Bob Smizik

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Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger opened up on a multitude of significant topics in an interview with Mike Prisuta on the ``WDVE Morning Show,'' which aired yesterday.

Roethlisberger was more candid that usual in discussing:

* His meeting with owner Dan Rooney
* His thoughts on new offensive coordinator Todd Haley
* Getting yelled at
* The rush he gets from playing quarterback the way he does
* His feelings on whether Hines Ward will return to the Steelers next season.

* The importance of the passing game

Most notably Roethlisberger told Prisuta on Tuesday, the day of the interview, that he’d yet to meet with Haley. This is, to say the least, highly unusual since Haley had been on the job for seven days.

In a normal situation, a new assistant coach would reach out to his star pupil. That is particularly true in this case because Roethlisberger did not hide the fact he was unhappy with the firing of Bruce Arians, Haley’s predecessor. It might be expected that Haley would want to begin the process of forming a relationship as soon as possible.

That he hasn’t might mean nothing or it might mean the Steelers are trying to let Roethlisberger know, beyond doubt, who is the boss.

Concerning Haley’s demanding style, Roethlisberger said, ``Well, I definitely heard a lot of things. He does have a reputation that precedes him but I’m not going to jump to any conclusions until I have a chance to sit down with him and talk with him and see how things play out.’’

Concerning Haley’s well-known habit of angrily getting in the face of players, Roethlisberger said, ``At the quarterback position, it’s not one where you want to a lot of screaming because he’s kind of your leader and a guy that has to be clear-minded. It’s not fun to be yelled at. I don’t think anyone likes it

``But to me, you get just as much, if not more, out of me whether I screw up or do good. Just talk to me or so we can work through my reasoning instead of getting yelled at.’’

Roethlisberger played it right down the middle in talking about Ward, the much-decorated wide receiver who’s future with the team is in jeopardy. He said, ``We’ll kind  of see how it plays out these next months and when ever they make these decisions.’’

It was a politically correct answer, but not what might be expected from a quarterback talking about a long-time teammate. But Roethlisberger and Ward did not share a great relationship.

How this impacts on Roethlisberger’s relationship with Haley, with the organization and the future success of the Steelers remains to be determined. It could be highly significant or not at all important.


This is the audio of the interview.

This is a transcript of the interview, courtesy of SteelersDepot.com

Comments (72)Add Comment
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written by Richard Bipolarman Jarzynka, February 15, 2012 - 11:24 PM

"Just talk to me so we can work through my reasoning instead of getting yelled at.’’

If Haley can't meet that request, he has no business coaching.
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written by Daquido_Bazzini, February 15, 2012 - 11:35 PM
Athletes that come from organizations that put out all necessary effort to win, deserve to be listened to.
Others....Should fold their chair and go home.
Needless to say, Roethlisberger fits firmly in the first category.
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written by Richard Bipolarman Jarzynka, February 15, 2012 - 11:56 PM

I can't think of any local professional athletes who don't put out all necessary effort to win. (Maybe Ike Taylor on an early January evening in Denver) They should be judged on their own,individual efforts; not by what the "organization" does.

It sounds like Roethlisberger just expects to be treated like an adult.
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written by SDJones, February 16, 2012 - 12:25 AM
Haley couldn't play football so this is how he acts because of it. It's all a game to him. If his Dad wasn't the respected Dick Haley he would working the drive thru at Wendy's.
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written by Turk182, February 16, 2012 - 12:26 AM
Bob, when you say Haley should "reach out" to Ben what exactly do you mean? Two sentences later in the same paragraph you state that Haley should be expected to form a relationship with Ben so I'm assuming the overall topic of that paragraph is about Haley and Ben talking to one another. "Reaching out" is extending your arm and hand...for whatever reason...that's it, end of story. Forming a relationship is actually talking to someone or contacting them by phone, text, email, etc., and starting a dialogue with each other. I thought Bob Smizik would be the last person to embrace such a ghetto and incorrect term as "reaching out."

What's next? Haley is supposed to give Ben "mad props"?
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written by Scooter, February 16, 2012 - 12:52 AM
Turk -

"Reaching out" is not a ghetto term, nor is it incorrect.

