Lance Kendricks cut, Obi Melifonwu to Practice Squad.

Ice_Ice_Brady said:

This article is a gold mine for every suspicion you've ever had about Roethlisberger. He has completely torn the team apart, with last night's game being the total consequences of years of his huge ego trip. The difference between Roethlisberger and Brady is so starkly contrasting that it won't be surprising at all when Brown loves his new team.

How Mike Tomlin's Big Three Became Just Big Ben

Yet Brown was simply following in the footsteps of his quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, who had operated on an island for years under Tomlin. Roethlisberger wasn't required to stay at the team hotel for home games like his teammates. He also openly criticized them on his local radio show and often ignored them by showing up late to team meetings. All with few repercussions from the Steelers.

Many players on the team had come to accept this. Brown, as well as star running back Le'Veon Bell, did not. Brown would openly tell teammates how Roethlisberger had his own set of rules while the receiver justified his own behavior over the past few years, according to current and former Steelers players. Brown ripped the 15-year veteran quarterback privately, too, once calling him, according to two team sources, "a ****ing phony."
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Several Steelers players say Brown's rebellion last year in particular took them aback. "I've never seen a guy transform so quickly, from good dude to a dude I didn't recognize," one Steelers player says. "He's someone I still admire. He was trying to change the way players are perceived. He just went about it the wrong way."
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The Steelers' other missing star, Bell, also didn't hide his frustration over his relationship with Roethlisberger. While holding out last season, the running back stayed in contact with a number of Steelers players. Inside the locker room, Bell was viewed as one of the team's nicest players and best teammates. But when it came to the QB, Bell made his feelings clear, and they weren't so dissimilar to Brown's. "Ben demands loyalty," he told one Steelers player during last season, "but doesn't give it in return."
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Not surprisingly, Roethlisberger's tardiness became an issue for the team's players council—a small group of veteran leaders that met away from coaches and the rest of the team to hash out problems among the players. Eventually, the council decided to address the issue with Roethlisberger, but before that happened, star safety Troy Polamalu informed Tomlin that they were going to talk with the quarterback.
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Tomlin, however, informed Roethlisberger before the players could speak with him. The heads-up was seen by players as a massive breach of protocol and so severe that some players felt they could no longer trust their coach.

After being told of the rebuke to come, Roethlisberger went to Polamalu.

"I'm not late for stuff," Roethlisberger said.

"Yeah, you are, all the time," Polamalu responded.

Not long after, the venerated Polamalu came to understand the protections afforded Roethlisberger did not extend to other vets. Even a player as venerated as him.

Early in 2015, Polamalu received a voicemail from Tomlin.

The 12-year veteran was being cut, went the message, according to a person familiar with the call. Tomlin apologized and then hung up.

Polamalu was angry Tomlin didn't deliver the news in person. Rather than trying to catch on somewhere else after spending his career in Pittsburgh, Polamalu retired that April. He still lives in the area but has told Steelers players and others he will never return to the team until Tomlin is gone.

Few inside the locker room, sources say, felt Roethlisberger was ready to lead the team in place of those departed veterans. He wasn't known as a studier or leader, and players didn't believe Roethlisberger had the maturity to handle all of the complexities of the position, including setting an example for other players.

It wasn't long before Roethlisberger began taking advantage of his status, players say, and when he did, Tomlin didn't push back.

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Bledsoehasaring said:

This is one of the most ludicrous things ever said on this board. And somehow I think you are 100 percent correct. Who knew bill has a heart.

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IllegalContact said:

They don’t need 11 DBs....I called this in the morning ..... as for Kendricks, he’s useless

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Elijah said:

It makes no football sense to do something for the sake of keeping a promise, but I also find myself believing this.

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moosekill said:

I think Bill thinks he is good enough to keep. I am not sure why people think he isn't? The one preseason game he played in, he was a man among boys. That being said, I do sometimes think BB gives older players he admires the benefit of a doubt, but we will see I guess.

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DW Toys said:

Did Roberts even play? Team Captain LB but.....
DW Toys

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patfanken said:

BTW- if you get a chance, check out the Josh Gordon presser from last night. I think you will notice a significant change in his demeanor from last year. If you recall, last season Josh seemed to be robotic in his responses. Almost like he was disinterested. He was here, but not involved. Even after great plays he didn't seem to be enjoying it as much as he should have.

In yesterday's presser he seem much more engaged and present in his responses and one the field he seem much more "in the moment" and happy to be there as well. Before this game I put the over under of games Josh would play in the 4 to 5 range. I think after last night, I'd double that.....and take the over.

It seems like he is in a MUCH better place this season.

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Elijah said:

It's not about him being good enough. He's just one of the most expendable players (due to his contract) at the most expendable position right now. He should be a #2 WR for some team and he's our 4 at best.

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Family said:

I don't get how he is expendable due to his contract. Isn't it guaranteed now that DT is on the roster week 2?

It's 2.9 million.

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Elijah said:

I thought it became guaranteed if you were on the roster week 1.

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supafly said:

LaCosse and Izzo are still here, correct? And of course, Watson returning in 3 weeks.

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Cleveland Browns have waived TE Rico Gathers, who was coming off suspension.

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Dennis DiMaria said:

Does Watson count against the 53 while he is suspended?

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Dennis DiMaria said:

Does Watson count against the 53 while he is suspended?

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Dennis DiMaria said:

Does Watson count against the 53 while he is suspended?

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DW Toys said:

Did Roberts even play? Team Captain LB but.....
DW Toys

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condon84 said:

If AB's resentment stems from Ben getting preferential treatment from the Steelers and he really just want everyone to be treated equally, then this place might not just be a one year stop for him.

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mgteich said:

We were sometimes in a SEVEN back formation, and often in a 5 or 6 defensive back formation. So, no, our run-stopping LB didn't play much.

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