Between Coronavirus and the racial inequality in the United States and throughout the world, it is easy to get depressed with the state of affairs right now. Having said that, there has been some good news as of late and Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner came through with some of that good news over the weekend.
In a now-viral video, Conner showed off the moment in which he gifted his dad a brand new pickup truck. As you can see from the clip below, Conner and his father are standing across the street from the truck when the Steelers star reveals that the truck now belongs to his dad. Conner's father was shocked at first and then looked at his truck in giddy excitement. It was a beautiful moment between a father and son and we're sure they will remember this for a very long time.
What made the video humorous was the fact that Conner's dad refused to get in the car at first. Instead, he just wanted to admire the gift he had just been given. It adds a very pure quality to the video and we hope Conner's dad enjoys and drives the hell out of that car.
Many parents are instrumental in the success of professional athletes as they have to make numerous sacrifices along the path to glory. Clearly, Conner felt his dad was a major part of that journey.
James Harrison Responds To Criticism Over Mike Tomlin Fine Story
James Harrison recently admitted that the Steelers paid his own fine for him.
James Harrison was one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL back in his prime and while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he delivered countless crushing blows. One time, Harrison was fined $75,000 for one of his hits and it became a precedent for what was about to come in terms of the league cracking down on big hits.
During a recent interview, Harrison admitted that the Steelers thought the fine was stupid and ended up giving him the $75K so that he could pay off the fine without having to dip into his salary. NFL fans began to go bonkers upon hearing this, likening the situation to Saint’s infamous “Bountygate” scandal. Harrison ended up getting wind of this criticism and took to Instagram to give his unfiltered thoughts.
Per Harrison:
“Wow y’all really comparing what I said to BOUNTYGATE?!? Mike T. Has NEVER paid me for hurting someone or TRYING to hurt someone or put a bounty on ANYBODY! If you knew the full story of what happened back then you’d know that BS fine for a Legal Play wasn’t even penalized during the game. The league was getting pressure because the first concussion lawsuits were starting and they had to look like they cared about player safety all of a sudden. Before that they had been SELLING a photo of THAT SAME PLAY FOR $55 on the NFL website with other videos of the NFL’S GREATEST HITS that the league Profited On back then. When the league had to start pretending like they cared about player safety they took all those things down off their website and they started fining guys ridiculous amounts for the same plays they used to profit off of. EVERYBODY knew it – even these same media people and all the fans that were sending money to me and the team to cover the fine. AGAIN AT NO TIME did Mike T. EVER suggest anybody hurt anybody or that they’d be rewarded for anything like that. GTFOH with that BS!!!”
Harrison seems pretty upset by the notion that the Steelers were operating a Bounty system and rightfully so. Those allegations are very serious and you can’t help but understand what Harrison is trying to say here. It appears to be nothing more than a team making up for an unjust decision by the league.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin On NFL Season’s Future
Mike Tomlin wants the NFL to wait until all 32 teams are ready, before reopening any practice facilities.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke with reporters, Saturday, giving his take on the resumption of the NFL offseason.
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Tomlin says the “day is coming” when in-person training can resume. “I prescribe to the approach of competitive fairness within our game, and that is everybody gets an opportunity,” Tomlin said in a conference call. “Our game is extremely competitive. It’s one of the things that make football at this level so attractive to our fans. I’m committed to preserving and protecting that, and so all teams getting an opportunity to start on the same footing is a core element of that.”
The league plans to enact phase 1 of a resumption on May 15. This would allow 50% of non-player staff, up to 75 people per day, to use team facilities. As for players, only those returning from injury will be allowed in.
In a memo from the NFL, obtained by ESPN, the league makes no mention of waiting for all 32 teams to be allowed to open before continuing with the reopening process.
“There’s a couple of things that we’re committed to adhering to, and that’s the global approach of the National Football League in regards to football ops and how important competitive fairness is in our game,” Tomlin said. “We all got to get started on the same footing in that regard. Then, also, respecting our local government and the guidelines they prescribe individually in terms of workplace safety.”
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JuJu Smith-Schuster Unlikely To Be Re-Signed By Steelers
JuJu Smith-Schuster is coming off an off-year with the Steelers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster came into the NFL with a ton of promise at the wide receiver position and playing alongside Antonio Brown, JuJu was having himself a great start to his career. Unfortunately, Brown began to feud with Smith-Schuster upon AB’s exit from Pittsburgh, and fans were forced to pick a side. Of course, Smith-Schuster took the more humble approach and became the number one option for the Steelers receiving core.