Reaching out and forming a relationship are not mutually exclusive. One "reaches out" in order to form a relationship.
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written by Daquido_Bazzini, February 16, 2012 - 01:02 AM
written by Richard Bipolarman Jarzynka, February 16, 2012 - 12:56 AM

I can't think of any local professional athletes who don't put out all necessary effort to win. (Maybe Ike Taylor on an early January evening in Denver) They should be judged on their own,individual efforts; not by what the "organization" does.

It sounds like Roethlisberger just expects to be treated like an adult.
============

I specifically was speaking of organiazations, and we all know what organizations try to win in Pittsburgh, and which one doesn't.
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written by cptantilles, February 16, 2012 - 01:28 AM
That he hasn’t might mean nothing or it might mean the Steelers are trying to let Roethlisberger know, beyond doubt, who is the boss.

I certainly hope so! It is about time someone tells this immature jerk that he doesn't run the team!

It sounds like Roethlisberger just expects to be treated like an adult.



For all his tremendous talent on the field, Roethlisberger is an immature jerk. I can see why Hines Ward would not have a good relationship with him. Ward seems to be a good guy and very mature.
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written by lambert58, February 16, 2012 - 03:15 AM
cptantilles: Trying to attract attention this morning? You have no idea whether Ben is currently an "immature jerk". He may have been in the past. The past is behind us. You have no idea whether he "runs the team". I seriously doubt that he "runs the team".

Perhaps his relationship with Ward was harmed when Ward publicly criticized him for sitting out a game with a concussion. (Wonder what Ward thinks of Sidney Crosby.) And Ward recently got a DUI, which does not bolster your argument that he`s Mr. Mature.

I like both players. Both might have said things in the past that they`d rather not have. Haven`t we all? Ben might have inadvertently offended Hines by openly pining for a "tall receiver".

Just pointing out that it`s not as cut-`n-dried as you would have it appear.

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written by cramden, February 16, 2012 - 03:16 AM
Can this guy be or act any dumber? His 'handlers' should never let him talk to the press without a script. 30 years old and still acting like a teenage drama queen.
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written by lambert58, February 16, 2012 - 03:33 AM
Speaking of attention-seekers...there`s Mr. Vaudeville, on cue.
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written by SonnyDrysdale, February 16, 2012 - 05:21 AM
Sounds to me like Ben is doing and saying all the right things. OTA's are in May and training camps in late July, Ben and Haley will meet then I assume. Where is Tomlin in all of this? Maybe he should introduce his QB to the new OC. That's what any logical organization does.

There is not one human being that wants to be screamed at. Yet people in power do it all the time.
The most effective communicators avoid it like the plague.

Ben's answer about Ward is what I expected for two reasons; he doesn't want to create controversy and he knows Ward is finished. It also could be that BR remembers Ward calling him out about a certain game in Baltimore, where Ben had a concussion and Ward expected him to play.

It's only mid February, we really don't need any drama now so we?
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written by dave1231959, February 16, 2012 - 05:24 AM
SDJones: I bet you have your high school football jersey framed and hanging in your living room.
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written by Meathead, February 16, 2012 - 05:36 AM
Where's richie this morning? I need to know how the Penguins did last night.

What was Ben's opinion on the Pirates taking Garrett Jones to arbitration over a measly $250,000?
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written by Jopa-n, February 16, 2012 - 05:51 AM
Nothing earth shattering. Nothing that made you say 'what?'. Nothing that made you ponder why or what he REALLY mean't.

The only thing I can grab from it is that Ben tends to be more open about deeper feelings than so many who throw out the company line when speaking to the public: "Everything is great". "I heard he's great", "It went great", "There will be no problems- it will all be great".

Coaching is coaching. You should listen to what they say but 'listen' does not mean your not listening if you don't do it a certain way.

Two things I did as a manager as well: If they make a good case, but I still think my way is better, give them some rope to prove it (small safe bits of rope to prove they are willing to go all out to keep the right to get more rope). Tell them that this (A)- is the objective- no and's, if's or but's. I have to see results IMMEDIATELY. If I don't, concerning the objective, no more debate. I will take it over completely. It is then my way, everyday, no questions.

Many times they back down and start to look for ways to work together because they now realize that it will be on them 100%. Workers/employees generally don't like that with the pressure of succeeding if fully thrust upon them. They start to realize that simply trying something for the sake of trying it, might get them less in the end.
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written by ISIS, February 16, 2012 - 06:01 AM
If Haley can't meet that request, he has no business coaching.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let's see, Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, Bobby Knight, etc, etc, have yelled at their "star" players and all of them most definitely and without a doubt had all the business in the world to coach.

