BETTIS and LOGAN Added to New 1250 ESPN Lineup

The 1250 ESPN sports radio station is revamping their lineups due to the need for filling in the space that was left when Mark Madden was fired back in May. The new lineups were announced today on the 1250 ESPN webpage and start on August 4th.

Also announced was the addition of Jerome Bettis to their full-time staff. Beginning on August 29th, Bettis will join the afternoon lineup LIVE from his restaurant Jerome Bettis' 36 Grille on the North Shore every Friday from 5:30 - 6:30! In addition to Bettis, another former Pittsburgh Steeler will join the ESPN airwaves - Mike Logan.

Sounds like an exciting lineup to me!!

Steelers Throwback Uniforms

[from Steelers.com]

The Steelers will once again sport their throwback uniforms this season, wearing them for the September 29 game against Baltimore and October 26 game vs. the New York Giants, both at Heinz Field.

The jerseys were popular with players and fans alike, and many can be seen dotting the hillsides at St. Vincent College during the team’s training camp.

They were originally worn as a part of the team’s 75th Season Celebration last year.

WARD: Brightest Offensive Player

Add "Smartest Non-Quarterback Offensive Player in the NFL" to the list of awards / achievements Hines Ward has earned.

ESPN.com recently conducted a survey among head coaches which asked them to choose the player they felt was the smartest offensively (and were unable to choose players from their own team).

"You wonder once in a while what the coaches think of you, and this is really a nice honor," Ward said of the results.

Said one AFC coach: "Hines has been one of the smartest players in the league for a long time. He just has a knack for the game."

There's a reason for his high football IQ. He earned it at the University of Georgia where he learned to play nearly every offensive position on the field - quarterback, wide receiver, tailback, and even punt returner!

"I had to know what was going on with the offense because I did everything in college," the 32-year-old receiver said. "So being a smart player was sort of necessary. I had no choice. … When I came to the NFL, I think I knew the basics of everything and the transition was fast. Sure, the NFL is much more complicated, but I was able to adjust pretty well."

Also noteworthy, Dan Rooney was voted as the league's best owner by the coaches.

"Everything permeates from the top down," Tomlin said. "I don't care what you talk about, whether it's a football team or a business. Our owners'reputation is well-deserved. They're awesome people. They're football people. It's one of the things that's better than you even anticipate."

Sepulveda OUT for Season!

[UPDATE] Savran on Sportsbeat had coverage of Coach Tomlin announcing to the media that Sepulveda IS out for the season; this is a big loss!

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that the Steelers punter, Daniel Sepulveda, injured his right knee Monday during practice.

Coach Tomlin said that Sepulveda underwent an MRI which revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee. He will likely be out for the season (although nothing in the article confirms this or isn't something that Tomlin was credited with / quoted as saying).

"My knee has been shaky for a while," Sepulveda said, adding that it didn't feel right while warming up Monday.

In light of the punter's injury, the Steelers claimed Paul Edinger off waivers from the Detroit Lions. He is expected to arrive at training camp sometime this evening.

"It's unfortunate for Daniel on a personal level, but it's part of football," Tomlin said. "That's what this game is about. We have to prepare to move forward, and we'll do that."

It sure does sound like he's out for the year especially with their claiming another punter, but no direct statement to that effect has been made so I will remain on the safe side until it is confirmed.

Steelers Quote of the Season (SO FAR)

Dan Gigler of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Steelers Blog, "Blog 'N' Gold" posted the "Quote of the season, thus far" which includes a great illustration of Giglers "guess" to the quote. I'll post the quote here, but go to "Blog 'N' Gold" to get the full affect of the post for yourself (humorous)!!

• In the unintentional hilarity department Ed Bouchette brings you Hines Ward, trying to say how valuable overweight NT Casey Hampton is to the team:
  
  

  "At the end of the day, we know what Casey will bring to the table."

Seriously - go to the blog now to have a laugh (I'm sure you have a guess too; it's probably close if not right on)!!

Injury Update for the Start of Day 2

[From the official Steelers.com webpage]

Coach Mike Tomlin reported the following injuries for the completion of Day 1 at camp (these players did not finish the afternoon practice and will be monitored on a day-to-day basis):

• Bryant McFadden (groin)
• Anthony Smith (groin)
• Kevin Marion (slight knee sprain)

No change to the following players in regards to injuries reported on Sunday (and will remain on the PUPS list):

• Troy Polamalu (hamstring)
• Chris Kemoeatu (triceps)

Coach Tomlin said that he will be reporting on those injuries to the media daily rather than giving a pronosis.

Training Camp - DAY 1

TIOPS is reporting that Kendall Simmons, Max Starks and Willie Colon arrived at camp in great shape. Starks also excelled in the conditioning run yesterday, and all of this does not surprise me since that was the first thought that came to mind when I saw a picture of him arriving at camp (below). That's good to hear / see especially in light of the recent Casey Hampton drama! They probably realize that they'll be competing for their positions.

