Training Camp: Big Ben focuses on football at press conference
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SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL
Training Camp: Big Ben focuses on football at press conference
Apologizes for distraction, but won't talk about sexual assault civil suit against him
Sunday, August 02, 2009
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger shares a laugh with
teammates yesterday during morning practice at St. Vincent
College in Latrobe.
Ben Roethlisberger said he's sorry.
The Steelers' quarterback opened training camp by apologizing to his teammates at a team meeting Friday night at Saint
Vincent College, then took questions from the news media yesterday morning after practice.
He did not answer some of those questions, and, at one point, promised to end the impromptu session when he was asked if
he had any message for Steelers fans about his personal life.
It was the first time Roethlisberger had taken any questions publicly since a woman filed a civil lawsuit in Nevada two
weeks ago, claiming he sexually assaulted her in 2008 in a hotel room. And Friday was his first chance to talk collectively to
his teammates about it.
"You really don't know all the stories behind it, but he came up and apologized to the team and gave us his side," said
receiver Hines Ward, a team captain with Roethlisberger on offense last season.
"He's our teammate, he's like a brother to us, so we're always going to show him support and be there for him. When we're
on the field, we don't worry about that. Our thing is to try to get better, try to go out and see if we can make another run this
year."
Why the apology?
"Just for the potential distractions," said tackle Max Starks. "It was an apology for us because, when you come to training
camp, your main focus is football and to have something like this on top of that, that's what he was apologizing for.
"It was big of Ben to take a proactive approach. Being a leader on this team, just taking a forthright approach and not kind of
just brushing it off but addressing us as teammates because he knows we're taking the brunt of it with the questions and
everything else. It makes us look up to him a little bit more."
Nose tackle Casey Hampton did not think Roethlisberger needed to apologize.
"I don think he had to say nothing because everybody knows what it is," Hampton said. "That's crazy, man. He didn't have to
say that to me. I know how the world is, I know how females are. ... In today's society, man, if anybody says something,
you're guilty until proven innocent anyway, you know what I mean?
"He handled it good, but it's BS, everybody knows that."
Roethlisberger would not say publicly if he thought the lawsuit would be a distraction or not to him or his teammates. But, in
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Training Camp: Big Ben focuses on football at press conference
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general, he said he treats potential distractions thusly: "Do the best you can, smile and go."
Asked about the support from his teammates, he said, "It's good because they have my back and I have theirs."
The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback said he reported to training camp in as good a shape as he has been in the
past and nothing this summer detracted from that.
"I'm in good shape, yeah, I feel like I'm right there. Yeah, my golf game's well, too. ... Golf got in the way a lot, but I found a
way to get it done."
Roethlisberger said that while it's difficult to repeat as Super Bowl champions, he believes he and many of his teammates
learned a lesson from the last time they tried, in 2006. That was the summer of Roethlisberger's motorcycle accident that
preceded an appendectomy, which kept him out of the season opener. He also sustained a concussion during the season as
the Steelers lost six of their first eight games and finished 8-8 and out of playoff contention.
"You know what? You have a bull's-eye on your chest, everyone's gunning for you," Roethlisberger said of the Super Bowl
champs. "We learned that after the last time, that everyone wants to come after you and get you. We can't take anybody
lightly and we know everyone's coming for us.
"It helps to have been there before because you know what to expect and how to deal with it. I think we have enough
veterans on this team that we'll be able to deal with it."
No matter how questions were put to him about the civil lawsuit, though, Roethlisberger would not respond.
"Any other football questions?" he said after one. "I can walk away if we want."
Roethlisberger spent several minutes answering other questions just off the practice field after the first of two practices
yesterday that opened training camp in Latrobe. Both ESPN and the NFL television networks had crews among the gaggle of
media.
"From his motorcycle incident to all types of stuff, whatever he has on his mind he blocks it out," Ward said, "and, when he
gets on the field, it's all about football.
"I don't foresee anything being a distraction. He's going to come out and work his tail off to lead this team and try get back to
where we want to go."
Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com. Steelers updates, your comments and more ??? visit Blog 'n' Gold
First published on August 2, 2009 at 12:00 am
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On the Steelers: Enough with the Vick talk
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SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL
On the Steelers: Enough with the Vick talk
Sunday, August 02, 2009
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Thank goodness training camps have opened because those desperate for football stories to talk about can now revert to real
tales rather than fantasies, such as why the Steelers are the best team for Michael Vick.
Not only has that been reported by normally sane writers and broadcasters, but I saw one oddsmaker put the Steelers and
New England Patriots as 4-1 favorites to sign the 29-year-old quarterback who has not played since 2006. I put the odds
higher for the Steelers signing me to run the wildcat offense than them signing Michael Vick. The Steelers would have more
interest in Brett Favre than Vick. Right now, I'd re-sign Kordell Stewart before I'd ever put in a call to Vick's people if I
needed a quarterback.
Dan Rooney may reside in Ireland, but he has not lost his mind, nor has his son, Steelers president Art Rooney.
The civil lawsuit against Ben Roethlisberger in Nevada would pale as a distraction to signing Vick for the reigning Super
Bowl champions.
Let's forget about the groups that would protest the signing of Vick for a moment, put aside the whole "Ron Mexico" affair
before his dog-fighting conviction, forget how the media would hound him and the Steelers for who knows how long, forget
those Steelers who have dogs of their own who might not appreciate a dog-killer as a teammate. What would you do with
him if you did sign him? He's not even eligible to play until October.
The Steelers have Dennis Dixon as their No. 3 quarterback, someone who could push Charlie Batch for the backup job to
Ben Roethlisberger. Dixon is every bit as capable of running the wildcat offense as is Vick, if that's what the Steelers want.
Dixon might be better at it counting that he is younger and actually has been practicing and playing the past few years while
Vick made license plates or whatever they do these days behind bars.
Vick once was a dynamic quarterback, although I do not recall seeing him in any Super Bowls with the Atlanta Falcons. And
what he might bring to the Steelers for a play here and a play there would be far less than the problems he would cause them.
The Steelers just do not sign people like Michael Vick. Look at their history. They may have stuck by some of their own
players who got into trouble, but they do not invite potential trouble inside their own locker room, especially when it's such a
marginal piece as Vick.
Plus, they and their fans already ran a quarterback out of town who had the talent of a Michael Vick and not a hint of arrests
or trouble. Kordell Stewart got a bad rap here for whatever reason, even though he started in two AFC championship games,
played in a Pro Bowl and was voted by his teammates as their MVP. No one quite knew how to harness his talent, though,
and had him throwing when he should not have been and then fell in love with a prolific passer who came and went without
much team success.
Those who think the Steelers have any interest in signing Michael Vick have no idea.
Cheap? Think before you talk
Once you get a reputation, it sticks. I've had fans ask me why the Steelers did not sign any high-profile free agents this year.
One fellow, in June, asked if the Steelers would sign anyone before training camp.
Let's not mention that any free agent available in June already would have been bypassed by the entire NFL, but, when I said
they likely would not sign a free agent, the response was, "Those cheap Rooneys!"
Hey, pal, cut them a break, they just won their second Super Bowl in the past four years. And chief among the reasons they
have won their two most recent championships is their approach to free agency. They spend the money. Their annual
spending is tight against the cap. They just try not to throw much of it away.
The Steelers are good at keeping their own, at least those players they really want to keep. The most recent example is tight
end Heath Miller, who signed a six-year, $35.3 million contract extension the past week. Another is offensive tackle Max
Starks. And there are plenty of examples before them.
As I've pointed out before, the Washington Redskins have had little success since owner Daniel Snyder began spending
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On the Steelers: Enough with the Vick talk
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wildly on free agents the past decade. They do not award Lombardi trophies to the owner who dishes out the most money to
other teams' free agents.
When free agency took hold in the NFL in 1993 with a salary cap, it was supposed to spread the wealth throughout the
league and give every team an even shot at winning. I believed that was not true, that while every team conceivably does
have an equal shot because of the cap, it's the smart organizations that would dominate.
That is why the Steelers and New England Patriots keep making the playoffs and contend for Super Bowls, why the New
York Giants and Baltimore Ravens are consistently good, and why teams such as the Arizona Cardinals just did not get it
(until they raided the Steelers for their coaches).
This ain't Tiddlywinks
Remember how Hines Ward bristled the past two training camps when Anthony Smith or some other defensive back
delivered blows to a wide receiver coming across the middle?
Well, they're not supposed to do that in practice, but, if I were coach Mike Tomlin, I'd encourage it now and again this
summer.