It's is not whether a coach yells or not. It is the trust that is developed between a coach and his players.
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written by estrago, February 16, 2012 - 06:06 AM
all Big Ben.....all the time

What does this mean?
What is it good for?


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written by estrago, February 16, 2012 - 06:09 AM
I need to know how the Penguins did last night.

You'll never know in here
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written by Darkhorses, February 16, 2012 - 06:13 AM
Why even ask Ben about Ward? Ben isn't going to put himself in that mess.

Reach out and touch someone. Wasn't that an advertising motto by the phone company years ago? That's about ghetto as you can get. Wow
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written by BFD, February 16, 2012 - 06:25 AM
To me, this is a non story. Ben and Hayley will eventually meet. It seems to be a bit of a p*ssing match, but who cares. I like the move of bringing in Hayley, possibly making things a bit less "comfortable", bringing in a new perspective.
But Ben is the franchise.

To me, the bigger issue is the old man needs to leave Ireland and get back to business at the Northshore. I am not sure I like Art II way of running things. It seems less than the "Steeler way"
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written by ISIS, February 16, 2012 - 06:38 AM
The Pens lost last night. MAF played very well, but gave up a soft goal which changed the momentum.

The interview with Ben is much ado about nothing.

It doesn't matter that the OC and Ben haven't talked yet. This is the off season. There will be plenty of time for talking later.

As for Hines. Ben played it politically correct.

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written by Steelers252006, February 16, 2012 - 06:40 AM
I got to say that I see some trouble brewing. I'm not saying it can't or won't be overcome, but the initial adjustment period between Ben and his new offensive coordinator will be interesting to say the least. Ben as much said that he doesn't respond well to screaming and as a QB that needs to stay level-headed for his teammates would expect to be talked to, and Haley's style is the complete opposite. He also said he hopes the offense doesn't change much as they were on to something, which I can understand his point and hope that they can build on the good stuff and "tweak" (there's that word again) some of the other stuff. Finally, it's a little puzzling to me that Haley and Ben have not met as of yet. Really make you wonder what goes on behind the scenes as there's not many other corporations where it's most recognized employee would not have met with new brass a WEEK into it. Should be very interesting going forward...
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written by Maine Bucs Fan, February 16, 2012 - 06:45 AM
I know people are interested in these stories and thats why they get reported but with that being said, I really really hate offseason gossip stories about who gets along with who- call it the TMZ-ization of sports. Nothing good ever comes for the team and players from discussing personal/work relationships in a public forum.
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written by Maine Bucs Fan, February 16, 2012 - 06:48 AM

"Reaching out" is not a ghetto term
Correct- I view it more as a mob term as I only heard Tony Soprano and politicians use the term regularly before it became more popularly used
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written by bfgrad, February 16, 2012 - 06:55 AM
*t's clear Ben does not want to change the way he plays at all. Rooney's words have gone in one ear and out the other, making no impression whatsoever. BR is engaged in a power struggle he's not going to win. It would be much smarter to shut up, stop complaining and seek out Haley rather than taking every opportunity to tell the world you haven't met yet.

FTR, I remember the rocky relationship between Noll and Bradshaw. I even remember that day in Miami when Noll, usually a stoic guy, reached over, grabbed Bradshaw's facemask and screamed at him.
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written by Joe D, February 16, 2012 - 06:59 AM

If Rothlisberger can reach out and meet to Tomlin and Rooney... he could have done the same with Haley.

Why didn't the interviewer ask that question... why didn't you reach out to Haley but you reached out to Tomlin and Rooney??

Haley doesn't have to do anything.. he is the boss!!!
Frankly Ben is being childish..
It's a p*****g match..
A measure of manhood..
stop the gamesmanship Ben.. you look foolish.
He is trying to rally Steeler Nation behind him (ala Ward) and it won't work. If it's a managment decision to get rid of Ward.... its a managment decision to get rid of Arians.
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written by Hanover Bill, February 16, 2012 - 07:02 AM

Reading between the lines I would say that the Steelers had had enough of the Roethlisberger-Arians relationship, and all that it entailed. It is obvious that they want to proceed on a vastly different course, one in which the coach is the coach, and the player is the player, even if he does have a hundred million dollar contract.

