There is no truth to the rumor that the Steelers will soon sign Kevin Greene.
Or Joe Greene for that matter.
But it seems just about any ex-Steeler is a possibility for the team that has now signed two of its former players within the last week and been unusually active since free agency started March 5.
Larry Foote, who wanted out of Pittsburgh last year when he still had a starting job, returned to his old team Monday even though he won’t have a starting job this fall.
Foote will back up James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons at inside linebacker, and he said during the second welcome-back news conference the Steelers have staged within the last week that, “I accept that role.”
If such a drastic change of heart seems a little odd consider that Foote spent last season in Detroit where the Lions may be even worse off than the auto industry.
Foote wants to win again after enduring a 2-14 season in his hometown. The Steelers are just as serious about winning following a season that probably seemed as disastrous to their fans as a two-win campaign.
They have improved their depth on an aging defense by signing Foote and safety Will Allen.
The addition of Foote also gives the Steelers the same flexibility they had at linebacker in 2008 when Foote started and Timmons served as the basketball equivalent of a sixth man. Now, it will be Foote coming off the bench.
Depth at wide receiver has been bolstered by Antwaan Randle El, who is back with the Steelers following four seasons in Washington, and Arnaz Battle. The Steelers also improved themselves on special teams, at least on paper, by signing Battle and Allen.
Take the free agent signings the Steelers have made — they include Clark and nose tackle Casey Hampton — and it’s easy to conclude one thing: the Steelers believe they can coax at least one more Super Bowl run out of a group that isn’t getting any younger.
They kept the core of their team together but also acted with urgency in adding some key parts, ones the Steelers could have used last season when they missed the playoffs after winning six of their first eight games.
Of course, the Steelers’ plan to challenge for a seventh world title in 2010 could be derailed by Ben Roethlisberger’s reckless and possibly criminal behavior.
If the franchise quarterback is charged following accusations of sexual assault — authorities are still investigating the March 12 incident that took place in Milledgeville Ga. — his latest off-the-field troubles go to another level and probably to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's office.
Under the league's player conduce policy, Goodell has taken a hard line against those that tarnish the league’s image — and punished players before they have been convicted of any crime.
If Roethlisberger, who has been accused of sexual assault twice within the last months, is charged in the coming days or weeks in Georgia, he will be staring down the barrel of a league suspension and possibly a lengthy one.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are watching the situation with bated breath.
That is because Roethlisberger’s troubles could ultimately sabotage the good they have done during the part of free agency in which they are usually quiet.
March 15th, 2010 - 7:50 pm
hey while were at it. lets bring back Rod Woodson, Terry Bradshaw, Mel Blount, Jack Lambert, and Merrill Hodge too!
March 15th, 2010 - 10:30 pm
I for one welcome the new signings and believe that Foote will do well in that position and make many plays helping this team towards an unprecedented 7th title. I sincerely believe it can be done and I see 2 good years out of this bunch and if we can finally strike gold in a gold rush draft this year and plan further for the future then we can continue to win even after the current bunch head for their second careers. Roethlisberger's behavior is what concerns, angers, and befuddles me the most. I am happy developing Dixon, but after we have gotten all we can out of our current QB. But our $100 mil man wants to act like a kid in a candy store instead of stomping with the big dogs of his own crowd which will cause us issues... personally, I am so frustrated with this, that I could very easily jump the Big Ben ship and prep the Dixon hobie for sail. I would love it if he's innocent and charges are not filed, he gets it and stops this behavior now. If not... then we must move on without him.