This promotion came with some growing pains as Smith-Schuster had an underwhelming year with only 42 receptions and 552 yards. It’s important to note that Smith-Schuster had some dubious quarterbacks last season so it wasn’t entirely his fault. Regardless of the circumstances, there are now rumors that Smith-Schuster is unlikely to be re-signed by the Steelers.
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According to Ed Bouchette of The Athletic, both running back James Conner and JuJu probably won’t be back with the Steelers in 2021. JuJu’s contract runs out at the end of the upcoming season and when Bouchette was asked if Smith-Schuster would get an extension, his response was “not likely.”
Based on this news and the fact that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is getting up there in age, it looks like the Steelers are positioning themselves for a bit of a rebuild.
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Mike Tomlin Comments On Antonio Brown And Potential For Reunion
Antonio Brown and the Steelers have an interesting relationship.
Antonio Brown was a perennial all-star for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the better part of a decade. Unfortunately, his relationship with the team took a strange turn as he demanded a trade and eventually left for the Oakland Raiders. Eventually, Brown was cut by the Raiders and picked up by the New England Patriots. He only lasted one game with the Pats and now, he is out of work.
Recently, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was on ESPN First Take and he was asked by Stephen A. Smith about Brown's status with the team. Smith was curious as to whether or not the Steelers would ever consider a reunion with the star. While it's not totally off the table, it's certainly not something that's being heavily discussed.
"We have no current business interest at this time," Tomlin said. His answer shouldn't come as too much of a surprise considering the Steelers and AB ended things on bad terms. Sometimes, there are irreconcilable differences, especially with all of the rants Brown launched on his Twitter and Instagram platforms. Despite numerous apologies, it would probably be hard for Ben Roethlisberger to work alongside someone who has besmirched his name on numerous occasions.
Where do you think Brown should go next season?
Mike Tomlin Goes Off On Myles Garrett Over Mason Rudolph Allegations
Mike Tomlin is adamant that his quarterback did nothing wrong.
Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph got into a pretty nasty altercation during a regular-season NFL game last year. Rudolph of the Pittsburgh Steelers tried to rip off Garrett’s helmet. This prompted the Cleveland Browns star to rush after Rudolph and smash him on the head with his own helmet. Garrett received a hefty punishment and recently, he was reinstated into the league. In an interview, Garrett alleged that Rudolph called him a racial slur and that’s what prompted his actions.
During an interview with First Take, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin went off on Garrett for making such allegations. As he explains, his quarterback never said such a thing and that the investigation that followed, proves this. Tomlin is one of the most respected coaches in the league and when he talks so frankly, people tend to listen.
“It was a thorough investigation done by us and the Nation Football League, I don’t think that was represented during that piece [that aired on ESPN],” Tomlin said. “These accusations are serious, not only in terms of Mason Rudolph’s character but his professional pursuits. Nobody on that field as a member of the Cleveland browns or Pittsburgh Steelers corroborated what was said by Myles Garrett. That was founded by us and the National Football League, and at no point during that piece this weekend that was stated.”
Needless to say, it doesn’t appear as though this saga is going to end anytime soon. For now, Rudolph is looking to take legal action against Garrett, which could prove to be a serious court battle. Stay tuned for updates on this situation as we will be sure to bring them to you.
Mason Rudolph May Take Legal Action Against Myles Garrett
Mason Rudolph has threatened to take legal action against Myles Garrett, after he claimed Rudolph made a racial slur against him that sparked the famous helmet-swinging incident.
Mason Rudolph is considering taking legal action against Myles Garrett, after the Browns' defensive end further alleged that Rudolph uttered a racial slur that instigated the famous helmet-swinging incident. On Saturday morning, Rudolph's attorney, Tim Younger, shared a statement on twitter regarding Garrett's recent interview with ESPN, in which he maintained that Rudolph had called him "a stupid 'N-word'" on the field.
"We waited to hear the entire interview," Younger wrote in the statement. "Garrett, after originally apologizing to Mason Rudolph, has made the ill-advised choice of publishing the belated and false accusation that Mr. Rudolph uttered a racial slur on the night in question. Note that Mr. Garrett claims that Mr. Rudolph uttered the slur simultaneously with being taken down, and before Mr. Garrett committed a battery by strike Mr. Rudolph on the head with a 6 lb helmet. His claim is ludicrous. This obviously was not the first time Mr. Rudolph had been sacked by an African American player. Mr. Garrett maliciously uses this false allegation to coax sympathy, hoping to be excused for what clearly is inexcusable behavior. Despite other players and the referee being in the immediate vicinity, there are zero corroborating witnesses--as confirmed by the NFL. Although Mr. Rudolph had hoped to move forward, it is Mr. Garrett who has decided to utter this defamatory statement — in California. He is now exposed to legal liability."
