What Ben Roethlisberger’s disgrace has made clear is that the term Steeler Nation doesn’t explain the half of it. It describes only the extent of fan affection for Pittsburgh’s favorite team. It doesn’t convey how personal the relationship is, how much the Steelers embody the region’s values.
Steeler Nation should really be called Steeler Family, a clan of shared pain repulsed by the gross behavior of the Steelers quarterback, the region’s erstwhile favorite adopted son.
Pittsburghers take the sting of betrayal personally. The investigative documents released Thursday in Milledgeville, Ga., make it clear that the values of Mr. Roethlisberger’s employers — and the everyday Pittsburghers who cheered him on — have been seriously mocked.
We actually had a good deal of talk about this around our East End Pittsburgh parish at coffee hour yesterday. I’d say the majority view, though not universal, is that the Rooney’s should make the costly decision to cut Ben loose. As we just did with Holmes. Perhaps it would reduce our chances of a run to the Super Bowl this year–but there are just too many variables to let that be a consideration. After all, we didn’t get far down that road last year *with* Ben. This is an old fashioned ethnic, mainly Roman Catholic town, and Pittsburgh moms aren’t going to want their sons or their daughters to be wearing #7 any more . . . .
Bruce Robison
I agree…but would go further. He should be expelled from the NFL forever.
This type of behavior has been going on for years with elite athletes. They believe they are special and the moral rules of society do not apply to them. They are pampered and tolerated so they continue to feel entitled as Tiger Woods confessed.
The problem is the only way to stop this behavior is to cast them out and not tolerate it anymore. No Super Bowl or championship is worth this…but it is more about money, winning and the prestige that comes with it then sportsmanship and honor. The days when athletes were role models in a positive moral vein is over. Now, they are simply immature, spoiled children in adult bodies. They have been allowed to get away with so much it is no wonder they believe they are entitled to abuse others.
Good thoughts, BMR+. I’m just glad my son is wearing #43 these days. As I read this stuff my first thought is, “How am I going to explain this to Aidan?” and for me the team’s “doing the right thing” is so much more important than another Superbowl ring. Those to whom much is given…
David Houk
I bet the Raiders would take him in a heartbeat for a slew of draft picks. My guess is he’s a goner if this happens again, 3 strikes and you’re out….
Rumor has it that there is already a third strike in the wings, with another young woman making accusations against Ben. The Steeler Nation is quick to forgive, as long as the subject stops messing up. We are certainly more forgiving than many, but have a special revulsion for the moral issues…none of the “boys will be boys” nonsense goes over well here.
Let’s bring back those good wholesome days of Bobby Lane and Big Daddy Lipscomb.
you are right Phil, the standards are higher these days. and so is the pay…