jerks.” Need proof, remember the now infamous YouTube clip of Bill Cowher vacationing on the beach with his wife. Some douche bag walks up with a camcorder and starts bothering them while they sat there minding their own business. You can see Cowher trying to be a good sport but the jackass doesn’t know when to stop and starts poking fun at Cowher and his wife. How could anyone blame Cowher if he ripped the camcorder from the idiot’s and whipped it into the ocean. If he did do that or tell the clown to F off, Cowher suddenly becomes the bad guy, right?

Same thing goes for Big Ben or any other celebrity. I wasn’t there but my buddy tells me how he’s been with Ben at dinner and girls will jump out and start snapping photos while he tries to eat dinner. He told me how women then flip him the bird when he doesn’t smile for the picture and make fun of him. He also told me how two guys wearing Steeler gear followed them one day as they were leaving a shopping mall. The one guy whips out a mini Steeler helmet and starts yelling for Ben to sign it. Ben refuses, like he always does with adults asking to sign stuff because he figures it most likely ends up on eBay. As Ben pulls out the one guy stats calls him a fag for refusing to sign the helmet and spits on the driver side window of his Escalade.

So now, you tell me who’s the jerk? Don’t believe 99% of what you hear out there people. I think there are a lot of people like the one’s described above, they act like animals and then when a celebrity blows them off it is the celebrity that’s the bad guy. Ben IS a good guy and I wouldn’t believe any of these negative rumors unless you personally see them.

So tell me John, what happened…did Ben refuse to sign your BigBen Fathead and now you find him to be a jerk???
Reply

wizzard

in March 16th, 2010 @ 07:40

Emma. The problem with the so called christians in sports today, is its all showboating. If they truly believed in Lord like they demonstrate, they wouldnt have all these off field problems…Its so funny to see someone bless themself on the field or point to the heavens, and then on the next play, the claim to have caught a ball that hit the ground. If they were truly in the graces of the Lord, they would stand up and say, hey, dont waste your time with instant replay, i really didnt catch it. There are just too many phoneys that are using the Lord for their benefit. Oh, and that wwjd on his shoes, means we want jack daniels…
Reply

Kat

in March 19th, 2010 @ 19:40

Lots of people have claimed to be good Christians and yet to turned out to be complete asshats. Doesn’t mean anything.
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Mike O

in March 15th, 2010 @ 13:57

it will be interesting to see how the Rooney family responds to this especially if criminal charges are brought forward. I would hope that the Rooney family would deal with this situation and any other with consistency and fairness. I agree taht a players personal life is his own yet some behaviors or potential crimes are something more than that. Super Bowl’s don’t overshawdow character in my book. Thanks for being honest John and keep on blogging.
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The_Game

in March 16th, 2010 @ 09:40

Tom Barasso was like that too, wasn’t he?
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 16th, 2010 @ 09:48

He was no prize. Ben leads him 2-0 in sexual assault accusations, though.
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JohnSteigerwald

in March 16th, 2010 @ 09:56

Great post. Two things: For the 1,000th time, Ben never snubbed me or anybody I know in any way. My opinion of him is based on the huge volume of questions I got from people about why he is an _________. Also, I couldn’t agree more with you about the fans. I discount any story about an athlete being rude to an autograph seeker. Unless they are kids who haven’t been sent by their parents. Fans need to understand that pro athletes, movie stars, celebrities owe them nothing. Fans need to back off when a Steeler is out in public. No matter who it is. Leave the guy alone and get a life.
Reply

JMS55

in March 23rd, 2010 @ 13:11

I am so glad to hear/read about what type of person Ben really is. My son is active military and was at Heinz Field for a flyover, Ben and Santonio were both on the field warming up. Ben throwing balls and Santonio running along the sideline. Ben thru a ball to my son, my son caught it and Ben came over, shook his hand, thanked him for his brave service, and posed for picture that was taken by my son’s friend on his camera phone. My son took that picture off of his buddies camera and transferred to his laptop and uses it as his desktop. After that, Ben had Heath Miller, Brett Kiesel and Hines Ward come over to shake my sons and his buddies hand. A very classy act. This is gameday, they have other things on their minds but Ben and the rest of the players were simply the best.
I have a very hard time believing as you do, that Ben did this terrible thing. I just wish everyone should not be his judge and jury. These so called righteous purists probably have alot of skeletons in their closet t hat they don’t want to get out. Those who are with sin should not cast the first stone.
My heart and prayers are with Ben and his family.
I’m tired of all this b/s that this jackbutt Steigerwald is writing about Ben because Ben refused an interview because of the jackbutt he is. He’s nothing but a sensationalistic tabloid writer and wants to capitalize on someone else’s misfortune. (notice I didn’t call him a journalist).
BEST OF LUCK, BEN. I’m pulling for you.!!!
Reply

wyckoff

in March 16th, 2010 @ 18:33

Oh, get a GRIP !!! now you’re bashing the guys for having some faith ??? “graces of the lord”, OH MY GOD!!! It’s absolutely NONE of your business how or where or when these guys want to show thier appreciation to GOD ! God understands how anyone wants to ‘thank him’ , whether YOU , almighty wizzard, likes it or NOT ! go to blazes !!!
Reply

Emma

in March 17th, 2010 @ 13:28

Wizzard,

May I suggest that we don’t blanket condemn people. There are Christians who are sincere who also play professionally.

I gave two examples in my original posts. I’ll stick with Troy for right now however. I do not believe that even his (Troy’s) own teammates or players from other teams can find fault with the character of Polamalu.

So not all athletes who are Christians and profess to be so are necessarily putting on a “show.”

Also, I’ll add that I am not “finding Ben guilty” other than of poor judgement at this moment. I’ll let the legal system handle (or mishandle?) that.

P.S. Dear “Wykoff’ I shall pray for your sorry soul! How can you believe that “producing on the field” allows someone to commit crimes against anyone, let alone women. You must be a very sad and lonely individual.
Reply

wyckoff

in March 16th, 2010 @ 18:34

funny, they wouldn’t post my other response. Steigerwald, you got more issues then Ben does, that’s for sure ! get a grip, man ! You’re a unhappy, selfish &#*((*#@$ !!! get a life, would ya ?
Reply

wizzard

in March 17th, 2010 @ 07:10

If ur gonna use the Lord, then do it all they way…. not just when it fits ur needs.
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wizzard

in March 17th, 2010 @ 07:14

P.S. you cant be very close to the Lord if you are out drinking like a fish and entering womens restrooms with bad intentions… come on man. I dont think the Lord would be proud of good ole ben…..wonder if he blessed himself and pointed to the heavens before he entered the womans restroom? A nice show of faith there booby ben
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Effie

in March 17th, 2010 @ 16:38

Wizzard !! I can’t believe you or anyone would ever go to the length as to decide who the ‘Lord’ loves ! I think you need to go and read your bible ! If you have one ! That’s just the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard anyone say! oh my !! ” Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us ” . You’re a sick puppy, Wizzard ! and I suggest you figure out your ‘walk in life’ and not worry about how God is looking after the rest of his children !

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