Every year, fans want to know how this receiver or that looked in spring practices, and every year the answer is the same -they all look good, provided they are not dropping passes. How can you not look good in the spring? There are no pads and
no threat someone like Ryan Clark is going to belt you coming over the middle with your outstretched arms in a spring
practice.
But, when a defensive back on occasion smacks a receiver in training camp, it leaves all receivers with a little doubt as they
run their patterns. How he performs knowing he is going to get hit as he reaches for a pass may be more important to a
receiver's makeup than his speed.
That's why it would be nice to see someone smack Limas Sweed early this summer, and rookie Mike Wallace as well. Let's
see how they respond, because the Steelers have some decisions to make at that position and that's one tool they need to
evaluate.
First published on August 2, 2009 at 12:00 am
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Steelers Notebook: NT Hampton defends his preseason training
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SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL
Steelers Notebook: NT Hampton defends his preseason training
Sunday, August 02, 2009
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
An ample Casey Hampton, who has been known to push the scale in the mid-300s at times, pointed to his stomach after
lunch yesterday and smiled broadly.
"I got abs now," the Steelers' big nose tackle said.
Hampton practiced yesterday with his teammates, something he did not do for the first two weeks of training camp last year.
Last summer, he opened camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, put there by coach Mike Tomlin after he
failed the run test on the first day.
Friday, Hampton passed that same run test, even though he said he is in the same kind of shape as he was at the start of camp
last year. Why did he pass a test he did not one year ago?
"I just felt like doing it," Hampton said. "I just felt like making it."
Last year "I just didn't want to do it, so I didn't do it."
Hampton defended his training schedule, even if it does not coincide with the wishes of his coach. He said he does not like to
beat himself up in the spring and prefers to ease into camp and get ready for the season gradually.
"I rest in the offseason, man. My thing is, I wait until like three, four weeks before training camp and then I work out. That's
what I've always done. I rest my body, get my body half ready and then use training camp to get ready for the season.
"It's too much, all that banging on your body, especially the position I play. I'm not for the workout in March, April and May
hard-hard-hard, for what? It doesn't make any sense. Coaches say that's when you win. I don't feel like you win games then.
That's my opinion."
The 6-foot-1 Hampton, who is listed on the training-camp roster as weighing 325 pounds, never has been one to be pinned
down on how much he weighs.
"It fluctuates," he said. "Nobody never knows my weight. I can make it look good or make it look bad."
The Steelers' run test Friday consisted of a series of 100-yard runs. But Hampton said, in a game, "If I have to run 100 yards,
there's something wrong."
Hampton, Clark patient
Hampton and safety Ryan Clark, each entering the final year of his contract, reacted in similar manner to Steelers President
Art Rooney's statement to the Post-Gazette Friday that the team might not be able to sign any more players to contract
extensions this year because they have little room left under the salary cap.
"I don't really worry about that kind of stuff, I just play," Hampton said. "If they ain't got none, they ain't got none, what do
you want me to do? I can't do nothing about it. I got no control of it.
"You never know what's going to happen, but we'll see. I'm not worried about it. I want to be here, I'd love to be here, but, if
not, it's a business, and whatever happens is going to happen."
Said Clark, "There's nothing I really can have any control over. I'm not used to being taken care of, I'm not used to being the
guy they care enough about to get it done, so it's not painful to me.
"You look at it like, OK, this may be your last year with this team, these guys, so you cherish it and have a good time."
Stapleton at center
Darnell Stapleton, the starting right guard last season, was at center yesterday for Justin Hartwig, who has a sore toe. Trai
Essex ran with the first team at right guard.
Many believe Stapleton, who played center at Rutgers, is more natural for that position, including Hampton, who plays over
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Steelers Notebook: NT Hampton defends his preseason training
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the center on defense.
"No question," Hampton said. "I think he can get it done.
Quick hits
Linebacker Lawrence Timmons quit the afternoon practice early because of cramps. ... Former Steelers linebacker Earl
Holmes is working as a coaching intern with the linebackers and will be joined by former teammate Levon Kirkland today.
... Daniel Sepulveda's leg looks like it is healthy and more as he boomed punts high and deep. ... Despite hamstring injuries,
safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Deshea Townsend practiced, and tight end Heath Miller, who had hernia surgery in
June, ran some routes in individual drills. ... Offensive tackle Jason Capizzi also is working at guard.
First published on August 2, 2009 at 12:00 am
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Cook: Smith feeling younger with son improving
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Ron Cook
Cook: Smith feeling younger with son improving
Sunday, August 02, 2009
By Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Like the rest of us, Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith is another year older. He turned 33 in April, which makes him
ancient among those in the brutal trenches of the NFL. One of these days, Father Time will do what no opposing offensive
lineman has been able to do. One day, he will kick Smith's butt, and that will be the end of a great Steeler's great career.
Not this season, though.
There's one very good reason to think Smith will be better than ever.
Although Smith was 32 last season when he played what his coaches and teammates say was Pro Bowl-caliber ball on the
Steelers' way to their Super Bowl XLIII victory, he felt 82 on many days because of his son's life-threatening fight with
leukemia. Now that young Elijah, 5, is holding his own and his prognosis is good, his daddy feels 23 if not younger.
"I'm just looking forward to playing football, period," Smith said after pulling into Saint Vincent College Friday for his 11th
NFL training camp.
Without the terrifying hospital visits to see the cancer specialists.
Without the frightening telephone calls from the lab with news that the boy's blood count is low.
Without the sort of stress that any parent can appreciate.
"He's doing great," Smith said of his son, who still faces three years of once-a-month chemotherapy and a host of other meds
he must take at home. "He's doing all of the things that little boys do. Swimming lessons, playing with his friends, teasing his
sisters, wrestling his dad ...
"We had a little scare a week or so ago when his count was down. But they called [Friday morning] and said it was back up
to 2,600, which is good. You should have seen him skipping up the hall. 'Oh, yeah! I'm Mr. 2,600! Oh, yeah! I'm Mr. 2,600.'
"
You also should have seen Smith imitating Elijah by doing an exaggerated fist pump.
The kid's old man looked as if he felt 13 at that moment.
The Smith family nightmare started in October when Elijah was diagnosed with Acute Lympoblastic Leukemia, a cancer of
the white blood cells that the docs say has an 80 percent survival rate. He missed the week of practice before the Steelers
played the New York Giants, but showed up the morning of the game and performed well, as usual. "This was the best part
of my week -- by far," he said even after the Steelers lost, 21-14.
Elijah's story made national news after Smith revealed the troubling details in a Post-Gazette column in December. "I didn't
know anything about leukemia," he said at the time. "I just knew it was something bad. It was a death sentence, as far as I
knew."
Smith said his son's fighting spirit kept him going. So did the support that poured into the family from Steelers Nation. It
wasn't just the touching cards and letters, all of which Smith read and cherished. Donors set a record at the team's annual
blood drive in December after Smith sounded a call for help. He plans to reach out again to the community by drumming up
support for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's annual fund-raising walk in October.
"Pittsburgh is such a special place," Smith said. "I don't know if any other city would have reacted that way. Pittsburgh is
kind of in a bubble -- and I mean that in a good way. Pittsburgh looks after its own."
Smith played the rest of the season at his typically high level. Those around him -- the coaches and teammates -- weren't
surprised. "He never gets blocked," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said.
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Cook: Smith feeling younger with son improving
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Said Smith, "I became a stronger person. My faith became stronger. I tell people, 'When you've taken so much that you think
you can't take anymore, you'd be amazed at how much more you can handle.' That what your faith is all about."
It wasn't until after the Super Bowl that Smith said he realized the toll Elijah's illness had taken on him. "Football is such a
mentally hard game under any circumstances. But with something like that going on? It kind of made the Super Bowl
bittersweet for me. You're supposed to really enjoy it, but, at that point, I was like, 'Let's just get it over with.' "
That his son was able to make the trip to Tampa for the big game -- despite doctors' initial concerns about him being in a
crowd with his weakened immune system -- contributed big time to Smith's enjoyment. So did the outcome: A 27-23 victory
against the Arizona Cardinals.
"Even though I was tired, I think I enjoyed this Super Bowl more than the first one," Smith said, referring to the Steelers' win
against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.
"That first one, there was so much pressure to win. You dream of something your whole life and, all of a sudden, you're
there and you feel like you can't blow the opportunity. It might be your only chance. Who knows if you'll ever get back
again? I mean, that game was over before I could even appreciate that we were there.
"This second one was different. We had already won one. There wasn't that same pressure to get it done. We could just
play."
Once again, on Super Sunday, Elijah's illness had an impact.