Obviously the Roethlisberger-Arians course was not taking the Steelers where they wanted to go. The ownership felt that a change was needed moving forward, and they made that change. I respect them for stepping up and making the move that they feel will make this a better team, only time will tell if they were right.
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written by Curmudgeon, February 16, 2012 - 07:05 AM
Maine Bucs Fan has it right. Traditionally, men frequently blame women for gossiping. Assuming the posters are all or mostly male, how is much of this particular blog stream any different?
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written by BarelySane, February 16, 2012 - 07:24 AM

written by bfgrad,

FTR, I remember the rocky relationship between Noll and Bradshaw. I even remember that day in Miami when Noll, usually a stoic guy, reached over, grabbed Bradshaw's facemask and screamed at him.


Now that's MY idea of "reaching out".
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written by Fleeced, February 16, 2012 - 07:24 AM
Ben is trying to send a message through the media to his coaches....not good.

He is the one that needs to solidify his legacy, not Haley. He has had so many issues off the field that one more will likely ruin him for good.

Focus shouldn't be on the coaching staff with relation to Ben, it should be how to prolong the guy's career and get another ring or two before he's done.

As for the rest, fall in line, Ben. You are not bigger than the team or the game. If you get yelled at, suck it up.
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written by shaker100, February 16, 2012 - 07:25 AM
Ben's reputation for off season work ethic has always been questionable. But he probably knew the Bruce Arians offense inside and out so he never felt pressured to work extra hard. Now a new OC comes aboard and they haven't even met yet or exchanged playbooks or philosophies. I'm more than a little concerned that Ben won't change and there will be conflicts between he and Haley all year.
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written by BarelySane, February 16, 2012 - 07:35 AM

Assuming the posters are all or mostly male, how is much of this particular blog stream any different?


You've found the comments interesting enough to have read down this far (and so have I). So I guess we're all guilty of the same thing. (I should really get a life.)
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written by heartbeatsings, February 16, 2012 - 07:37 AM

Bob,i think you hit it on the head when you write that the delay in meeting is an attempt to let Ben know who's boss.

I would assume that this is Haley's doing. And it's not too suprising when your QB is already going over your head to meet with the owner before you are even hired.

But here's the reality of the situation: for as long as he's a premier quarterback, Ben is the boss. He knows it. The players know it. The owner knows it. It's easy to find OC's; premier quarterbacks? Not so much, the Steelers have had 2 since 1933.

It will be interesting to see how Haley deals with it.

I think he's a pretty smart cookie and this is going to work out well in the end. But the next few weeks could be interesting.
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written by AZburgher, February 16, 2012 - 07:49 AM
I will listen to anything Ben has to say.
We all watch on Sundays. He is a total Steeler.
I wouldn't trade him for anyone currently in the league or in this years draft.
My only concern is getting him the protection he richly deserves....
If Mr. Haley is smart, and I'm certain he is, he will embrace this opportunity to work with an exceptional QB and his hometown team.
I look forward to this very much!
Go PITT!
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written by estrago, February 16, 2012 - 07:52 AM
Maybe it’s time for the Steelers to regain their footing, to become the franchise Dan Rooney wants it to be and become the moral flagship of the NFL that it once was......The Steelers need to reclaim their special brand. The best way to do that is to trade Roethlisberger.


Can you imagine if ownership listened to the media?

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written by PittofDreams, February 16, 2012 - 07:55 AM

Roethlisberger equals ARROGANCE. This is something that has become eviddent since Day 1 through his words, his actions, and also the comments by other numerous pople who have had interations with him.

Ward on the other hand, has a much different impression among people in the City who have the opportunity to interact with him.

Humble and generous would be two of words used by more than one person.

The reality is Ben's arrogant nature is part of what elevates his game to the elite quarterback status he shares with Brady, Brees etc. who may be better quarterbacks in the purest sense of the word.

While he might not be the best passer or reader of defenses, Ben's attitude is the thing that gives him his "never say die" attitude.

No question, part of the reason Rooney's stepped in to get rid of Arians and hire Haley was to knock Roethlisberger down a few notches.

