You wanted a Steeler fan's reaction to all of this, so i suppose I'll chime in with my 2 cents. I've written on this matter extensively, so I'll try to keep it short.
The reaction amongst Steelers fans is pretty mixed, measuring from disappointment to complete outrage. I've heard many die-hard fans, whom I've known for years, say that they would not root for a team lead by Ben. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but that's a bit harsh at this point in my opinion. I don't think anyone can doubt that Ben has strayed out of control and that his actions are embarrassing to the organization, league, and most importantly the fans and city of Pittsburgh. I think any Steelers fan has every right to be downright pissed off.
I've taken a more conservative approach to the situation than many others. Yes, he pisses me off, and part of me wishes someone would kick his teeth in and bring him back to planet Earth. But, then again no one ever claimed that Ben was a genius. In fact, most of us already knew that, at least off the field, he's not the sharpest tool in the shed. And like it or not, we all didn't root for Ben because...golly gee he sure is a nice guy. We loved him for what he does on the football field. Although I'm not convinced that he's done anything illegal, his actions are certainly not what the city of Pittsburgh wants as a representation of our city and franchise. I've read the police reports and countless takes on the events of the night down in Georgia, and the story has more holes than a block of swiss cheese. Is Ben a womanizer? Probably. But I don't think he committed any crimes, other than being a dirtbag. And I know PLENTY of other guys who should also be suspended immediately in that case.
All that being said, I think the Rooney's and the Steelers absolutely did the right thing by not trading him away. I can't fault them for listening to offers, but there was little doubt in my mind that anyone would offer fair value for a proven Pro Bowl, two-time Super Bowl Champion, franchise QB. If they would have gotten some crazy-good offer, then I could understand unloading him. But given his current situation, it was very unlikely that an offer like that was coming. At this point, as disappointed as everyone is in him, he has more value on the roster than in a trade. I don't think there could possibly be a more clear warning that he needs to correct himself NOW than what he's gotten. Up to 6 games on the bench and his team is excepting offers, possibly shopping him? If he doesn't get the message and screws up again, then of course I think we'd have to cut our losses and take whatever you could get for him. I'd like to think that this is a major wake-up call for him though, and that he will try to make things right. Only time will tell though.
But let's face it...love him or hate him, he's a true franchise QB. And players like him don't come around that often. If you look back at the string of pathetic QBs we'd had prior to Ben (Kordell, Malone, Brister, Maddox, etc.) it doesn't paint a pretty picture of what the franchise could go through for the next decade without him. He's not the BEST QB in the league, but he's near the top. In fact, besides Brady and Peyton, I don't think I'd want any other guy behind center for my team in the clutch. His stats aren't phenomenal, but he has a knack for getting it done when the game/season is on the line, and that's something that can't be taught. Many clubs search for years, sometimes decades for a true franchise QB, without success. Ben is a proven commodity. It would have been foolish to trade him away for pennies on the dollar. He's had his wake-up call. The line has been drawn in the sand, and I think you have to wait to jump until someone crosses it now.
This isn't a Santonio Holmes type of situation. Holmes had two strikes against him in the Substance Abuse Policy, was going to be suspended for the first 4 games of the season, and the Steelers had no intention of bringing him back after his contract expired at the end of the season anyway. So, it makes sense to take what youu can get for him. Otherwise, you let him walk and get nothing for him. I thought they could have done better than a 5th rounder, but apparently the market for high-end WRs with baggae isn't as high as I thought.
Anyway, I could go on and on about this, but I promised I'd try to keep it short. So there it is in a nutshell. Get an opinion from another Steelers fan, and it's bound to be completely diferent. I've seen/heard it all over the last week or so.
Whatever happens, one thing is certain....we'll see you in Week 10 at Hines Field! :rocker:
