Congrats, Dick!

I can't believe I almost forgot about this. But since it's not too late.....

I'd like to take this opportunity to offer a sincere 'congratulations' to Dick LeBeau for being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tomorrow's ceremony will be attended by the entire Steeler roster (They're breaking camp for the occasion.) and will be yet another black and gold mark in the HOF. Though LeBeau is being inducted as a player for his career with the Detroit Lions, he has served as the defensive coordinator for the Steelers since 2004.

From a born-and-raised Steeler fan: Way to go, Dick! The Stiller Nation luvz ya!

P.S. I do wish the other inductees well, but this makes my B & G heart swell with pride!

The B***h is Back!!!

After a hiatus that has lasted entirely TOO long, I'm back to wreak havoc on the blogosphere. I don't want my brain to melt right away, so I'm coming back with something that is of much interest here in da 'burgh. That's right, the Ben Roethlisberger situation.

The 28-year-old quarterback, who has two Super Bowl rings, dodged a bullet earlier when it was announced that a second allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior would not be prosecuted. The first occurred when a hostess at Harrah's in Las Vegas accused Big Ben of sexual assault. Now, word has it that the Rooney family isn't about to let Ben have a third crack at facing legal trouble.

While I gave Ben the benefit of the doubt during the first accusation of sexual misconduct, he's not getting off (pardon the pun) so easily with this diehard Steeler fan. A disturbing pattern seems to be emerging, and the Rooney family is right to distance themselves from having the reputation of being the owners of a team riddled with criminals. It's about maintaining a certain level of standards. After all, it's their family name and reputation on the line. And we here in da 'burgh know that The Chief (left) would not stand for this crap.

Ben, at first, seemed to be the all-American squeaky-clean kid next door when he first arrived in the only city that can boast SIX Vince Lombardi trophies. Very quickly after a meteor ride to stardom, the young man from a small Ohio college grabbed headlines after foolishly riding and crashing his motorcycle while not wearing a helmet. Granted that it was his choice as Pennsylvania repealed the mandatory helmet law, but he could've used a little common sense knowing that he was getting paid obscene amounts of money to be in top form. The "I'm Ben Roethlisberger" mentality was born.

During his first battle with the law concerning the hostess at Harrah's, I was willing to say that this could have been a 'He said/She said' incident with no one really knowing the truth. The dust settled, and the Steeler nation was relieved.

Then came the second and most recent allegations involving a woman in a bar restroom claiming that Ben sexually assaulted her (doesn't THAT scream romance!). While prosecutors have decided not to pursue criminal action, the Steeler nation is starting to jump off of the "Ben's the Best" bandwagon.

We are sick and tired of the arrogant entitlement mentality of those who think the world exists only for their desires, and the Rooney family knows that we Steeler fans spend A LOT of money on merchandise. Being business savvy, what do you think they're going to do? If you said "Keep Ben", you don't know the Rooney family.

The latest news tonight is that Ben could potentially be traded after signing a multi-million dollar contract just a few years ago. Fueling the speculation is the fact that Byron Leftwich was brought back to Pittsburgh from Tampa. Why would the team need a fourth quarterback?? Hmmmm??? It does make for interesting debate.

It's going to be extremely interesting to see what the next move is going to be in this chess game. The stakes are high, but the Rooney family never tolerated arrogance and flashiness (except for Frenchy Fuqua) within their organization. They have tried to maintain a level of comfort for each and every fan so that anyone could imagine themselves going into the local beer joint and buying a round for the players. Ben's seemingly repetitive behavior will not tarnish that reputation for the Rooney family.

Maybe Ben is a long lost son of Ted Kennedy. He sure acts like it.

*Special message for all of you: Thanks to everyone who has offered prayers and words of encouragement during a very difficult time in my life. The journey isn't over, but I'm moving full steam ahead with life. And for yinz to still lend a kind word or an ear to listen, that makes me extremely blessed. I hope to one day return the kindness. (((hugs)))

For Yinz Football Fans

By now, those of you who see me patrolling cyberspace can tell who my favorite Steeler of all-time is.

In 2004, Fox Sports Net named Jack Lambert as the toughest football player ever to set foot on a field. Here's a bit of why he earned that distinction.

A Special Thanks to Soloman

During last night's Denver-Pittsburgh game, Soloman ran an open thread on the game.

Not only was he a most gracious host during a great game, but he and I actually set a new record for the number of comments left on a post at his site.

Although the score doesn't reflect it, Denver did play very well and exceeded any expectations I had going in. They deserve congratulations.

To Soloman: Thanks again, pal. Maybe we'll meet again in January. That would be sweet!

'Mean Joe' to Get Clio Award

Those of us who grew up in the 1970's will never forget the 'Mean' Joe Greene Coca-Cola commercial. The ad ended up winning a Clio Award, the Oscar of commercials. Now, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the classic commercial, Joe Greene will receive that Clio Award before this Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

“We had a lot of takes,” said Greene. “There were a lot of parts. It was two and a half days. I was drinking the Coke. I drank a couple of cases for sure. I knew I drank an awful lot because I belched between my lines a couple of times.”