"I think it just made me realize how insignificant [football] is in the big picture," Smith said. "We tend to make it bigger than
life. But it's not. It's just what we do."
Smith does it better than just about anyone on the Steelers. LeBeau and Smith's older teammates have known that for years.
But even rookie defensive end Ziggy Hood has come to realize it.
"Aaron Smith," Hood said the other day when asked what veteran has helped him the most. "He's done so much in this game,
I have no choice but to listen to him."
Smith likes to think he still has plenty to give, not just to Hood as a mentor, but to the team with his play. "I think I have a
couple more seasons in me. I love playing the game. I love being around the guys. Who knows? Maybe I'll change my mind
when it starts hurting too much to get up in the morning ... "
Not now, though.
Not when all is right in Smith's world after such a difficult year.
Not when he feels like a kid again.
Ron Cook can be reached rcook@post-gazette.com. More articles by this author
First published on August 2, 2009 at 12:00 am
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NFL Notebook: Knee injury shelves Jackson Minnesota's QB has sprained MCL
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SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL
NFL Notebook: Knee injury shelves Jackson Minnesota's QB has sprained
MCL
Sunday, August 02, 2009
From wire dispatches
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson sustained a sprained MCL in his left knee after getting tangled with a
defensive lineman in practice yesterday.
Jackson was hurt when defensive lineman LeTroy Guion fell at his feet and rolled over his leg during an 11-on-11 drill and
is day to day.
Jackson, a fourth-year pro, is in a battle with Sage Rosenfels for the starting quarterback position after Brett Favre decided
not to come out of retirement and join the Vikings.
Cardinals
Chris (Beanie) Wells, the running back from Ohio State who was Arizona's first-round draft pick, did not make it through
his first practice with his new team. Wells, who earlier in the day agreed to a five-year contract for an undisclosed amount
and arrived in camp slimmed down from 246 pounds to 224, rolled his left ankle in a collision with Jason Banks late in the
afternoon workout and was taken off on a cart. He was smiling as he left. It was not known how serious the injury was.
Ravens
Baltimore wide receiver Derrick Mason, a 12-year veteran, announced the end of his less than three-week retirement and
showed up at the Ravens' training camp.
Giants
First-round pick Hakeem Nicks became the last of New York's nine draft picks to reach a deal when the receiver from North
Carolina signed a five-year contract yesterday that will pay him a little less than $12.5 million.
Broncos
Cornerback Champ Bailey is back on the football field along with safety Renaldo Hill and defensive tackle Marcus
Thomas after the three veterans were put on the active physically unable to perform list Thursday and held out of both twohour practices Friday. Coach Josh McDaniels would not say whether they had new injuries, lingering ailments or had failed
their conditioning tests, and the three players said they were not allowed to talk about it.
Browns
Despite an unstable quarterback situation, Cleveland became the latest team to say publicly that it is not interested in former
Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick. New coach Eric Mangini said he is happy with quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek
Anderson, who will battle this summer to be the starter. Meanwhile, wide receiver Braylon Edwards missed the first
training camp practice with an injury no one wants to talk about.
Jets
Pro Bowl nose tackle Kris Jenkins left New York's practice with a strained left calf, an injury not believed to be serious but
one that likely will keep him out a few days.
Texans
Houston signed linebacker Brian Cushing, the Texans' first-round pick from Southern California. No terms were released.
In addition, the Texans re-signed defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina, a former Steeler, who, at 39, is the second-oldest position
player in the league behind Oakland quarterback Jeff Garcia who is three months older.
Titans
Kenny Britt agreed to terms on a five-year contract with Tennessee, getting the wide receiver from Rutgers into training
camp a week before the team's appearance in the Hall of Fame game against Buffalo. No financial terms were disclosed.
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Key dates
A look at some important dates on the NFL calendar:
Saturday: Enshrinement ceremonies for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009, including Rod Woodson, in Canton,
Ohio (7 p.m.)
Sunday: Buffalo plays Tennessee in the Hall of Fame game, opening the preseason schedule (8 p.m., WPXI).
Aug. 13: The Steelers open their preseason schedule vs. Arizona at Heinz Field (8 p.m., ESPN).
Sept. 5: Rosters must be reduced to the regular-season 53-man limit.
First published on August 2, 2009 at 4:17 am
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Steelers offensive front is taking charge - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 1 of 5
Steelers offensive front is taking charge
By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Ask members of the most maligned Steelers' unit this past season about the
criticism they receive, and the answers vary.
One, with a hint of defiance, says he only cares about the opinions expressed
in the offensive line's meeting room. Another references a magazine that
ranked the Steelers' offensive line No. 12 among the 12 teams that qualified for
the playoffs this past season, proving that they aren't oblivious to all slights
directed their way.
And yet, a third player shrugs it off as inevitable since the Steelers didn't have
many other weaknesses. Critics will find a scab even on a supermodel — and
pick at it.
If there is a consensus among the players that make up the Steelers' offensive
line, it is this: Better days are ahead.
The reasons vary, from an improved comfort level to better cohesion. There is
also the fact that four of the five projected starters are in their mid 20s.
"We have the ability to be one of the best offensive lines in the NFL," center
Justin Hartwig said. "I truly believe that."
That may seem like a dubious claim considering the offensive line had trouble
keeping quarterback Ben Roethlisberger perpendicular to the ground this past
season while the running game ranked 23rd in the NFL (under 106 yards per
game).
But team management apparently agrees more with Hartwig than those who
claim the Steelers won the Super Bowl last season in spite of their offensive
line.
The Steelers signed left tackle Max Starks and left guard Chris Kemoeatu to
long-term contracts during the offseason.
The 2009 draft brought just one offensive lineman - third-round guard Kraig
Urbik.
And that, apparently, was just fine with Roethlisberger.
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"I pulled for a lot of those guys to come back because they are a special group,"
Roethlisberger said of the offensive line.
Added Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: "These guys are coming into their own.
They're in the prime of their career. You would anticipate these guys improving
individually and collectively."
BRIMMING WITH CONFIDENCE
Talking to Kemoeatu in past years made you wonder if he would rather have a
tooth than a quote extracted. So it came as a mild surprise how at ease he
seemed to be after wading into a cluster of reporters outside of Rooney Hall on
Friday.
"How are you guys doing?" Kemoeatu said after arriving at St. Vincent College.
"Are you excited?"
If Kemoeatu seemed more sure of himself, it's because the 6-foot-3, 344-pound
road grader started every game this past season after previously serving as
Alan Faneca's understudy.
He is not the only offensive lineman who arrived at camp more self-assured
than a year ago.
"I've been the center of this offensive line for a year now, and I feel really
confident in what I'm doing," said Hartwig, who beat out Sean Mahan for the
starting job in training camp a year ago. "I'm going to encourage guys and let
them know what we have to improve on and let them know that (mental) errors
aren't going to be acceptable."
What also isn't acceptable is the number of times Roethlisberger got sacked
this past season — 46.
While that total can be attributed in part to Roethlisberger's propensity for
holding onto the ball, the offensive line has been assailed for not doing a better
job of protecting the Steelers' $100 million quarterback.
Never mind that offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, after reviewing game
tapes, said less than 20 of Roethlisberger's sacks this past season could be
pinned on the offensive line.
Or the fact that the Steelers' blocking schemes are such that the linemen are
sometimes outnumbered when opposing defenses rush the quarterback.
"Our pass protections, we are usually responsible for six guys," Hartwig said.
"Most teams are responsible for five guys, so that's a little bit extra on us, but
we're capable of doing it."
One thing that should help the offensive line is the familiarity the players have
with one another.
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The Steelers had to break in two new starters last season and then had to "play
chess," as Starks put it, after injuries sidelined left tackle Marvel Smith and right
guard Kendall Simmons.
The group that emerged after the early season injuries started the Steelers'
final 14 games. Not coincidentally, the line played its best at the end of the
season.
"The offensive line is a very unique position where you need chemistry," Starks
said. "I think having that opportunity to play together for at least three months
has really helped us."
In an effort to build cohesion, the linemen get together frequently, whether it's
meeting for dinner or going bowling.
For the record, starting right tackle Willie Colon has the least amount of game
when the linemen hit the lanes.
"He's all over the place," Hartwig said.
"I'm horrible," Colon agreed. "I'm the guy that buys the beers and sits in the
back and cheers."
LINE LOOKS TO TAKE CONTROL
Watching the line last season from afar, former Steeler Faneca offered an
assessment that doesn't differ too greatly from Hartwig's musings on Colon's
bowling.
The Steelers were inconsistent, he said, which is another way of saying they
were all over the place.
