Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 177 of 1503)

      Dorsett: Big Ben “lucky” to still be a Steeler

      February 1, 2011 /
      Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hugs a teammate after the Steelers defeated the New York Jets 24-19, winning the AFC Championship, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 23, 2011. The Steelers will face the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

      Something that hasn’t gone unnoticed amidst all the Super Bowl hype is the fact that Ben Roethlisberger has come a long way since his offseason troubles. It seems like decades ago that Big Ben missed the first four games of the season after being suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell for his off-field behavior.

      And as Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett pointed out to ESPN’s Matt Mosley, Roethlisberger is fortunate to be where he is right now.

      When I asked Dorsett about Ben Roethlisberger’s issues, he was quick to respond:

      “They will not allow a player to smear the organization,” he said. “They wanted to let that situation run its course. But I promise you he is very lucky to still be on that team.”

      Dorsett wasn’t reaching with his comments. Roethlisberger is very lucky to still be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was talk of the team trading him around draft time in April and while they never did, this season still could have played out much differently.

      Considering they played the Falcons, Titans, Bucs and Ravens to start the season, you can’t blame pundits who thought the Steelers would be fortunate to start the year 2-2. But they went 3-1 with Big Ben on the sidelines, which is a testament to the team that Kevin Colbert has built over the years. (“Team” being the operative word.)

      What would have happened had the Steelers lost three of their first four games instead of winning three of four? While we can’t assume anything, it’s not a stretch to think that they would not have earned the No. 2 seed and therefore, may not have reached the Super Bowl. Worse yet, what if Big Ben’s suspension at the start of the year sent this team into a tailspin and they never recovered? What if he played poorly upon his return?

      It’s interesting to look back at what has happened over the last six months or so.

      External Sports, NFL

      Vikings’ DE Griffen arrested twice in three days

      February 1, 2011 /
      Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick evades a sack attempt by Minnesota Viking defensive end Everson Griffen during third quarter Philadelphia Eagles-Minnesota Vikings game action in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field December 28, 2010. UPI/Eileen Angelino

      A day after the St. Paul Pioneer Press suggested that he would be given a chance to win a starting job this offseason, Vikings’ defensive end Everson Griffen was arrested twice in three days.

      On Monday, he was tasered and arrested after allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop. The incident took place near USC’s campus, where Griffen attended school. He reportedly became aggressive with officers after he was asked to show an I.D. that he didn’t have. After attempting to run away, he finally assaulted one of them and was charged with felony battery.

      Three days prior to that arrest, he was also hauled in for public drunkenness on Friday night in Hollywood.

      From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

      The Los Angeles Times reported that Griffen said “he did not want to go back to jail.”

      Griffen also was cited by police in Nantucket, Mass., for a noise violation on July 4, 2009, but it wasn’t completely clear initially why he would have mentioned going back to jail. TMZ’s website helped to clear up why Griffen mentioned returning to jail when it was the first to report that he spent time Saturday in police custody.

      I don’t see why this fine, upstanding gentleman wouldn’t be given a chance to start next season. Clearly his decision-making is top notch and obviously he’s dedicated to football in the offseason.

      Looks like the Vikes might be seeking a defensive end this offseason.

      External Sports, NFL

      Hanley Ramirez says that now he’s motivated

      January 31, 2011 /

      Hanley Ramirez told reporters over the weekend that he’s very motivated to rebound in 2011. He even joked that he will be the first player to “win Rookie of the Year twice.”

      From the Miami Herald:

      “I’m going to be the first player to win Rookie of the Year twice,” Hanley Ramirez playfully told the Marlins and his agent this winter. That’s obviously impossible, but his message – as agent Andy Mota explained – is clear: Ramirez “has the hunger of a rookie” after a humbling 2010.

      “Everyone will be very surprised with the new Hanley and his whole makeup,” manager Edwin Rodriguez said. “He is very motivated. He was very disappointed in his season. He knows the whole offense revolves around him.”

      That’s great, but where was this “hunger of a rookie” last year? Dude makes almost $12 million a year – why can’t the Marlins get his best effort every season?

      Players have up and down seasons – that’s just part of being an athlete. But one thing that Ramirez seems to have a problem with effort. Nobody questions his ability as a player – it’s his drive and focus that are the problem. He doesn’t always hustle and he doesn’t always adjust when his game needs tweaking. As the Miami Herald article points out, he gave away at bats last year because he was unwilling or unable to adjust his approach at the plate. When athletes get older, they have to adjust their game because the opposition knows how to attack their weaknesses.

      Will Ramirez be a player that evolves over time or will he continue to rest on his natural abilities? Furthermore, will he put in the work and dedication needed to become one of the very best? He certainly has the athletic ability but does he have the drive? Considering he started his workouts a month early this year, it looks like he does. But we’ll see.

      External Sports, MLB

      Nick Saban-to-Titans rumors starting to circulate

      January 31, 2011 /

      Like a good case of H1N1, the Nick Saban-to-Titans rumors are spreading like wildfire.

      The rumor started on Sunday and has quickly spread to the internet message boards, which provide really, really reliable information. While the more recognized sources like ESPN, FOX and SI discuss suitors such as Gregg Williams, Mike Munchak, Mike Heimerdinger and Dave McGinnis, the sharks on the message boards are chumming for anything illogical.

      Granted, this is Nick Saban we’re talking about. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him leave a team in the lurch for a seemingly better opportunity because, well, he’s done it before. But rumors like this always seem to surface around this time of year because National Signing Day is in two days. It sure sounds like someone is trying to make a few Alabama verbals think twice about rolling Tide next year.

      Chances are Saban isn’t going anywhere (for now) and the Titans will wind up with a more logical choice. Like Lane Kiffin.

      College Football, External Sports, NFL

      Five future stars of Super Bowl XLV

      January 31, 2011 /
      Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji (90) returns an interception for an 18-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NFC Championship playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago on January 23, 2011. UPI /Mark Cowan

      With the Super Bowl less than seven days away, the names Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu and Clay Matthews will continue to be talked about ad nauseam over the next week. So for one article, let’s focus on some of the other players in this year’s title game that are on their way to becoming future stars. You know, the “little guys” of the big game. (Actually, there’s nothing “little” about B.J. Raji so pardon my poor choice of words.)

      1. Tramon Williams, CB, Packers
      Williams has already arrived, so it’s kind of cheap to call him a “future star.” He made the Pro Bowl this year and received a contract extension a few months ago, so obviously the Packers and the rest of the league are well aware of how good he is. That said, it wasn’t until this year before he really emerged as one of the best corners in the league, so it’s fair to talk about his future prowess. He intercepted a career-high six passes and has three picks in the postseason alone. His two interceptions of Matt Ryan in the Divisional Round turned that game on its head and basically catapulted the Packers to an easy victory. There isn’t a more underrated matchup than his upcoming battle with Steelers’ receiver Mike Wallace in this year’s Super Bowl. (Assuming that Charles Woodson covers Hines Ward, that is.)

      2. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers
      The second-year receiver out of Ole Miss has already made headlines this season with his deep-threat ability. Observers were worried about how the Steelers would cope after trading Santonio Holmes to the Jets last offseason, but Wallace has made everyone forget about the former Super Bowl MVP. He finished the regular season with 60 catches for 1,257 yards and 10 touchdowns, which included seven 100-yard games. He’s a rising star on an already stacked Steelers team and should be a player to keep an eye on for years to come.

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      External Sports, NFL, Super Bowl

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