“I had no idea it would be that popular,” said Greene. “Over the years they would show the commercial over and over. They did retire the commercial last year on that show. We won’t see it again.”

Although the ad has been retired, a new generation has gotten the idea behind it when, during last year's Super Bowl against the Cardinals, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu stepped into the role played by Greene 30 years earlier. The newer version doesn't have quite the nostalgic feeling to it, but it's still a pretty cool commercial.

Congrats to 'Mean' Joe for finally getting the recognition for contributing to iconic American pop culture.

Game On!!!

On Monday night, my beloved Steelers will be playing the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. I see relief from withdrawal in sight.

In the name of good fun, I've made a bet with Soloman since he is as passionate about the Broncos as I am the Steelers. The banter we've had back and forth lately has been a lot of fun.

Should the Broncs win on MNF, I've promised to display the Denver logo in my profile for the entire day on Tuesday. Should (make that WHEN) the Steelers win, he has most graciously agreed to put "Steelers Spank Broncos" in the header at his site for the day on Tuesday.

It's going to be a great game. Just remember to check out Soloman's site on Tuesday to find out what happened on Monday night.

Withdrawal: I'm Having Issues!!!

This is making me crazy. I've been suffering from withdrawal symptoms for what is the beginning of a second week, but now it is reaching a fever pitch. I'm extremely cranky, the family is cowering in fear, and the general public is not safe. No, I'm not trying to quit smoking. I'm having Steelers bye week withdrawal, and it's really not pretty.

I honestly hate bye weeks. From the time training camp starts to the end of the season, my Sundays are booked. I do get a few off due to Monday or Thursday night games, but Sundays are what I anticipate all week. On a bye week, I have no clue what to do with my day. It's like my whole mojo is disturbed.

Thankfully, I've got all six Super Bowl wins on DVD. It may be the only thing to get me through. To see all the greats play again--Lambert, Bradshaw, Harris, Bleier, Swann, and crew--is just what the doctor ordered.

How great those old games are to watch for any football fan. The caliber of player back in my childhood is much different than today's professional football player. Back then, they played with broken bones, concussions, and a variety of ailments. In short, you had to be on your deathbed to not play.

The rules in today's league have changed so much that most players of the 70's and 80's would be getting fined every week by the NFL. Could you imagine the uproar if Jack Lambert played under today's rules? The man was an animal on the field back in his heyday. Today's NFL rules would've neutered him. While I understand the need for rules, let's get real. Penalized for celebrating a touchdown or throwing a kid in the stands a football??? In a lot of ways, the NFL has been sissified.

Tonight, I think I'll start my intense withdrawal therapy in hopes of easing my anxiety. I just hope that the family doesn't interrupt my sessions. It could get ugly.

EXCLUSIVE B & G READER'S POLL

The events of today have left me with a difficult decision to make. Lemme 'splain.

I took Cheyenne to cathecism today. While I was gone, my husband gets a phone call from his cousin. "Do you guys want tickets to today's game? Dad and I can't go." Now mind you, today's game is against the Cleveland Browns, arch rivals of Pittsburgh for over 35 years, and the seats are the same awesome ones we had for the Tennessee game. 40-yard-line behind the Steeler bench. And yinz KNOW what a fanatic I am!!!

In what I can only assume was a suicidal moment, my husband declined. His reason was that he was going to help Noah work on a science project due WEDNESDAY. Actually, he later said he doesn't want to feel obligated to anyone by taking such things.

Needless to say, yinz can only imagine my reaction when I got home and found all of this out. Did you know it only takes 0.4 seconds for the bitch switch to turn on?

The ensuing argument centered around the fact that he didn't even grant me the courtesy of a phone call to see if I wanted to go with my friend from down the road. THAT pissed me off! He told me how childish I was being because (get ready for this)....IT'S ONLY A STUPID FOOTBALL GAME!!!! I'm surprised no one saw the mushroom cloud.

So here is what I need to know from my readers. Do I:

(a) beat him with a baseball bat

(b) smother him with a pillow

(c) go on strike when it comes to his needs

(d) all of the above

I'll be anxiously awaiting opinions!!!

Troy Polamalu: Back in Action

It seems that after a long five weeks, Steeler safety Troy Polamalu will most likely play in tomorrow's game against Cleveland.

Polamalu has been sidelined since Pittsburgh's first game of the season on September 10. During the game against the Tennessee Titans, Troy suffered a hyperextended knee, resulting in a sprained PCL. Since his absence, Pittsburgh has been missing a key player in their defensive game, and the team has struggled to maintain a defense that in some circles has been seen as the "Steel Curtain II."

Polamalu has risen to fame not only for his amazing ability to cover the opponent and make what seem to be impossible plays, but for his hair. That's right. His hair. It's become yet another symbol of today's Steeler Nation. Every football fan across the country recognizes Troy by his hair alone. I know of more than one woman in this area who would just LOVE to run their fingers through that flowing mane (Yes Mom. I'm talking about you.).

Welcome back, Troy! We missed you terribly!!

To all yinz Browns fans: BEWARE THE HAIR!!!!

Oh What a Night!