March 15th, 2010 - 10:50 pm
I dont know all the intricasies of the NFL's policies and rules regarding who can be traded when, or what you get suspended for. And if I was the Rooney family, I wouldn't even care. Ben has done enough damage to the Steeler organization and embarrassed the city and its proud heritage enough. He needs to be taught a lesson and I would be all for sending him packing to some sad sack team which has no self-respect and would gladly have him on their roster. As for me I have a 10 year old little boy for whom football is bigger than life who used to proudly wear his Big Ben Steeler jersey. He doesnt wear it anymore, and Ben does not deserve to wear one if for no other reason that that. I dont even care whether he raped these women or not. He acts with foolish disregard. If he wants to wear Satan T-shirts and drink himself into oblivion while bimbos line up to be photographed with him, h should do so representing some othet team and city. He needs to get out of our collective lives. Bring on the era of Dennis Dixon, or better yet Tim Tebow. Then my son could put a Steeler QB jersey back on again without being ashamed and without hearing the taunts of Ravens fans here where we live . . .
March 16th, 2010 - 6:06 am
First in regards to the signings. Randle El is going to be 31 years old this upcoming season. Add that to the fact that even when he was with the Steelers he was nothing more then a slot receiver who thought he was something more and obviously so did the Washington Redskins. Unfortunately for both, he never had a 1000 yard season and he never caught more then 53 passes in a season. He will battle for the 4th WR spot in Pittsburgh and in my opinion, will fall short. Battle, Allen and especially Larry Foote will help them add depth but does nothing to improve the starting lineup. Once again the Steelers hold onto their wallets with a vice like grip and allowed some of the best CB in Free Agency to walk to other teams. I see nothing that would suggest their secondary will be any beter then it was last year.
The fact that anyone is even suggesting that Ben Roethlisberger could be facing a lengthy suspension is unbelievable. Is that all it takes to bench a great player? If I knew that I would have filed a complaint for sexual assault against any player I want that just happens to be a thorn in my favorite teams side. Let's assume charges are filed against him. Shouldn't he be allowed to be inocent until proven guilty? If he is suspended even if charges are filed I say he should sue the NFL for a billion dollars for having the audacity to punish him because someone said he did something but have yet to prove it.
March 16th, 2010 - 8:09 am
Roethlisberger is truly the key to this off-season and the next few years. I sure hope he is innocent and able to play football.
"Franchise" QBs are hard to find and hard to replace.
I am definitely not looking forward to re-living the Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, David Woodley, Todd Blackledge, Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham, Tommy Maddox era for the next 20 years.
March 16th, 2010 - 9:22 am
While we are reliving the past, can somebody please find Ron Erhardt? Above all else the Steelers need an offensive coordinator who knows how to put together a successful running game.
March 16th, 2010 - 9:32 am
As far as Ben Roethlisberger goes here is my take:
1. Everyone should be innocent until proven guilty.
2. He should have known better.
3. It is very difficult to explain situations like this to your children and professional athletes like Big Ben should be role models. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on your position, professional athletes are role models for entire generations of youth. As such, they have a distinct responsibility to at least behave in a mature, responsible manner.
4. If I was his father (money or no money) I would have a "heart to heart" talk with him and tell him that he has screwed up and needs to get back to his core values.
One question: What would his deceased mother think of his behavior in the last year or more? Would Big Ben say that he was proud of his behavior? If the answer is no, I rest my case!
March 16th, 2010 - 10:01 am
Ben should be ashamed of himself. Guilty or not, he is palcing himself in a position to have "bad" things happen to him. What is with the "Satan" tee shirt? I thought thathe was a believer in Christ??! No Believer i know would where a Satan tee shirt. This is a poor image for the young kids that looked up to him. Ben!!! Wake up buddy!!! We can move on without you and probably should if the smoke turns into fire.
March 16th, 2010 - 10:16 am
I really have no problems with these signings. The Steelers added quality depth where it was needed. Their coverage units should be improved. They now have veteran depth at WR since it appears Limas isn't going to pan out at all. They now have much needed veteran depth at LB. They didn't break the bank for any of these players and the players that were signed already are aware of what their roles will be. (Randle El will likely be the #4-5 WR and a special teamer. Foote knows his role now and accepts it.) All in all, the Steelers made smart moves. Despite our secondary problems, I strongly believe the corners that were available aren't worth the investment they would have commanded.
March 16th, 2010 - 10:38 am
It seems as if many that have responed to this story no nothing or little about creating a winning team. Key word is depth and another is experience. So what Foote and Randle-EL return. They help us become stronger in many ways. i suspect that you will change your story when they are winning and say " That was the besy idea to bring them back."