"I think, at times, they looked great, and it just seemed like when it went rough,
it stayed rough," said Faneca, who signed with the New York Jets following the
2007 season. "Then, all of the sudden, they'd come out a couple of series later
and play lights out."
Faneca said he watched the Steelers on TV and did not have the benefit of
seeing the line's play from every angle. Ultimately, he said, the line did well
enough as evidenced by the Lombardi Trophy the Steelers hoisted at the end of
the season.
But Colon, for one, is under no illusion that the line imposed its will on
opponents last season.
"When I look back at certain games, we've got to be more efficient at finishing
games," Colon said. "When you get inside four minutes of a game, and the
offense is on the field, it should be over. (Outside linebacker) James Harrison
should be taking off the tape. It should be our job to just put away games."
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While critical of the line's play at times in 2008, Colon bristles when others level
shots against him and his teammates.
If the fifth-year veteran takes it personally, it's because he spends more time
with his fellow linemen than he does his own brothers.
The linemen have forged a bond through shared experiences, which include
bearing the brunt of withering criticism.
Such closeness is another reason why Hartwig expects the line to be better this
season.
"When you invest in each other, it's not just five individuals showing up and
doing a job," he said. "When you care about each other, you want to do well for
the guy you're playing next to. I really do believe that correlates. I've been on a
few teams where you just feel like in the locker room, it's not a very tight-knit
group, and it shows on the field."
MANY HAPPY RETURNS?
The Steelers return all five starters along their offensive line this season. While
cynics may say that is not necessarily a good thing, quarterback Ben
Roethlisberger said he lobbied for the line to return intact. Here is a look at the
players that started on the line last season.
LT — Max Starks, 6-foot-8, 337 pounds. A former starter at right tackle, the 27year-old Starks plugged the hole on the left side created by Marvel Smith's
recurring back problems. In June, he signed a four-year deal worth as much as
$26.3 million.
LG — Chris Kemoeatu, 6-3, 344 pounds. The Jets coveted him but Steelers
ponied up to keep Kemoeatu, 26, who plays with a nasty streak and can be a
punishing run blocker.
C — Justin Hartwig, 6-5, 312 pounds. Under-the-radar free-agent signee
started every game last season and stabilized a position that had been a
trouble spot in 2007. At 30 years of age, Hartwig is the graybeard of the group.
RG — Darnell Stapleton, 6-3, 305 pounds. Converted center started 15 games
last season. Stapleton, 23, will have to hold off third-round pick Kraig Urbik and
veteran Trai Essex to keep his job.
RT — Willie Colon, 6-3, 315 pounds. Has started 38 consecutive games at right
tackle. The 26-year-old Colon is tough and gritty and could be poised for a big
season.
Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
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Steelers offensive front is taking charge - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 5 of 5
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8/2/2009
QB Roethlisberger apologizes to teammates - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 1 of 2
QB Roethlisberger apologizes to teammates
By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Talking with reporters for the first time since getting accused of sexual assault
in a civil lawsuit, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger showed little patience for any
questions that were not related to football.
And when asked Saturday morning if he had anything to say to fans who are
concerned about him, Roethlisberger said: "Any other football questions? I can
walk away if we want."
He did exactly the opposite of that Friday night, behind closed doors, as he
addressed the issue that has generated national headlines.
Roethlisberger apologized to his teammates and gave them his side of the story
during the Steelers' first team meeting of the season.
Roethlisberger offered a collective mea culpa because many of his teammates
had been asked whether his situation would be a distraction earlier Friday when
they reported to training camp at St. Vincent College.
"It means a great deal," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said of
Roethlisberger's gesture. "You can step up, and instead of hearing what we're
hearing on the news, you really want to know what happened. We as players,
we understand that can happen to anyone. He said his piece, and we're moving
on from it."
Roethlisberger is being sued for an alleged incident that happened in July of
2008 while he was in Reno, Nev., for a celebrity golf tournament. His stature
coupled with the timing of the lawsuit guaranteed that the story would be the
predominant one at the start of camp, even though the Steelers are the
defending Super Bowl champions.
Both ESPN and The NFL Network sent crews to Latrobe for the Steelers' first
practice of the preseason — and specifically to interview Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger talked after morning drills. He just didn't say much other than to
lavish praise on tight end Heath Miller, the Steelers offensive line and several
other teammates.
When asked if getting back to football has insulated him to a degree from what
is going on in his personal life, Roethlisberger said: "It's a job, and that's what I
love being out here doing."
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Such an answer was typical for questions that dealt with anything remotely
close to what Roethlisberger is dealing with off the field.
He is not the only one that has grown weary of such queries.
"I understand it's that time of year, and it's something to talk about, but it's not
going to be an issue for us, it's really not," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said
after the team's afternoon practice. "If this derails our football team, then we've
got a lot more problems than this story."
Roethlisberger asserted both his innocence and his outrage to the allegations
made in the lawsuit a little more than a week ago. He also said in the statement
he read that he would not talk about the matter publicly.
Privately turned out to be a different matter as his teammates found out.
"He was well spoken, and he didn't buckle because he was up there talking to
the team and just told it like it was. It makes me feel better, but at the same
time, I had his back either way," said kicker Jeff Reed, who was a Steelers'
captain this past season along with Roethlisberger. "He's a friend, and he's one
of our leaders. Everybody's human, and people are out to get you sometimes,
and that's just the way it is."
Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
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8/2/2009
Harris: Steelers, fans share special bond - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 1 of 2
Harris: Steelers, fans share special bond
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Wondering what to do on the first Saturday in August on a balmy afternoon,
Steelers' fans stampeded to Latrobe for the first training camp practice of the
season open to the public.
A conga line of cars snaked toward St. Vincent College hours in advance and
left the same way when it was over.
"I couldn't believe the traffic. We sat in traffic for at least 30 minutes,'' said
Richard Burke of Johnstown, who took in training camp with nine other family
members. "We may come again during the week when it's not that busy, but we
wanted to be here for opening day. It's like the kickoff of the season.''
Burke was pulling a large cooler with his 2-year-old daughter, Sophie, as a
passenger.
"Keep the tradition alive and influence them while they're young,'' said Burke,
nodding toward his daughter.
Wonder no more.
There will never again be a first day of training camp for the defending Super
Bowl XLIII champions.
Yesterday, Steelers' players and coaches approached three practice fields to
several ovations from an estimated 10,000 fans wearing black and gold.
"Willie!'' one fan yelled upon running back Willie Parker's approach.
"There's Hines!'' another fan screamed when longtime favorite Hines Ward
came into view.
Much like celebrities walking on the red carpet at a movie premiere, the
Steelers took their collective bows for the captivated audience.
Last but not least, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger joined his teammates as
fans promptly attempted to scream themselves hoarse. Shortly after
Roethlisberger took the field with the other offensive players, an air horn
signaled the start of warmups.
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Harris: Steelers, fans share special bond - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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After practice, Roethlisberger ran to different sections behind the field signing
autographs as fans chased him around.
There's a connection between the Steelers and their fans that seemingly goes
way beyond football, almost to the point that fans believe they're part of the
team.
When some of the players clapped in unison during drills, some of their fans
clapped right along.
The Steelers were repeatedly reminded yesterday to bring home No. 7 — as in
seven Super Bowls. The Steelers lead all NFL teams with six Super Bowl titles.
For the Bracovich family of New Alexandria, attending Steelers' training camp is
a full-time job.
Joe and Barbara Bracovich try to attend every training camp session that's
open to the public. Yesterday, they were joined by their two daughters and 10year-old grandson, who attended Roethlisberger's football camp this summer.
"The Steelers are a big part of our lives,'' Barbara said.
The key, said Burke of Johnstown, is to indoctrinate potential Steelers' fans
when they're young.
"When you grow up, you learn to be a Steeler fan immediately, and it doesn't
leave you no matter where you go,'' he said.
John Harris can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
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8/2/2009
Tomlin impressed by Polamalu, Townsend - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 1 of 3
Tomlin impressed by Polamalu, Townsend
By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, August 2, 2009
For two guys who were supposed to be limited because of minor hamstring
pulls, strong safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Deshea Townsend sure got
their share of work in during the first two Steelers' practices of the season.
Both took part in the majority of practices Saturday morning and afternoon at
sun-baked St. Vincent College.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he was pleasantly surprised by how much
Polamalu and Townsend were able to do but added: "We'll continue to be
cautious with those guys."
The same goes for tight end Heath Miller, who is recovering from sports hernia
surgery, and center Justin Hartwig, who has a broken toe. Both were limited
participants in practice yesterday.