Image via Wikipedia

Last night officially started the 2009 NFL season when the Tennessee Titans fell to my Steelers 13-10 in overtime. Some of you may already know that yours truly was among the 65,110 fans in attendance. It was a game I'm glad I was able to attend.

My hubby and I played it smart from the outset. Instead of paying an outrageous amount of money to park next to Heinz Field, we decided to park in the parking garage at Station Square and shuttle over to the stadium via the Gateway Clipper river fleet. Much less traffic headaches and about $10 total cheaper.

Before boarding the shuttle, we grabbed dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe at Station Square. I LOVE the HRC because of all the memorabilia enshrined within its walls. The food is a little pricey, but definitely tasty. I snapped pictures of a schoolboy outfit worn by Angus Young, Kurt Cobain's guitar, and numerous other relics. My hubby never understood this quirk of mine, but I guess rock and roll makes some people do odd things.

We arrived at Heinz Field about half an hour before kickoff and quickly found our seats. May I just say that if I could've permanently stayed in that seat, I would've. We were 15 rows off the field behind the Steeler bench on approximately the 40-yard line nearest the Steeler end zone.
Those are the kind of seats that only come along once in a lifetime. Twice if you're extremely lucky.

As we sat waiting for opening festivities, I happened to notice about 10 people in Steeler jerseys standing along the sideline. The names on the jerseys sounded familiar, but, in going through my years of team rosters in my head, none really set off the lightbulb. Where had I heard those names? Oh well...just chill until the game is ready to start.

We sat and watched the Sony Jumbotron flash us images of past Steelers historical moments and stats. My mind kept wandering back to those 10 people. It started to border on obsession. You know...one of those moments where you think of something that you KNOW you have the answer to but just can't retrieve it from your memory bank. I hate when that happens because I usually can't focus until I remember.

Fans filed into their seats more and more as the minutes passed. Up and down...up and down...(we had seats at the end of the row). Okay. I see the military honor guard ready to take the field for the National Anthem. It's getting close. Then, the lightbulb lit up.

I happened to notice that all of the jerseys worn by the 10 sideline spectators sported the number 93. As in Flight 93. Family members of the brave men and women who were on that fateful flight had been invited to the game to honor their loved ones and all who died that day. Flash to a memory of watching the movie "Flight 93." The names were listed at the end of the movie. Obsession over.

I need to premise this next thought with this: I don't care for chick flicks. Give me a good thriller or action movie and I'm happy. I do, however, like the movie "Hope Floats" with Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick, Jr. Well, Harry the Hottie sang the National Anthem while the Flight 93 families stood on the field with our military. Zambelli fireworks exploded from the river, the top of the stadium, and the field as I cried numerous tears in what was a very moving moment for me.

The game itself was a hard-fought nail-biter that eventually went into overtime. During the halftime show, Rod Woodson, former Steeler defensive back, was presented with his ring as part of his induction into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Dan Rooney even flew in from Dublin to attend. When former Steeler Craig Wolfley announced him as "Mr. Ambassador," the crowd went wild...except for me. I have issues with that whole Dan Rooney/Obama lovefest. Nonetheless, it was nice to hear Woodson talk about his days in da 'burgh. He still loves the fans here.

The ride back to the car was chilly as there was a brisk breeze blowing across the river. Traffic wasn't as bad as we had anticipated when we left, and we made good time in getting back home. I haven't come dragging in at 2 a.m. for a loooong time, but it was well worth every second and every memory.

Thanks to The Emporer (my hubby's boss and cousin) for giving me and my hubby a night to remember. We won't forget our magical night...or the families in attendance.

Kudos to Big Ben

It was announced yesterday that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, through his attorney, has rejected a proposed settlement offer from Andrea McNulty, a former casino worker who has accused the two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback of sexual assault. Thank Heaven there is SOMEONE out there willing to stand up to these women who give all of us of the female persuasion a bad name.

The settlement proposal asked for Big Ben to admit the charges, apologize, and donate $100,000 to a Reno-based charity that assists women who are victims of domestic violence. While, on the surface, the offer seems noble, my gut tells me there's more to this.

A lot of people will argue that McNulty must be telling the truth because she doesn't want any money for herself. Not so fast there, lefties. While she wants the money donated to charity, $100,000 could potentially be a drop in the financial bucket. Ms. McNulty, in my theory, may be looking at the big picture. Could you imagine the money she could stand to make in a book deal? She would forever be known as the woman who fought a superstar athlete and won. The left just LOVES that! At the very least, her exposure in the media would garner her a sum that would be nothing to sneeze at. I can picture her crying on Oprah's couch right now.

Think about this. Ben could cut a personal check for the money and not blink an eye. Hell, he may even spend that much a month on clothes. Who knows? The one thing Ben is not willing to sacrifice is his reputation. He, evidently, holds that much higher than the money. It may cost him more to defend his honor in the long run, but I get the feeling that he won't mind a bit.

We will never know exactly what happened on the night in question, but I have a sinking feeling that this is a case of someone looking for their fifteen minutes of fame.

I wonder if Ms. McNulty is originally from Cleveland or Baltimore...