March 16th, 2010 - 11:14 am
Paul Nitz, one thing that should be corrected in your statement is the "drink himself into oblivion" charge. All of the reports state that Ben was nursing a couple of beers throughout the night, and no one has charged that he was out of control or even drunk. His other actions are stupid at best and criminal at worst, but to my knowledge there is no accusation or evidence at all that he was drinking himself into oblivion.
March 16th, 2010 - 11:56 am
Send Ben packing. Get a few high draft picks in return. Every season it's another distraction for him- motorcycle accident, Andrea McNulty, and now this college kid. However, I don't expect the Steelers leadership to ship Ben out anytime soon- they're stocking up for a run at it this year, and trading Ben would seem inconsistent with the recent flurry of signings. I think the city and fans of Pittsburgh expect a high level of professionalism and character from their players- and they've always gotten it until now. It will be interesting to watch how Rooney handles this- they've let others go before due to bad judgement/personal problems- will they hold the same standard to Ben? I probably don't agree with the popular perspective- but I would rather see him out of a Steelers uniform. I have children too- luckily they wear Polamalu and Bettis jerseys- not Big Ben.
March 16th, 2010 - 11:58 am
Only the Steelers could win a Superbowl one year and then fail to even make the playoffs the next. It kind of tells you that they won the Superbowl with a lot of luck on their side instead of truly earning it.
True class-act , top notch teams repeat their Superbowl wins like the Patriots and Broncos.
Good luck Steenkers fans. You'll finish 8-8 next year. HAHAHAHA!!
March 16th, 2010 - 4:32 pm
after we find ron earhardt, we need to get #36 the bus back in cause we do not have a running game to boast about. while bettis carried piles of 300 pound linemen for 3 yards, are now famed runner mendenhall gets knocked for 3 yard losses, carry on men!
March 16th, 2010 - 6:24 pm
Ben is a young man doing as young men do. If you choose to make him a role model that is your business. He owes you nothing and it is you who put him on a pedestal with your expectations of living to your standards or religious beliefs.
Today, Babe Ruth would be hounded out with the todays twitter crap and instant news. Ben and many star athletes are targets. Yes, he should know better and took precautions with body guards, police but this whole thing sounds fishy. How bout minding your own business and judge not and wait until you know all the facts. When he is found innocent, don't wear his jersey or buy one. No one told you to in the first place.
March 16th, 2010 - 6:27 pm
Love the signings and agree with those who feel they will make the Steelers a better team.
If Roethlisberger is guilty, grill him at the stake. If he's innocent and doesn't get charged, he should NOT be suspended. I'm confident if he comes out of this, the team will make sure this is his last mishap.
That being said, whether you like it or not, Big Ben is a unique talent that is NOT replaceable on this team. As Ben goes so will the Steelers. The reason there's even talk of a 7th SB is because we got to six thanks to #7. Dixon could develop into a solid back up but he's not the franchise QB. Hope Ben is innocent so we may continue our winning ways.
March 17th, 2010 - 8:31 am
Why not bring back Lynn swann and john stallworth for " one more Run at a SB"
at this rate our beloved Steelers will be the browns with 3-11 records ... GET some young guys in there working ...DUHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
March 17th, 2010 - 10:27 am
Scott,
AMEN brother! I could not agree more with you. Our OC is a big problem. If I can sit on my couch and call the plays before the snap any NFL DC is bound to now what is coming.
March 17th, 2010 - 10:28 am
You got to be kidding!!! The signings of free agency are good pick ups they know the system and Will Allen and Battle are good pick ups. When it comes to BIG BEN he is the reason why we won 2 super bowls in the last 5 seasons. To send him packing is the most ridicolous thing I have ever heard. He is the best QB in the league and you want to give him to another team. Thats crazy, and people are just targeting him. He is 27 years old he can have a night and witnesses say he didnt drink much so its not like he is getting hammered.