Darnell Stapleton played center with the first-team offense when Hartwig was
out. Trai Essex took Stapleton's spot at right guard when the latter played
center.
The Steelers didn't suffer any injuries on the first day of practice.
Linebacker Lawrence Timmons, guard/center Doug Legursky and running back
Isaac Redman, however, didn't finish the afternoon practice because of cramps.
NO BIG DEAL
Mammoth nose tackle Casey Hampton downplayed his getting a passing grade
from Tomlin in the run test Friday afternoon.
Hampton had labored so mightily during the conditioning test a year ago that
Tomlin banished him to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Hampton
said he worked out a "little more" prior to training camp than he had in 2008.
"If I passed it, I passed it. If I didn't, I didn't," said the 6-foot-1 Hampton, who is
listed at 325 pounds. "I don't make a big deal out of it."
In retrospect, Hampton said, opening camp last year on the PUP list didn't turn
out to be a bad thing for him.
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Tomlin impressed by Polamalu, Townsend - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 2 of 3
"I felt pretty good going into the season, not really banging, so I think it kind of
helped my body out a little bit," Hampton said. "I think (the media) kind of made
it more of a big deal than it was. My time is Sept. 10. That's when I'll be ready to
go."
Sept. 10 is when the Steelers open the regular season against the visiting
Tennessee Titans.
PRACTICES MAKES PERFECT?
Willie Parker spent part of yesterday's morning practice catching passes from
running backs coach Kirby Wilson.
Parker said he has been catching as many as 250 passes in practices going
back to minicamp in an effort to make himself a complete player. He had just
four receptions this past season.
Wilson, Parker said, won't be confused with Ben Roethlisberger any time soon.
But the two-time Pro Bowl running back added, there is a positive to that.
"I feel if I can catch his balls, I can definitely catch Ben's balls," Parker said
laughing. "He's the worst quarterback ever."
EXTRA POINTS
Response of the day: When Tomlin was asked which players had impressed
him on the first day of practices, he said, "None." ... Former Steelers great
Dermontti Dawson is in camp, as he has an internship with the Steelers'
scouting department. Dawson played center for the Steelers from 1988-2000. ...
The Steelers have just one practice today. It will be at 2:55 p.m. and is free and
open to the public.
INSIDE THE ROPES
A daily look at the best parts of the Steelers' training camp in Latrobe:
PICKED CLEAN: Linebacker Keyaron Fox intercepted Charlie Batch during 11on-11 drills Saturday afternoon. Linebacker Andre Frazier intercepted Ben
Roethlisberger during 7-on-7 drills. Rookie cornerback Keenan Lewis made a
leaping interception during 7-on-7 drills.
EARLY RETURNS: Receiver Santonio Holmes told the Tribune-Review
recently that he wants more touches, even if those touches involve returning
punts. Holmes fielded punts yesterday with running back Mewelde Moore, freeagent receiver Shaun McDonald and rookie defensive back Joe Burnett.
Another potential punt returner, free agent Stefan Logan, is on the physically
unable to perform list (PUP) with a foot sprain.
BACK IN THE SADDLE: Safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Deshea
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Tomlin impressed by Polamalu, Townsend - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 3 of 3
Townsend, whom coach Mike Tomlin said Friday would be slowed because of
hamstring injuries, were both on the practice field yesterday. Tomlin said
Polamalu and Townsend "surprised us with their participation.'' Tomlin made it
a point not to play either player too much during drills.
MOVING AROUND: With starting center Justin Hartwig recovering from a
broken toe, Darnell Stapleton shifted from first-team right guard to first-team
center. Hartwig lined up at center during 7-on-7 drills.
SCREEN TEST: The Steelers worked on their screen game yesterday with an
emphasis on throwing short passes to running backs out of the backfield.
According to Tomlin, the drills also can help the defense in terms of pursuit and
changing direction in going after the ball.
FIRST IMPRESSION: Free-agent receiver Tyler Grisham, a rookie from
Clemson, made three good catches yesterday afternoon. Most impressive was
a long catch down the middle of the field from second-year quarterback Dennis
Dixon. Grisham also made a pair of lunging catches near the sideline.
Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
Images and text copyright © 2009 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.
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8/2/2009
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Sunday AUGUST 2, 2009 :: Last modified: Sunday, August 2, 2009 12:33 AM EDT
Bires: Tomlin's cure for Super Bowl hangover
By Mike Bires
Times Sports Staff
LATROBE — Anyone out there worried about a Super Bowl hangover, forget about it. It’s not going
to happen.
Not with Mike Tomlin coaching this team.
No way.
This team will be focused. Tomlin won’t allow it to be any other way.
That was obvious Saturday as the reigning champs started training camp. The morning and afternoon
workouts were crisp and intense. It was all business.
And as he made his rounds from station to station on the practice fields, Tomlin constantly barked
out praise and criticism.
“I like it 33! I like it!” he yelled out when rookie running back Isaac Redman, an undrafted free agent
with little chance of making the team, handled two veteran linebackers in a “backs on ‘backers” drill.
But later in a one-on-one pass rushing drill, Tomlin ripped into rookie guard Kraig Urbik when he
struggled against rookie defensive end Ziggy Hood.
“Come on Urbik! Have a little dignity!” snapped Tomlin.
On his next chance, Urbik, a third-round draft pick, regained his dignity by faring much better against
Hood, the Steelers’ first-round draft pick.
“You guys are too close to the drill,” Tomlin said to the media afterwards when asked if dignity was
achieved. “Some of those things aren’t meant for public consumption. I like all those guys. They all
have dignity.”
In the short time he’s been with the Steelers, Tomlin has been nothing short of amazing. Of all the
things he does well, what he does best is motivate and inspire his players.
That was evident in the way he led the Steelers last year. There were so many come-from-behind
wins that showed this team indeed had the mental toughness and character needed to become
champs.
And when the Steelers hoisted that Lombardi Trophy in Tampa after rallying past the Arizona
Cardinals, Tomlin became the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl.
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He’s back this year, at age 37, trying to win it again.
Tomlin is so different than Bill Cowher was in 2006 when the Steelers last defended a Super Bowl
title. Maybe it was Cowher himself who was guilty of having a Super Bowl hangover. Maybe Cowher,
who battled management that year over a contract extension, lost the drive needed to be a
champion.
That won’t happen to Tomlin.
He says it’s up to him to set the tone. He knows he needs to set it right here at camp.
So here is his training camp theme:
“I know that they’re capable, but are they willing?” he said. “It will not only be the theme for camp,
but the theme for the 2009 season. Capability is not an issue with these guys. We know we have a
team that is capable. But what are they willing to do, and not only inside stadiums on Sundays, but
on a day to day, drill to drill, and moment to moment basis?”
With Tomlin leading the way, the Steelers will be willing to give it their best shot this year.
This team will not have a Super Bowl hangover.
Mike Bires can be reached at mires@timesonline.com
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Notebook: Moon's Shipley shaping up
By Mike Bires
Times Sports Staff
LATROBE — For starters, things went O.K. for A.Q.
“I feel 100 times better than I did during the OTAs and mini-camp,” said rookie center A.Q. Shipley
as he walked off the practice field late Saturday. “I just have to go out and keep fighting day in and
day out. It was a good first day.”
On his first day of training camp, Shipley worked with the third-team offensive line in 11-on-11 drills.
It was his first practice since the last of the OTAs in June and the first time he’s went through contact
drills as a Steeler.
“It felt good to hit people again,” said Shipley, the former Moon Area star and All-American at Penn
State.
After the afternoon, Shipley was one of the last Steelers to leave the field. He spent extra time
working in techniques and even long snapping for punts, extra points and field goals.
“Just trying to get better,” he said. “As a rookie, you have to do extra things if you want to get
better.”
LIMITED PARTNERS
As they try to fully recover to from off-season injuries, TE Heath Miller (sports hernia surgery) and C
Justin Hartwig (toe) were limited at Saturday’s practices. They were in uniform and took part in
several drills, but didn’t participate in any full-team sessions.
With those two limited, backups Matt Spaeth and Darnell Stapleton ran with the first-team offense.
Lining up at right guard, a position manned by Stapleton last year, was Trai Essex. When he reported
Friday, Essex said he was promised a fair chance of beating out Stapleton for the starting job in a
training camp competition.
Meanwhile, SS Troy Polamalu and CB Deshea Townsend both practiced even though coach Mike
Tomlin suggested Friday that they may be limited with minor off-season hamstring injuries.
Three players — LB Lawrence Timmons, RB Isaac Redman and OL Doug Legursky —developed
cramps during the afternoon practice session and couldn’t finish. They’re expected back today.