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Garrett first claimed that Rudolph had used a racial slur against him back in November immediately following the incident that got him suspended. Now that Garrett has been reinstated by the NFL, he sat down with ESPN to address the situation and revealed just what exactly Rudolph allegedly called him that triggered the brawl. "When he said it, it kind of sparked something, but I still tried to let it go and still walk away. But once he came back, it kind of reignited the situation," he said. "And not only have you escalated things past what they needed to be with such little time in the game left, now you're trying to re-engage and start a fight again. It's definitely not entirely his fault, it's definitely both parties doing something that we shouldn't have been doing." Rudolph has vehemently denied these claims, insisting that they are "1000% false" and a "bold-faced lie."
"I did not, have not, and would not utter a racial-slur," Rudolph wrote in a tweet on Saturday morning. "This is a disgusting and reckless attempt to assassinate my character." Stay tuned for updates on whether Rudolph pursues legal action against Garrett.
Myles Garrett Reveals What Mason Rudolph Allegedly Said Before Fight
Myles Garrett is adamant that Mason Rudolph used a racial slur.
Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns was suspended for a large chunk of last year's NFL season due to a brawl he had with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. Garrett ended up striking Rudolph with his own helmet in what was one of the craziest fights we've seen in any sport. Recently, Garrett was reinstated into the league and has been speaking out about what happened.
While talking to Mina Kimes of ESPN, Garrett alleged that Rudolph called him a "stupid N-word" and that's what ultimately started the fight.
"When he said it, it kind of sparked something, but I still tried to let it go and still walk away. But once he came back, it kind of reignited the situation," Garrett said. "And not only have you escalated things past what they needed to be with such little time in the game left, now you're trying to re-engage and start a fight again. It's definitely not entirely his fault, it's definitely both parties doing something that we shouldn't have been doing."
Garrett has made this allegation in the past although it was quickly denied by Rudolph. Many of Rudolph's Steelers teammates have stood by him throughout this ordeal so it will be interesting to see how the league reacts to what Garrett is alleging.
Stay tuned for updates on this story as we will be sure to bring them to you.
Troy Polamalu Among Five Players Selected To Pro Football Hall Of Fame
The 2020 Hall of Fame Class has been announced.
Troy Polamalu is officially a Hall of Famer.
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The legendary Steelers' safety was among the five players honored Saturday night by being selected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, according to ESPN.
"Honestly, it's just surreal," Polamalu told the Steelers' website. "I really feel surreal. I'm very thankful for all my teammates. This truly is a tribute to them. And I feel honored and unworthy of this, to be honest."
Polamalu was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, an eight-time Pro-Bowler, and a two time Super Bowl champion. Having retired after the 2014 season, has now been selected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
"Congratulations @tpolamalu. You were a true game-changer every time you took the field. It was a joy and a pleasure to coach you and nobody is more deserving of being a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer than you. So happy for you and your family," wrote Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on Twitter. Tomlin has been the head coach of the organization since 2007.
The other players selected include Steve Atwater, Isaac Bruce, Steve Hutchinson and Edgerrin James.
The five players will be formally inducted in Canton, Ohio on August 8th.
In other NFL news, the Super Bowl airs tonight and will feature the Chiefs against the 49ers.
Bill Cowher Elected Into Pro Football’s Hall Of Fame
Congrats to Bill Cowher, who was selected into Pro Football's Hall of Fame.
It appears Bill Cowher is heading into the Hall of Fame. The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach was just named into the Pro Football Hall of Fame's centennial class on Saturday, when President David Baker informed Cowher of his selection live on air during CBS’ NFL Today program before the Titans & Ravens game.
“Football is a total team sport,” Cowher said while fighting back tears. “I had some great players, some great coaches, the best organization in football. I’ve lived a blessed life. I’ve come to the best network on TV. It’s a family here, like it was a family that we had there. And to have to give back just something to the game of football, that’s been a part of my life, the virtues that it teaches you, the morals that you have the obligation to move on, the platforms that we have, you know, I’m a blessed man and I’ve been very blessed to have been surrounded by some very special people.”
Cowher, a Crafton, PA native who went to Carlynton High School, won one Super Bowl, won eight division titles and made the playoffs in 10 of his 15 years with the Steelers.
"Just thinking about the Pittsburgh franchise and Dan Rooney when he hired me," Cowher added, before joking, "My first goal was just not to get fired before my 20th high school reunion.’’
The centennial class was selected by a blue ribbon panel this past week. The remainder of the 15-member class of enshrinees will be revealed Wednesday morning.
Congrats to Bill Cowher on the election.