Speaking of Hampton and competing for postitions, when Ron Cook asked a few of the players to speak on what they thought regarding the Hampton PUP list situation, all of them basically felt the same way -- they realize Coach Tomlin was sending a message and they heard it loud and clear!

"Doing this to a player of Casey's stature sends a message to everyone else -- nobody is safe," defensive captain James Farrior said.

"It doesn't surprise me with Tomlin. It doesn't matter who you are with him. You have to perform," veteran wide receiver Hines Ward added.

"It's unfortunate he came in like this, but I'm not worried about him being ready for the season," Farrior said. "He always gets himself ready ... "We need him, I know that. He's our anchor."

Not to mention the fact that this isn't the first time that Hampton has showed up to camp less that ready to perform. Last year, the same situation occurred but being it was Tomlin's first training camp, he let it slide. This year, he isn't so quick to let it slide and takes the matter very seriously.

That's why Tomlin sees nothing funny about Hampton's weight problem. The guess here is it disappoints him to no end and also ticks him off because Hampton has let the team down, although he didn't say that. What he did say flatly when asked if he was concerned that Hampton wouldn't be ready for the season was this: "Yes, I am." [Ron Cook - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Said Hampton, "I know I need to be in better shape. I know what I have to do. Bottom line, come Sept. 7, I'll be ready to play."

Let's hope so!

Hampton Among 3 on Steelers PUP List

Casey Hampton, Troy Polamalu, and Chris Kemoeautu are all starting camp on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list and will not be particpating in the 2 practices scheduled for Monday.

Although Polamalu and Kemoeautu have been placed on the list because they currently have minor injuries, Hampton is on the list because he was unable to complete the conditioning run test held yesterday afternoon. "He wasn't able to finish the test," Tomlin said. "He's overweight and he's not conditioned enough to participate at this point," and Tomlin did not appear very happy about it. Hampton will not be taken off the PUP list until he gets in better shape.

Polamalu has a mild hamstring pull while Kemoeautu is nursing weakness in one of his triceps. TIOPS reported that "sources" say Polamalu is "day-to-day" and should be able to practice Tuesday or Wednesday.

Ron Cook gives his view on the Casey Hampton situation with his article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Tomlin gives Big Snack a big smack on Day 1" I must admit, it is amusing (but I can't be one to talk; HOWEVER, I'm not a professional athlete either)!

St. Vincent Training Camp MAP (PDF)

DECISIONS, Decisions!

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette features a "TRAINING CAMP 2008" insert in their paper today.

There are alot of uncertainties going into this year's camp and there will be alot of players competing for roster spots.

"There will be a lot of issues, and that is what training camp is about. I think one of the things that I am always conscious about is that I never try to tell a story; I always try to let the story unfold and call it as I see it. That is what I intend to do this year as well."

PPG goes over the competition for positions the team will need to address and players will need to at training camp:

• INSIDE LINEBACKER: Larry Foote OR Lawrence Timmons
• CENTER: Justin Hartwig OR Sean Mahan
• LEFT GUARD: Chris Kemoeatu (replacing Alan Faneca; no competition?)
• OFFENSIVE RIGHT TACKLE: Willie Colon OR Max Starks
• RIGHT CORNERBACK: Deshea Townsend OR Bryant McFadden
• FREE SAFETY: Ryan Clark OR Anthony Smith
• RUNNING BACK: Willie Parker AND Rashard Mendenhall (a new Bettis / Parker duo)

"The growth of his role will be determined on his ability to execute from an assignment standpoint," Tomlin said. "I don't have a crystal ball, and we will let that play out. He's got a nice, humble mentality about him, so I won't be shocked if he does some nice things for us."

• PUNT RETURNER: Santonia Holmes OR Rashard Mendenhall OR Mewelde Moore OR Willie Reid OR Jeremy Bloom
• THIRD-DOWN BACK: Mewelde Moore (replaces Najeh Davenport / Carey Davis)
• NO. 3 QUARTERBACK: Dennis Dixon (replaces Brian St. Pierre)

This should turn out to be an interesting training camp. I can't wait to see how it turns out on the field!!

1 Day and Counting!!

The Steelers report to training camp today. We'll be seeing alot of news coverage and pictures of the players arriving in their souped-up cars and carrying TV's, fans, etc., into the college dorms.

If you're planning on attending one of the practices opened to the public and aren't a "regular", the official Steelers webpage has information you'll need to know. Even for those "seasoned veteran" training camp attendees will need to know a few new directions due to campus construction.

Visit the Steelers webpage for this information and any daily updates that could possibly affect your visit.

Go and Lay Your Hand on a Pittsburgh Steelers Fan!