NO INTEREST IN VICK
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Despite rumors that Michael Vick may wind up in Pittsburgh, the Steelers aren’t considering the idea.
The idea that Vick may sign with the Steelers started when ESPN football analyst Chris Mortensen
said that Pittsburgh would be a perfect fit for the QB.
Then on Friday, a sports talk radio caller claimed to be a cab driver who had just taken Vick to team
headquarters on the South Side.
“I don’t know whether he was in Pittsburgh or not,” coach Mike Tomlin said with a laugh. “But I’m in
Latrobe and everybody else in our organization is as well.”
“We’re just focused on who’s here right now,” center Justin Hartwig said. “We’re just concerned
about the Steelers. We’re not really concerned about Michael Vick.”
X’S AND O’S
* Shortly after arriving at camp, Ziggy Hood and Miller held press conferences to discuss their
recently signed contracts.
Hood, a rookie defensive end who was the Steelers’ first-round pick in this year’s draft, agreed to a
five-year deal reportedly worth $8.7 million, a $6.1 million signing bonus included.
“I’m ready to go to work,” said Hood, the fifth straight Steelers’ No. 1 pick to sign before the start of
camp. “I would like to thank the Steelers for helping me get this done on time so I don’t have to miss
any part of training camp.”
Meanwhile, Miller, a fifth-year tight end, signed a six-year deal worth $35.3 million, a $12.5 million
signing bonus included.
“I’m lucky to be here,” said Miller, a first-round pick in the ‘05 draft. “I’m lucky to have been drafted
here. It’s the best organization in sports. I’m lucky to be here for a few more years.”
* Two former Steelers are at camp. Ex-center Dermontti Dawson is working with the scouting
department. Ex-linebacker Earl Holmes, who’s an assistant coach at Florida A&M, is doing a two-week
coaching internship. He’ll be in Latrobe until the Rattlers report for training camp.
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Roethlisberger willing to talk but only about football issues
Page 1 of 2
Roethlisberger willing to talk but only about
football issues
By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer
dlolley@observer-reporter.com
LATROBE - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has made a lot of money for being evasive in the
pocket and shaking off defenders.
Saturday, Roethlisberger showed reporters just how evasive he can be, dodging a number of direct
questions about the lawsuit brought against him by a Nevada woman who claims the quarterback
sexually assaulted her in 2008.
"Any other football questions? I can walk away if you want," Roethlisberger finally responded after the
fifth question in the 10-minute on-field interview with reporters following the Steelers' morning practice
at Saint Vincent College.
Apparently, Roethlisberger hopes to do all of his talking about the suit - other than a short statement two
weeks ago to deny the accusations - in the court room, whenever that might occur.
In the meantime, he says he's focused on football and only football as the Steelers open training camp as
the defending Super Bowl champions.
That was part of his message to his teammates, whom he addressed Friday night at a team meeting.
"He came up and apologized to the team and gave us his side," said wide receiver Hines Ward.
Many said the apology wasn't needed.
"That's crazy, man, he doesn't have to say that to me," said nose tackle Casey Hampton. "I know how
the world is. In today's society, if anybody says anything, you're guilty until you're proven innocent. I
know Ben and the type person he is, and I ain't even going to say anything about it (or) I'm going to go
off."
Roethlisberger said he's appreciated all the support he's gotten from his teammates.
"It's good because they have my back and they know I have theirs," Roethlisberger said.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin declined to discuss exactly what Roethlisberger said when he
addressed the team, but said he was not surprised the quarterback did so.
"He's handled this how I've expected him to handle this," said Tomlin. "It's not going to be an issue for
us, it's really not. If this derails our football team, we've got a lot more problems than this."
Odds and end zones
Tomlin said the theme in this training camp is, "I know they're capable, but are they willing?" ...
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Roethlisberger willing to talk but only about football issues
Page 2 of 2
Linebacker Lawrence Timmons, center Doug Legursky and running back Frank Summers all left
Saturday afternoon's practice early with cramps. ... The Steelers got some good news as both safety Troy
Polamalu and cornerback Deshea Townsend practiced Saturday, one day after Tomlin listed them
among the players who might be limited early in camp. Both are nursing sore hamstrings. ... Center
Justin Hartwig (toe) and tight end Heath Miller (hernia surgery) did not practice. ... Approximately
10,000 people attended Saturday afternoon's practice. ... The Steelers will practice at 3 p.m. today and
the session is open to the public.
Copyright Observer Publishing Co.
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8/2/2009
The Herald Standard - Sports - 08/02/2009 - Big Ben apologizes to Steelers
Page 1 of 2
08/02/2009
Big Ben apologizes to Steelers
By Jim Wexell , For the Herald-Standard
UNITY TWP. - Ben Roethlisberger stood up in front of the team Thursday night and apologized that the civil suit filed against
him had become a team distraction.
His team, in the person of Casey Hampton, said Ben needn't had bothered.
"I don't think he had to because everyone knows what it is," Hampton said. "That
(stuff), that's crazy. He didn't have to say anything. I know how the world is. I know
how females are, so ..."
Advertisement
Uh, oh. Big Hamp may have crossed the line with that remark, but the Steelers' nose
tackle has become a revolutionary in more ways than one. Take the topic of his
conditioning.
"I'm not big on working out all year around," Hampton said. "I have to give my body a
rest. I rest it, get ready for camp, then use training camp to get ready for the season. It's
too much, all that banging on my body, especially for the position I play. I'm not going
to work out in March, April hard, hard, hard. Coaches say you should, but I don't think
you win games then. That's just my opinion."
Hampton gave similar opinions last year at camp. His responses were fiery, or just as
fiery as Coach Mike Tomlin's, who put "The Big Snack" on the PUP list because he
was overweight. Hampton appeared to have reported in better shape this year, and even
passed the run test. But he calls it all an illusion.
"I just felt like doing it," he said of the difference between this year's run test and last
year's. And the appearance of having lost weight?
"Nobody never knows my weight. I can make it look good, make it look bad," he said. Hampton was told of a photo taken of him
Thursday in which he appeared to have lost plenty of weight.
"Don't believe it," he said as he sucked in his gut. "I've been working on my abs."
Hampton apparently can afford to play the role of revolutionary. Team president Art Rooney told a reporter Thursday that there's no
money left for contract extensions, so that would mean Hampton's left out in the cold.
"I don't worry about that kind of stuff. I just play," Hampton said. "If they ain't got none, they ain't got none. I can't do nothing about that.
It's not something I have control of."
On the field yesterday, Hampton went up against Darnell Stapleton, a third-year player who played center in college but was forced to play
right guard last year after Kendall Simmons went down. Stapleton has said he still considers himself a center at heart. Did Hampton care
to make an honest assessment of Stapleton's performance in place of injured Justin Hartwig?
"He was good. I mean, he got a lot stronger," Hampton said. "Darnell always had the quickness and good hands and stuff like that, but I
didn't think he was strong enough to play center. So, he got a little bit stronger."
Is center his natural position?
"No question. No question in my mind."
Just like he had no question about his friend Roethlisberger.
"I know Ben. I know he didn't do anything. I don't need to say nothing about it," Hampton said. "He handled it well (last night), but it's
B.S."
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Bires: Tomlin's cure for Super Bowl hangover
By Mike Bires
Times Sports Staff
LATROBE — Anyone out there worried about a Super Bowl hangover, forget about it. It’s not going
to happen.
Not with Mike Tomlin coaching this team.
No way.
This team will be focused. Tomlin won’t allow it to be any other way.
That was obvious Saturday as the reigning champs started training camp. The morning and afternoon
workouts were crisp and intense. It was all business.
And as he made his rounds from station to station on the practice fields, Tomlin constantly barked
out praise and criticism.
“I like it 33! I like it!” he yelled out when rookie running back Isaac Redman, an undrafted free agent
with little chance of making the team, handled two veteran linebackers in a “backs on ‘backers” drill.
But later in a one-on-one pass rushing drill, Tomlin ripped into rookie guard Kraig Urbik when he
struggled against rookie defensive end Ziggy Hood.
“Come on Urbik! Have a little dignity!” snapped Tomlin.
On his next chance, Urbik, a third-round draft pick, regained his dignity by faring much better against
Hood, the Steelers’ first-round draft pick.
“You guys are too close to the drill,” Tomlin said to the media afterwards when asked if dignity was
achieved. “Some of those things aren’t meant for public consumption. I like all those guys. They all
have dignity.”
In the short time he’s been with the Steelers, Tomlin has been nothing short of amazing. Of all the
things he does well, what he does best is motivate and inspire his players.