But they probably believe they are doing Ben as much as a favor as they are making a change to benefit the team.
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written by Steelcity, February 16, 2012 - 08:08 AM
Reading between the lines- I see Arians and Ben snuffing out Hines Ward. I am so impressed by how Ward took this pill. He still played like a professional and did not stir any controversy. Only when the media and the fans applied pressure for wanting Hines to hit 1000 receptions- only then, did Arians and BR decide to throw to him.

Ben wanted to talk to Rooney. So Haley stayed out until Ben and Rooney talked. Makes sense to me.
I'm sure they will get together and talk soon.
Not very complicated.

As for this meeting between Ben and Rooney:
Rooney: What gives Ben?
Ben: What are you doing to me?
Rooney: For you're own good, I don't want to see you get hurt.
Ben: You really care?
Rooney: Yes, I care Ben, I really do.
Ben: What about the direction of the offense?
Rooney: How's your ankle?
Ben: Good I guess- getting better.
Rooney: What about your shoulder?
Ben: Much better.
Rooney: Thanks for this talk Ben. Glad to see you.
End of meeting.
...End of meeting
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written by Brant, February 16, 2012 - 08:12 AM
There is no conspiracy theory surrounding Ward's disappearance from the offense. It's very simple. He's shot. Too slow. Can't get off press coverage like he used to. More drops. The guy is done, plain and simple.
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written by TheUnblogger, February 16, 2012 - 08:15 AM
Many great athletes are arrogant, they become that way because the fans put then there.

If the Steelers owners are trying to knock him down a bit they better sell the team.

I expect Ben to perform better this season if they get him an offensive line that will keep him upright

No sense revamping the play book if the backs and QB can't get the ball out of the backfield
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written by TheUnblogger, February 16, 2012 - 08:18 AM
Maybe it’s time for the Steelers to regain their footing, to become the franchise Dan Rooney wants it to be and become the moral flagship of the NFL that it once was......The Steelers need to reclaim their special brand. The best way to do that is to trade Roethlisberger.


Where did that come from?
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written by Crkkid, February 16, 2012 - 08:25 AM
A lot of conspiracies today....

Big Ben/Arians had it in for Ward....seriously.

Face facts, Ward isn't the same player he was 3 years ago...age creeps up fast.

It's a shame that some of the people clinging to Ward are gonna do more damage to his legacy as a Steeler then if he play with another team. After two days of Ward on this blog, I hope he never comes back. It's almost the same way of being force fed "The Bus" in his last season with his 300+ yards.
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written by cfd, February 16, 2012 - 08:27 AM
ROETHLISBERGER IS FULLY AWARE THE DAYS ARE COMING TO A CLOSE FOR WARD AND AS INDICATED THEIR RELATIONSHIP COULD BE "FROSTY". SO,IT IS FAR BETTER TO BE "PC" THAN ROCK THE BOAT. AS FOR MEETING WITH HALEY, THAT TOO WILL HAPPEN IN DUE COURSE,NEITHER ARE GOING ANYWHERE.
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written by Nutting4Xmas, February 16, 2012 - 08:27 AM
Ben keeps talking about how talented the offense is and all these great players, but you wouldn't know it looking at the scoreboard.

I think Big Ben is a once in a lifetime QB and he has the ability to be an elite QB. But I don't think he has consistently played like a top 5 QB. You could almost set a clock to him throwing a pick in Denver once we fell behind.

However, the guy is a winner, no doubt about it. To me, he comes off a little bit spoiled and accustomed to always getting his way but most people in his position are the same way. I can't really fault him for it, even if it rubs me the wrong way.

I just expect more out of him in terms of production. Yes, he is the toughest QB in the NFL by a long shot and does put up a lot of yards. Unfortunately, none of those things translate into points, which are what you need to win games. Ben has the unique ability to extend plays as well as be an accurate passer. If he ever finds a happy medium, the rest of the league should be on notice.


...
written by botka, February 16, 2012 - 08:29 AM
Aw, Big Benny doesn't want to get yelled at. Aw.
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written by Burgher in California, February 16, 2012 - 08:29 AM
written by Richard Bipolarman Jarzynka, February 16, 2012 - 12:24 AM

"Just talk to me so we can work through my reasoning instead of getting yelled at.’’

If Haley can't meet that request, he has no business coaching.


You don't think people "talked" to Roethlisberger about wearing a helmet when riding his motorcycle before his accident? What about being smart around women after the Reno situation?