March 17th, 2010 - 12:52 pm
I got one... sign Willie Parker. No one else wants himand he still has that burst of speed. I think he can still get it done for us. personally I think the Jets made the bonehead of moves letting Jones go, not signing Parker and going with a washed up LT. Yep, I said it. He has not gained more than 3.? yards per carry for 2 years, what will make that change this year? He simply doesn't hit the hole the same way.
In any case, lack of vision should land FWP right back here in Steele Town. I hope so.
March 17th, 2010 - 2:27 pm
In the uncapped year, a player has to have 6 years of service to be an unrestricted free agent, not 4 as under the old rules. That limits the number of younger players available.
March 17th, 2010 - 9:20 pm
Well, I have been a steeler fan my entire life as I know everyone who wrote a response has. The great thing about the Steeler Organization is we do not go after the next "prime time" talent because they often bring baggage. Pittsburgh is great at finding hard nose players that love to play and are socially responsible.
In saying that, I would go crazy when the media always mentioned the best QB's in the league, Payton, Brady, RIvers and Eli, and I would always defend BEN saying "I would still want Ben with the ball at the end of the game." Now I am not sure I want him to handle the ball at the start of the game. All I can do is nothing but shake my head and wonder what Ben was thinking. I do understand that being in the spotlight can be hard but a great old saying "with great power comes great responsibility", and 100 million dollars brings great power. BEN you are not the average 28 yr old kid, you need to act 48 yrs off the field. I am sadden by the entire situation. I do not want to go thru what was mentioned before 20 yrs of finding the next franchise QB
I think the signings will help but the most important thing is having 43 healthy and playing the entire season. He has the ability to hide mistakes that the secondary does occur more often than not. He makes a 9-7 team go 12-4 next season.
March 18th, 2010 - 9:56 am
Our failure to make the playoffs happened because we gave up 5(right?) kick-off returns for TD's.
March 18th, 2010 - 2:29 pm
Agree w/ danny 100 %. Get rid of Ben? Are you stupid? Ben is a winner would not trade him for any other QB in the league. And for anti-ben, pats and broncos do not even come close to the Steelers status. We got the rings plain and simple. And the 8-8 comment for this upcoming season. Get real.
March 18th, 2010 - 7:06 pm
All of you people who have Ben hanging from a noose should just SHUT UP. You people have never made a mistake?? Are you all that pure and righteous??? I don't know your ages but I do know this, I was once young and stupid and did things I shouldn't have. But, life is a great teacher and hopefully Ben learns from this. You want him ran out of town for trying to be a normal person. (mistake on his part). He's the best QB we've had here since Bradshaw. You don't think that maybe let's see the likes of say at least 25 other teams would snatch up in a heartbeat and wouldn't care about his off the field issues? When we are sitting in the month of November 0-8 or 1-7 or what have you, you will be jumping off the closest bridge.
First of all, all of you have made a mistake by treating these pro athletes as role models or God. Get this, they are human beings who are imperfect. The only difference between them and me is that their job pays them a whole hellava more than mine does. The same goes for these hollywood stars. No one is better than anyone else. We are all created equal. I would never let my kids "worship" an athlete or star. They can admire, cheer, or this case "boo" them for their performances but never should they hold them to a higher standard than what they are being held. Ben is Ben and he can't be anybody else. Just like you are who you are and you can't be anybody else. We cannot mold these players into what we want them to be. They are who they are. We just have to accept that and cheer for them to bring us another SB Championship.
GO STEELERS!
March 18th, 2010 - 7:11 pm
The Steelers are bigger then any one player. Leftwich, McNabb or even Orten could run our offense. Maybe Mr. Rooney talking about going back to the run is not such a bad idea. Fast Willie has been a good citizen, maybe be part of a good one-two punch as well!
March 19th, 2010 - 9:57 am
Steel Steve, are you nuts? Leftwich, McNabb or Orten?? I can't believe I read that. I wouldn't want anyone of them. Neither has shown the ability to win the big game. Leftwich is what on his 3rd team or for that matter, out of football. McNabb pukes in the Super Bowl and Orten, well, he's overrated with no talent. I would not want anyone other than Ben. I don't care what type of an offense you run, you still need a QB to win a SB.!!!