That was evident in the way he led the Steelers last year. There were so many come-from-behind
wins that showed this team indeed had the mental toughness and character needed to become
champs.
And when the Steelers hoisted that Lombardi Trophy in Tampa after rallying past the Arizona
Cardinals, Tomlin became the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl.
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He’s back this year, at age 37, trying to win it again.
Tomlin is so different than Bill Cowher was in 2006 when the Steelers last defended a Super Bowl
title. Maybe it was Cowher himself who was guilty of having a Super Bowl hangover. Maybe Cowher,
who battled management that year over a contract extension, lost the drive needed to be a
champion.
That won’t happen to Tomlin.
He says it’s up to him to set the tone. He knows he needs to set it right here at camp.
So here is his training camp theme:
“I know that they’re capable, but are they willing?” he said. “It will not only be the theme for camp,
but the theme for the 2009 season. Capability is not an issue with these guys. We know we have a
team that is capable. But what are they willing to do, and not only inside stadiums on Sundays, but
on a day to day, drill to drill, and moment to moment basis?”
With Tomlin leading the way, the Steelers will be willing to give it their best shot this year.
This team will not have a Super Bowl hangover.
Mike Bires can be reached at mires@timesonline.com
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ESPN.com - Roethlisberger apologizes to Steelers
ESPN.com: NFL
Page 1 of 2
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Saturday, August 1, 2009
Roethlisberger apologizes to Steelers
Associated Press
LATROBE, Pa. -- Ben Roethlisberger quickly moved to make sure his problems don't become those of
the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
Roethlisberger apologized to his teammates for causing a possible distraction, then answered questions
Saturday for the first time since being named as the defendant in a Nevada civil lawsuit that accuses him
of sexual assault.
He declined to discuss his legal problems, or even acknowledge them, saying, "I'm playing football."
Then Roethlisberger said it again, as if to emphasize there will be no questions answered during training
camp about any issue other than the Steelers.
"This is what I do, it's football," Roethlisberger said after being asked if he could stay focused. "I don't
know what you're talking about. It's football."
AFC North blog
ESPN.com's James Walker writes about all things AFC North in his division blog.
• Blog network: NFL Nation
The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback became testy when he sensed he would be asked again
about the civil suit, saying, "Any other football questions? I can walk away if we want."
Roethlisberger's 10-minute question-and-answer session Saturday was his first since the suit was filed.
He read a statement defending himself during a brief news conference on Aug. 23, several days after
what he called "reckless and false" allegations were made by a resort hotel employee, but he declined
then to answer questions.
While Roethlisberger faces no criminal charges, he is aware the lawsuit could potentially prove
disruptive if it lasts well into the season. Three years ago, Roethlisberger's preseason motorcycle crash
and appendectomy caused on- and off-field problems that lasted well into the season, and the Steelers
never recovered from a 2-6 start and missed the playoffs.
With the Steelers focused on avoiding such a slip-up this time, Roethlisberger stood up at the annual
team meeting that begins training camp and said he was sorry, but many teammates said his apology
wasn't necessary.
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ESPN.com - Roethlisberger apologizes to Steelers
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Several players said they are angry about the allegations, even though they know only one side of the
story.
"That's crazy, man, he doesn't have to say that to me," nose tackle Casey Hampton said. "I know how
the world is. In today's society, if anybody says anything, you're guilty until you're proven innocent. I
know Ben and the type person he is, and I ain't even going to say anything about it [or] I'm going to go
off."
Steelers center Justin Hartwig is unhappy that Roethlisberger is being judged publicly before any facts
are revealed.
"Unfortunately the court of public opinion judges and that's just the way it is, whether it's fair or not," he
said.
Troy Polamalu shrugged off the potential impact of the Roethlisberger suit, saying it has nothing to do
with football and that NFL players regularly deal with off-field problems.
"I don't think it's a distraction for the team or him, either. I think Ben has had to handle a lot more stuff
outside of football than anybody on this team, probably," Polamalu said. "That just comes with the
territory. He's become accustomed to that lifestyle and it will be easy for him to separate the two issues."
Few NFL players like the endless practices and spartan, dorm-room lifestyle of a training camp held on
a college campus like Pittsburgh's, but Ward said "it's kind of our safe haven" in these kind of situations.
"When we step on the field, it's about football," Ward said. "I know Ben, and he's looking forward to
coming out here and competing. We don't see Ben being a distraction."
Roethlisberger apparently plans to handle the situation the way he does other potential distractions.
"Do the best you can, smile and go," he said.
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8/2/2009
With Twitter's Arrival, NFL Loses Control of Image Game
Page 1 of 4
With Twitter's Arrival, NFL
Loses Control of Image Game
By Rick Maese
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Thousands of fans gathered in Ashburn last week for
the opening of Redskins training camp, separated from
their oversize heroes by a long barricade. But when
the players left the field and returned to the locker
room, fans suddenly had unprecedented access to the
players' thoughts and whims through their laptops and
mobile devices.
For the first time, fans aren't dependent on media reports for training camp updates. Players themselves
are divulging certain details, from the humorous to the inconsequential, using Twitter feeds.
"Had a six inch Sub for lunch and now I'm headed back to practice number 2. Ugh," tight end Chris
Cooley told his 12,000-plus followers on the opening day of camp.
Rookie Keith Eloi, trying to make the team as a wide receiver, offered: "Man breaking in new cleats on
the first day of practice might be the worst thing to go thru besides a knee injury!!!!"
While athletes have used blogs the past couple of years, they say Twitter is quicker, more accessible and
less likely to be filtered through agents, publicists or team officials before publication. From the
perspective of both fan and athlete, that's a good thing. But the National Football League is an imageobsessed league, routinely beset by athletes' off-the-field antics. Twitter has already grown into a social
media tool over which the league has little to no control.
In all, 10 Redskins players use active Twitter accounts to keep in touch with friends and fans through
140-character bursts. It's part of a revolution that has touched other sports, but one that didn't boom in
the NFL until after last season's Super Bowl. Since then, dozens of players throughout the league have
opened Twitter accounts, giving fans an intriguing look at the offseason -- previously a period in which
most players essentially disappeared from public view.
It has league officials and social media experts predicting the upcoming season will be unlike any
before.
"I think Twitter has a huge opportunity for football players in particular to break out of the helmet and
become a person over and above some number out on the field," said Kathleen Hessert, a media
strategist who has encouraged athletes such as Shaquille O'Neal and Danica Patrick to Twitter. "Twitter
is clearly becoming not only the technology du jour, and frankly, seeing as much success as athletes
have had with it touching fans and creating new fans, I think anybody who doesn't look at it in the NFL
is really just closing their eyes to reality."
Twitter has ruffled some feathers in recent weeks. While players test their boundaries and wrestle for
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their independence, league and teams have kept a careful eye on Twitter feeds, trying to maintain a
semblance of order.
On Friday, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman punched into his Blackberry: "Coach said
we cant tweet in the blding so i called my lawyer and found a lupo [loophole] in that contract...tweeting
outside yeaaaaa."
It's an extension of an anticipated showdown between Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad
Ochocinco (formerly Chad Johnson) and the league. Last month, Ochocinco floated the idea that he
would Twitter from the sidelines during regular season games.
The league sent out word almost immediately that it has a pre-existing rule barring the use of mobile
devices from the bench area. Ochocinco, who has nearly 79,000 followers, immediately responded on
his Twitter page: "Damn NFL and these rules, I am going by my own set of rules, I ain't hurting nobody
or getting in trouble, I am putting my foot down!!"
"The NFL in many respects drives the sports industry in this country, and we're now about to go through
our first season with Twitter as a viable media distribution outlet," said David Katz, a former executive
at Yahoo who founded sportsfanlive.com and its offshoot site athletetweets.com, which aggregates
Twitter feeds of athletes from all sports.
"It'll be interesting to see how the NFL reacts and adapts, what rules they create, and how the players
will embrace it all, both in the preseason and during the regular season," he said
Redskins players say they tweet for a variety of reasons. In the past few months, almost all have picked
up their frequency and found new purpose.
In the four weeks leading up to training camp, Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall, Twittering as
@Dhall23, turned his 7,600-follower feed into a community forum each Monday, inviting fans to send
him questions. Hall had previously used his page for simple life updates, but he saw potential for
something bigger.
"It was getting boring and monotonous -- 'I'm coming off the practice field,' or 'I'm going to eat here.' It's
played out," Hall said. "But to really go in there, answer questions live, I think the fans get more out of
it, and I think I do, too."
Though some players, such as wide receivers Terrell Owens and Ochocinco, saw their existing
popularity translate into thousands of followers, many NFL players see Twitter as a chance to introduce
themselves to fans.