This evening my husband was searching for songs to download on his new mp3 player. His main goal was to find game songs -- you know, those songs that pump you up for the game?! We compiled a list of Pens songs and Steelers songs over the course of several years of going to games and he's been downloading most of the night. One of the songs wasn't one we had talked about, but I was familiar with by the Charlie Daniels Band called "In America." It was written in the 80's and is about the Iranian Hostage Crisis and America's patriotism. The song features the following line:

You just go and lay your hand
On a Pittsburgh Steelers' fan
And I think you're gonna finally understand

My husband was curious as to how it came to be in the song, so he did a little more research on the song and found this on Songfacts.com which I think is really interesting so I thought I'd share it with you (part of a Q&A on the Charlie Daniels Band webpage):

SF: And a Pittsburgh Steelers fan? The line, “Lay your hand on a Pittsburgh Steelers fan…”

Charlie: Yeah, I’ve gone to ball games at different places, but I’ve always felt the Pittsburgh Steelers fans, especially in the old stadium, they were just… I used to go do the National Anthem there sometimes. I mean, they’re steel workers and they’re good old guys with blisters, or calluses on their hands. The salt of the earth, the finest, just the greatest people, the strength of America. The strength of America is not in Washington, D.C. It’s in our people, it’s on the farms, in the factories. It’s the people out here that make this country work. The truck drivers, the farmers. And these people – that’s what they were, and I just felt like if you want to go to war, let me take some of these guys with me. Go lay your hand on a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and you’re gonna find out what American anger is, because it’s the kind of people they are.

VERY COOL, Charlie!

TAYLOR Agrees to Restructure Contract

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported today that cornerback Ike Taylor agreed to restructure his contract on Friday in order for the Pittsburgh Steelers to make more space under the salary cap to sign top draft pick.

In 2006, Taylor signed an extension with the Steelers for 5-years at $23.75 million. Taylor's contract restructure reduces this year's salary to $1 million and gives him a $3 million signing bonus ($1 million over the next 3 years). This enables the Steelers to free up $2 million under the salary cap.

Taylor joins other Steelers who have restructured their contract - Hines Ward, James Farrior, and former Steeler Alan Faneca.

Steelers Officially Sign MENDENHALL

The Official Pittsburgh Steelers webpage is announcing that they have signed their first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall today. They report that this is the fourth consecutive year that they've signed their first-round draft pick prior to the opening of training camp.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Steelers have also signed their second-round draft pick Limas Sweed to a 4-year deal; and that Mendenhall signed to a 5-year deal.

"Mendenhall will sign for five years at $12.55 million. He will receive bonuses as part of that contract worth $6.83 million. Contract terms for Sweed were not immediately available."

"Aunt Rita" - Least Known Owner of the Steelers!

Most of you may not know (I sure didn't until this article in today's Pittsburgh Tribune-Review), that the Rooney's aren't the sole owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to the PTR, Rita McGinley has owned 10% of the team since the 1940's when her father, Barney, got together with the late Art Rooney, Sr. to buy back the franchise. With her nephew's controlling part of the team, the McGinley family actually owns 20% of the team altogether. While the Rooney's own / control the remaining 80%.

After learning that "Aunt Rita" part ownership in the Steelers, it may be hard to believe that she has not ever attended a Steelers training camp, but if she ever does she would like to meet Big Ben!

There's plenty more to this story, to read the rest, check out today's Pittsburgh Tribune-Review!

Ownership Issues Could "Potentially" Affect Players

Mike Tomlin addressed the media yesterday at the first news conference of the 2008-2009 season.

Tomlin acknowledged that the uncertainty of Steelers ownership could "potentially" be a distraction for the players when reporting to training camp on Sunday. The following was taken from an article featured in the PPG today:

"Because there'll be questions that I'll have to answer in regards to that and there will be questions that potentially our team has to answer in regard to that.

"I don't have the answer to those questions and neither does our football team; I'm here to coach; they're here to play. Those questions will be answered by the Rooneys.''

Mr. Tomlin did say that a "good" team won't let ownership issues or other off-field subjects become distractions.

"You got a good football team when they're capable of doing that," he said, "and not only on that specific subject, but on any subject that has nothing to do with playing football and preparing yourself to win football games.''

Upcoming Signings and Extension Talks

TIOPS has reported that the Steelers have had talks with Bryant McFadden regarding a long-term extension and began preliminary discussions with Marvel Smith regarding a 3-year extension.

They also believe that a deal for Limas Sweed with be announced in the next couple of days and that Rashard Mendenhall is waiting to see what Felix Jones (Dallas running back) signs for. Speculation is that he will be signed before training camp begins.

At yesterday's news conference with Mike Tomlin, he again advised the media of Kevin Colbert's prediction that "both unsigned rookies, running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed, will have contracts by Sunday. Once both sign, one player must be removed from the roster to pair it to 81, which includes the international roster exemption, England's Marvin Allen, a wide receiver." [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

BIG BEN'S New Pool!

These pictures (courtesy of Sean's Ramblings) are making their way around the web today -- it's supposedly Big Ben's new pool -- just because there's a "7" at the bottom?

Come on, people - this could just as easily be John Elway's pool!!

Regardless, this is a pretty sweet setup!

TOMLIN on SportsBeat

KICK OFF THE Steelers 2008-2009 Season!!

THURSDAY, July 24, 2008

Catch Coach Mike Tomlin on SportsBeat LIVE in studio tomorrow at 6:30 PM!