March 19th, 2010 - 1:35 pm
The signings of Hampton , Clark, and Foote will help the D, I can see Foote going back to his old role of two years ago but I do not know about Randel EL and Arnaz Battle both of these guys did not have great years for the last teams they played for. I think the money could of been better spent on a younger WR some one who can take Ward place in a couple of years.
I just do not know about Ben it just does not look good at all sex scandles two years in a row and if he beats it this time is he going to be in another one next year?
You would think one would of been enough. I think with Ben in the line up they can win 2 or 3 more super bowls over the next 5 years but you can not win those game sittng on the sidelines or in jail.
If there is a QB out there who has Ben like football talent they can pick up in the lower rounds and work with him for two years it just might be a good idea to take him because at this time it does not look good for Big Ben.
March 19th, 2010 - 6:33 pm
The Steelers have tipped their hand. They will not draft a WR, LB or S in the first 2 rounds. The fly in the ointment is Ben of course. Can he please not put himself in that position or cant he help himself? If its the latter then he is a sociopath and the Steelers are better off with out him....
I thought they would have been served by getting Chester Taylor or Thomas Jones plus dansby at the inside. Then drafting in the first three rounds - CB, S, DL or C/G
But they did not do that.
So if we get 2/4 of these guys I will be happy: Weatherspoon, Pryce, Mays. Rolle. OL and QB plus RB/ WR in the later rounds. Timmons can sub at the OLB where he should be playing.
March 19th, 2010 - 7:16 pm
Tom P.: What makes you think things don't look good for Big Ben? I
am remaining positive. There's just too much of the unknown. I think its going to boil down to he said, she said and she'll slap a civil suit on him. Because, I personally do not think they have enough evidence to indict. If there was not enough evidence to hold him that night, after all of this time, where are they getting the evidence besides DNA. And so far, they have not formally asked him to my knowledge for his DNA. They said they wanted to interview him again. But why, he already told them that night what happened. He's not going to change his story. Besides, his attorney will not let him answer any questions, that he doesn't already know the answers to.
I do believe charged or not, he is suspended by the team for a couple of games, just to trim is branches so to speak. In which, I totally agree. I don't have a problem. They will get Dixon prepared to play those games and we should be fine as long as Goodell don't step in an suspend him for the year. If that's the case, our season is sunk. Cuz without him, forget it. We can lose with him but we can't win without him.
March 19th, 2010 - 11:15 pm
If Ben is innocent he should stay here.
Remember this?
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_97058.html
He was accused and found to be innocent.
How soon people forget.
March 20th, 2010 - 5:50 am
I like the signings. All are welcome back. I think it will do the team good. As far as Ben - get rid of him. He needs to be cut loose asap. Criminally, he's innocent until proven guilty; which is fine, but this is football, and as far as football goes he's a disgrace to the team and an even bigger distraction.
March 20th, 2010 - 9:02 am
no matter how bad things look we will come out on top.you have to have faith in the system,it will all work out.regardless of what happens to big ben.he is innocent till proven guilty.its a shame that these girls sometimes think its special to flock to super stars and think that thier in the wright 100% and throw thier sexual actions around loosely and think thats fine.!!!hopefully justice will preveal,and we can get a good start in 2010 season.that would be a shame to think what could have been.