For years, the NFL has been a league content with its players buried under a helmet and bulky padding.
Twitter humanizes the players in a way that allows them to author their own abbreviated narrative.
"It's all about the helmet, but when Twitter comes out, you get the real person," said Eloi, the rookie
wide receiver.
Eloi was an undrafted free agent out of Division II Nebraska-Omaha and may be unfamiliar to many
fans. But he's carved a small niche for himself on the Internet. With the help of buddies, his athletic feats
have been the subject of YouTube videos. One that created a minor offseason sensation depicted Eloi
showing off his 44-inch vertical leap, as the 5-foot-10-inch wide receiver stood in place and jumped into
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With Twitter's Arrival, NFL Loses Control of Image Game
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the bed of apickup.
"It's very hard to get your name out there if you don't have people marketing you and doing advertising
for you and doing this and doing that," said Eloi, who has almost 300 followers. "So thank goodness the
Internet helped me out."
Experts say it's the intended byproduct of social media, drawing people together who otherwise might
never connect.
"I don't think in my lifetime we've had a platform that allowed direct access and communication like
this," said Reggie Bradford, CEO of Vitrue, an Atlanta-based marketing company that tracks social
media.
For the most part, Bradford explained, few athletes and celebrities are currently using Twitter as a
revenue stream. In these infant stages, it's more of a tool for branding and connecting with an audience.
"But there will be endorsement opportunities that come," he said. "If Shaq sends a couple of messages
out per day, you're looking at a couple of billion impressions a year. That real estate would be valuable
to somebody like Gatorade."
Most players say they aren't thinking about Twittering for dollars. Rookie Jeremy Jarmon, a Redskins
defensive end, didn't even sign up to grow his fan base. For him, it was a simple way to stay in touch
with friends.
"I use it, instead of sitting around, chatting with my buddies, chatting with my teammates and sending
out separate text messages," he said.
As he embarks on his professional career, it's blossomed into something much bigger. Last week,
Jarmon broke the news of his new contract with the Redskins before the mainstream media, before any
agent leaked word and before the team's official news release. Jarmon's simple tweet: "Just signed with
the Redskins! Let's get going!!!"
The next day he met with media members at Redskins Park and was asked about his Twitter use. Jarmon
answered politely and had been out of the media room for just a couple of minutes before he tweeted
from his phone: "Interesting questioned posed...why do I use Twitter?"
Social media observers predict that as players spend time with each other in the locker room, chatting
about offseason and showing off their latest cell phones, Twitter use could spread quickly throughout
the NFL. Already, it's become a valuable tool for many in league circles, from agents, such as Leigh
Steinberg and Drew Rosenhaus to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who Twitters as @nflcommish,
albeit infrequently.
But nothing is quite like the perspective of the player. Already, Twitter has changed the way the story of
NFL training camp is told. Perhaps better than anyone, players can encapsulate a 34-practice camp into
140 quick characters.
"If u want to know what training camp is like," Redskins wide receiver Trent Shelton Twittered last
week, "go run around all day then lock urself in a room then do it everyday lol."
Staff writer Paul Tenorio contributed to this report.
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With Twitter's Arrival, NFL Loses Control of Image Game
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Giants Reach Deal With Nicks, Their Last Unsigned Pick - NYTimes.com
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August 2, 2009
Giants Reach Deal With First-Round Pick
By JOE LAPOINTE
ALBANY — When the Giants report to training camp Sunday morning, they will have their entire draft class
signed and with them. The final contract agreement, with wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, was announced
Saturday.
Nicks, from the University of North Carolina, will contend to fill the openings created by the releases of
Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. Nicks was drafted in the first round, 29th over all.
“It is important for the rookies to be in sync with the rest of the team from the start because we expect them
to contribute,” General Manager Jerry Reese said in a statement released by the team.
The leading returning players at the position are Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith. Other returning receivers
include Mario Manningham, Sinorice Moss and David Tyree.
Nicks holds 14 North Carolina records, including those for receptions, 181, and touchdown receptions, 21.
The Giants drafted another receiver, Ramses Barden of Cal Poly, in the third round.
Peter J. Schaffer, the agent for Nicks, said in a telephone interview that Nicks had signed a five-year deal with
a signing bonus of $6.4 million. Schaffer did not reveal the annual salary structure.
“Hakeem is a team-first guy; he wants to be in camp on time,” Schaffer said. “If there is a coefficient between
Hakeem’s talent, work ethic and character, he will be outstanding.”
ROUGH START FOR ROOKIE The former Ohio State running back Beanie Wells, hours after agreeing to
terms on a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, rolled his left leg in a collision during his first
practice and was taken off on a cart. The extent of the injury was not immediately known.
Wells, the 31st overall pick, led the Buckeyes in rushing last season with 1,197 yards and 8 touchdowns on
207 carries. His deal with Arizona is worth $11.8 million, $6.3 million guaranteed and the fifth year is a team
option. ... The Houston Texans agreed to a deal with the first-round pick Brian Cushing, a linebacker out of
Southern California, and immediately said he would be a key to improving their defense. (AP) 49ERS’
CRABTREE A NO-SHOW The 49ers kicked off their first camp under Coach Mike Singletary without their
top draft pick, Michael Crabtree, the star receiver from Texas Tech. The team said Crabtree had yet to sign,
and Singletary gave no hints as to when he expected to see Crabtree in uniform. (AP)
MASON RETURNS TO RAVENS Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason emerged from retirement,
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/sports/football/02giants.html?ref=football&pagewante... 8/2/2009
Giants Reach Deal With Nicks, Their Last Unsigned Pick - NYTimes.com
Page 2 of 2
less than three weeks after abruptly announcing the end of his 12-year career. Mason called the team owner
Steve Bisciotti, expressing his desire to return. He then met with General Manager Ozzie Newsome.
The Ravens later announced that Mason would be in uniform for Sunday’s practice.
Mason, 35, played a key role in helping Baltimore reach the America Football Conference championship
game last season. He led the Ravens in receptions (80) and yards receiving (1,037). (AP)
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Ravens' Derrick Mason ends retirement, joins team in camp - USATODAY.com
Page 1 of 1
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Ravens' Derrick Mason ends retirement, joins
team in camp
WESTMINSTER, Md. (AP) — Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason (FSY) emerged from retirement Saturday,
less than three weeks after abruptly announcing the end to his 12-year career.
Mason called team owner Steve Bisciotti on Saturday morning, expressing his desire to return. The 35-year-old Mason
showed up at training camp after the morning practice session and met with general manager Ozzie Newsome.
The Ravens then announced that Mason would be in uniform for Sunday's practice.
"It was a tough decision, but I think it was a good decision for me to come back," Mason said in a statement. "I needed to
evaluate my life, football and my career.
"I still have an intense fire inside me, and I want to play. ... I felt like I had left something undone, and I wanted to finish it. I
believe this is a good example for my son and my daughter on how to be thoughtful and also follow through."
On July 13, Mason said, "After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all. Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end, and I am ready to
see what else life has to offer."
But Mason never submitted his retirement papers to the NFL, and within days it became clear that he was waffling over his decision to quit.
Mason and coach John Harbaugh met last week, and Harbaugh emerged from the session "optimistic" that Mason would return.
Mason played a key role in helping Baltimore reach the AFC championship game last season. He started all 16 games and led the Ravens in receptions (80) and yards receiving
(1,037). He then added 12 catches for 190 yards and a touchdown in three playoff games.
After playing eight seasons with the Tennessee Oilers/Titans, Mason joined the Ravens as a free agent in March 2005. Last season the two-time Pro Bowler became the 31st
player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career yards receiving.
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ESPN.com - Moss reportedly considering retirement
Page 1 of 1
[Print without
ESPN.com: NFL Training Camp
2009
images]
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Moss reportedly considering retirement
Associated Press
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Jarvis Moss, the Denver Broncos' top draft pick in 2007, left camp Saturday
amid reports he's contemplating retirement.
"He was excused for a very personal reason," coach Josh McDaniels said. "I am going to respect that
and I hope everybody else does, too."
KDVR television in Denver first reported that Moss was considering walking away from pro football.
Moss didn't return text or phone messages from The Associated Press.
Moss signed a nearly $15 million, five-year contract as the 17th overall pick out of Florida in 2007, but
he recorded just 3½ sacks in two NFL seasons.
He was switched from end to linebacker in the Broncos' new 3-4 scheme, and after training camp
opened Friday, he said: "It's a brand new start for me. I'll continue to work hard and pray and everything
will take care of itself."
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