Sometimes you need get aggressive with someone -- especially when "talking" to him isn't penetrating his thick head.

Sorry, Ben's comment comes across as totally self-serving -- as did the one about throwing a touchdown with guys hanging all over him.

Uncoachable.
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written by pghsportsfan, February 16, 2012 - 08:43 AM

As old Bill Shakespeare once penned: "Much Ado About Nothing" smilies/smiley.gifsmilies/smiley.gifsmilies/smiley.gif
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written by sports, February 16, 2012 - 08:45 AM
Roethlisberger never says the right thing.  Anyone with a half of a brain would just say, "I'm excited to work with Coach Haley and build a championship caliber offense."  If he said that, he might actually appear to be a team player, but he's too proud to say it because he misses his best friend Bruce Arians.

Instead of being a leader, he spouts off about not wanting to change the offense, how he'll wait and see before making any judgments, etc, etc.  This is the definition of how not to lead men.

The whole underlying tone to everything he says is, 'I'm ticked off, pamper me, don't make me change anything I do.'  

He's a selfish, immature person, and if you can't see that by how he's handling this issue, then you most certainly have your 'Steeler blinders' on.
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written by Richard Bipolarman Jarzynka, February 16, 2012 - 08:54 AM

How well would you respond to your boss "getting in your face" and screaming at you in front of your co-workers and customers?

If it gets to that point, then one of you needs to be fired.
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written by pghsportsfan, February 16, 2012 - 08:59 AM

written by Richard Bipolarman Jarzynka, February 16, 2012 - 09:54 AM: How well would you respond to your boss "getting in your face" and screaming at you in front of your co-workers and customers? If it gets to that point, then one of you needs to be fired.


Richard: What you say is correct in an office setting. In sports, yelling is quite common and most (not all) athletes let it go in one ear and out the other. The hyped yelling match between O;Brien and Brady resulted in Brady saying, later, no big deal.
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written by estrago, February 16, 2012 - 09:03 AM
He's a selfish, immature person, and if you can't see that by how he's handling this issue, then you most certainly have your 'Steeler blinders' on.


sounds like you're talking about Hines Ward
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written by hunter, February 16, 2012 - 09:17 AM
How in the world can they not have met in SEVEN days when they've been in the SAME building?? I put that ENTIRELY on Haley. Its not just odd. Its absurd.
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written by Richard Bipolarman Jarzynka, February 16, 2012 - 09:23 AM

pghsportsfan,

I agree with you that yelling in sports is more common and acceptable than in the office. I just don't think it is very effective.

With the athlete who let's it go in one ear and out the other, it may have some positive impact. But with the one who doesn't, it can do much more harm than good.

I think that if a solid relationship has been built up over quite awhile, a good, loud, private argument might have some benefit. Arians and Roethlisberger having-it-out over something may have had a positive result. But even in that scenario, I think the player has to be free to yell back.

I may be guilty of projecting my own experiences onto Ben's situation. I have never responded well to being yelled at. As you correctly said, some people let it go in one ear and out the other. For better and worse, that is not me.
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written by TheUnblogger, February 16, 2012 - 09:29 AM
John Wooden never yelled at anyone during a game.

Never left his seat during play

He was dealing with kids, Haley is dealing with pros
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written by Max, February 16, 2012 - 09:45 AM
...
Reach for the Pepto-Bismol, Bob.

Max agrees with you.

It is notable Haley and Ben have not met.

Just one thing to add:

"... it might mean nothing or it might mean the Steelers are trying to let Roethlisberger know, beyond doubt, who is the boss."

Or, it might mean Haley is the jerk some people believe him to be.

It's up to Haley to agree to meet Ben, Ben can't make it happen other than public pressure like, say, an interview. smilies/smiley.gif

Haley needs Ben more than Ben needs Haley.

Ben has a $100 million contract, with $11+ salary this year. The signing bonus that will be restructured into for this season will probably be greater than Haley's entire contract.

If Haley craps on Ben too much, and Ben goes passive-aggressive on the Steelers, who do you think will be fired next year?
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written by TheUnblogger, February 16, 2012 - 09:51 AM
f Haley craps on Ben too much, and Ben goes passive-aggressive on the Steelers, who do you think will be fired next year?