March 20th, 2010 - 11:07 am
BEN ROETHLISBERGER is INNOCENT.
i agree that females should all be respected, and when they say no, it doesnt mean keep going. but i also know through experiences that girls can also make stuff up in this regard to get back at a guy for whatever reason, and im not saying that this is the case, but BIG BEN is a target also. go Steelers,,,,,,,,,,,,,
March 20th, 2010 - 11:14 am
im glad to see the Rooneys show a little patience, here, and i think it would be extended to any other member of the starting rotation be it defense or offense, but then a little tad more just because of the contract size, therefore i do support thier move on this, no need to push any panic button, i however wish him luck, Ben is a special athelete to be sure, but our system made him, we were a winning team when he replace Maddox, but to all of our past success, Ben byhimself, took this team to a whole different level. is his HOF career tarnished, only time will tell. he used to be a shoe in, but now ,,,,,,,,,
March 20th, 2010 - 2:55 pm
Thus far, Tomlin's tenure as a Head Coach has been shaky at best, from his first draft as a head coach to how he managed obstacles last season. Since 2007, there is only one player that's worked out thus far and several are still a work in progress. Woodley is the only productive player from the Tomlin Era. I am glad to see they are bringing back the veteran leadership Tomlin let go in years past in a "youth Movement". Next season will be telling of how "great" of a coach Tomlin is... I hope he does better on this year's draft.
Regarding Big Ben... well, as talented as he is, I would rather have someone else be the face of our franchise. He's 28 yrs old, he should know better than to put himself in these type of situatiions. He's free to do what he wants, and he should be assumed innocent until proven guilty.... however, he's been trusted with one of the largest, most historic franchises in all of sports and his poor judgement and attitude indicates he doesn't appreciate it.
I am optimistic about 2010 and I am looking forward to the draft... we need to focus on D. I sure hope we can land McClain...he's a BEAST!! I'll be happy with Mays also... groom him to play alongside Polamalu... now that would be a dream come true... HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO
March 20th, 2010 - 9:10 pm
I agree with the comment referring to the Bettis lawsuit. He admitted to have a consensual encounter as Ben did. I don't know what type of girl this alleged victim is. I do know what has been reported. She was seen with Ben all night having dinner, drinking and whatever else ??. I also know that the police report stated that the alleged incident took place between a time span. After seeing that on the police report, that sent up red flags immediately. She didn't know exactly what time it happened. Was she that intoxicated? Why did she wait until after the club closed to report the alleged incident to the local beat cop. Who I might add had his picture along with his buddies just one hour prior to the report with Ben??? And, oh yeah, lets not forget whoever described the attacker as 6'5" 241 lb male.?? Sounds like the info came directly from the Steelers Media Guide googled at the time of report. It sounds to me like a potential relationship gone bad. Also, if Ben supposedly "raped" this girl, why did he continue to hang out in the joint until well after closing and upon leaving was then questioned. Speaking of questioning.... the cops in GA want to re-interview him. WHY?? He was questioned at length that night. He's not going to change his version of events. See what I mean, too many inconsistencies. And why of why did she hire a civil suit attorney????
March 21st, 2010 - 8:16 pm
Jeri. Good points. I'll think about them cause I totally agree. If she was with him all nigh,t if she can't remember time frames of events and if precise descriptive notes about the assumed attacker are given but nothing else is as defined, there should be some questions asked to her too and her parents hiring a lawyer when this should be a criminal charge what's up with the civil lawsuit. I now qustion the integrity of this charge myself.
March 23rd, 2010 - 1:43 pm
I guess it will be played out in the media AND in the courts. Ben will likely face some form of disciplinary action from the league what ever the outcome.
He is the face of the Franchise and a potential HoF candidate.
As for the draft, I am guessing that they may actually set their sights on DT, S, CB in the first three rounds? What say you all?
Plus do we think Mendenhall can carry the rock? The upright style scares me but he has the talent to excell.
March 24th, 2010 - 10:04 am
All of you self rightous people on this board, need to shut up! Seriously, it's not Ben's job to help you raise your kid! Let the kid where the damn jersey! Ben has not ben charged, or even arrested! I hate the "I'm more holy-than-thou" attitude of this city! I live in Pittsburgh too, and he didn't embarras me, and owes me nothing but a solid performance on the field! Some people are just ticked at him, because he once snubbed them for a autograph, at some bar or club while Ben was at dinner or hanging out! I can care less whether or not Ben was a jerk to you, I see him in public, too, and not once did I walk up to him, and interrupt his dinner or conversation with a friend, just so he can sign my terrible towel! Get a life folks!