A quick daily look at what’s happening around Steelers Nation. And consider this your open thread for discussing the days events and, well, anything else that comes to mind about the Black and Gold.
– This was brought up in yesterday’s daily thread, and since it’s not really a Steelers topic, but an NFL topic, I figured this might be a good place to continue the discussion. Anyway, am I the only one that has a problem with the players speaking out so passionately against the possibility of an 18-game schedule, citing the injury risk involved?
Granted, I understand there’s quite an injury risk with playing two additional regular season games, and I think the players should have a greater concern for their future well-being, but I’m having a hard time believing the basis of their argument here. After all, players today put their own well-being — and their teammates well-being — at risk week after week by playing through various injuries, ranging from muscle and ligament injuries, to something as serious as a concussion.
We all know about Hines Ward going on NBC last year and gently criticizing Ben Roethlisberger for refusing to play with a concussion, but just check out some of the other quotes that are out there from other players on the subject. Like former Redskins fullback Mike Sellers, for example, referring to Roger Goodell’s policy to have players alert the medical staff of a possible concussion: “We ain’t no snitches over here,” Sellers said of the idea, per the Associated Press. “That is not happening.“
Yes, that’s how seriously players take concussions. You’re a “snitch” if you tell somebody that one of your teammate’s might have a serious head injury. That’s just silly.
Last year an Associated Press poll found that 30 of 160 surveyed players said “that they have hidden or played down the effects of a concussion.”
And, of course, whenever the league does take measures to make the game safer, they draw harsh criticism from players for making the game “a pansy game.” And now I’m supposed to believe these same players are suddenly concerned about getting hurt? I’m having a hard time buying that. In the end, this all comes down to one thing: money.
If the players get more money — to compensate them for an 18-game schedule, as opposed to a 16-game schedule — and perhaps additional jobs (in the form of increased rosters) I’d imagine these complaints would disappear, for the most part.
Any thoughts on this?
– Here’s a chat with former Steelers linebacker Jerry Olsavsky. No word from Bob Pompeani on whether or not Patrick Bailey is the next Jerry O. (sorry, just continuing the fun from the Wes Welker-Tyler Grisham Chronicles). [Behind The Steel Curtain]
– Random: I was walking through the mall yesterday and saw a guy wearing a No. 15 Willie Reid jersey. I can’t say I’ve seen many of those.
– Want to know which members of the Pittsburgh Steelers are currently on Twitter? This list has you taken care of. [Mondesi's House]
– And if you’re not yet, you can follow us on Twitter, too. [Twitter]
– And for your random YouTube of the day: Jack Ham.
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