Tomlin Tomlin anyone where is he on this?
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written by Max, February 16, 2012 - 09:55 AM
...
In other news directly related to Art Rooney/Arians/Tomlin/Haley, Ed Bouchete in the PG reports this quote from an interview with Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert:

"Art Rooney obviously is the owner of the team and the president of the team," Colbert said. "Of course he's going to be in the loop on every decision as any chief operating officer would be of any corporation. I think to say he is meddlesome or dictating every decision I think is very inaccurate.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg...z1mYopbClI


IT ALL STARTS AT THE TOP

Why is it so hard for PBC supporters to grasp this concept?
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written by hunter, February 16, 2012 - 09:58 AM
Turk 182 wrote 'reach out' is a "ghetto" phrase, equivalent to "giving mad props". Turk, what???. First what is your definition of "ghetto"? Second that is in my top 10 of the most absurd I've ever read on this blog.
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written by Max, February 16, 2012 - 09:59 AM
...
Tomlin Tomlin anyone where is he on this?


There is an example of Tomlin going passive-aggressive on the Steelers.

He is saying: Art II, you made this mess, you didn't take my advice to keep Arians, you made me say the Haley hire was my decision, now you can patch it up.

smilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gif

It's going to be great fun to watch this soap opera unfold.
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written by Meathead, February 16, 2012 - 10:01 AM
Tomlin is probably just sitting at his desk.
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written by DB21, February 16, 2012 - 10:21 AM
Most notably Roethlisberger told Prisuta on Tuesday, the day of the interview, that he’d yet to meet with Haley. This is, to say the least, highly unusual since Haley had been on the job for seven days.


So Ben runs around getting the scoop on his new coordinator from everyone who knows him but doesn't take the time to talk to him on his own?

That sounds about right for a dummy like Big Ben.

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written by Steelcity, February 16, 2012 - 10:34 AM
@ Max
I have to disagree with you on this one.
Just because BR makes more money than Haley I believe BR should be calling Haley.
BR can say something like...
"Congratulations on the OC job. I've started training and look forward to getting started.
Is there anything I need to look at while or before you put together the playbook for 2012?
Did you want to get together and discuss it over coffee?"
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written by TheUnblogger, February 16, 2012 - 11:06 AM
Haley needs Ben, he should go to him and beg him to learn his system.
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written by Max, February 16, 2012 - 12:08 PM
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@SteelCity -

When I pointed out BR makes a (whale of a) lot more money than Haley, my point was if this Haley/Ben thing blows up, it's Haley who is likely to lose his job.

The Rooneys didn't can Ben after the Georgia mess, they're not going to can Ben if he and the OC don't get along.

Haley has a lot more to lose than Ben, so in the interest of his own preservation, it seems he would be smart to make this work.

From another angle, Haley is Ben's boss. Ben can request to meet with him, and say everything you suggest, but Haley has to agree to meet with Ben.

We don't know who has requested or scheduled a meeting, though.

And this is probably much ado about nothing.

But the silence of Tomlin, and reading between the lines of what has been said, and not said, is getting louder and louder.

It's going to be a hoot seeing how this soap opera unfolds. smilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gif
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written by Meathead, February 16, 2012 - 12:16 PM
That sounds about right for a dummy like Big Ben.




I remember a dummy who played QB for the Steelers that was allowed to call his own plays. He won four Super Bowls.
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written by lambert58, February 16, 2012 - 12:39 PM
If in fact the organization is trying to "send Ben a message", they`re doing it in a ham-handed manner. Think of Rodgers, the Mannings, Brady, Brees, or even Tony Romo. Do you think any of the teams they play for would go hire a new OC without even consulting them? And then after the new OC is hired, not arrange a meeting while both are in town? I can`t imagine it.

Oh, and in response to the "Ben`s a dummy" crowd, he`s at least as smart as Bradshaw.

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written by tpbco, February 16, 2012 - 01:19 PM
Meathead-

But only after getting spotted the C and A.
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written by tpbco, February 16, 2012 - 01:22 PM
He may be as intelligent as Bradshaw, but not so sure on the common sense side...and based on what we know about TB, that is certainly saying something.
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written by garretta, February 16, 2012 - 02:01 PM
If this kind of thing keeps going on inro the season, Mr. Haley's tenutr is going yo be short indeed. Franchise quarterbacks run their teams, regardless of coach, management, or ownership (even on the Steelers) and you don't cross them and get away with it. I fully expect Fichtner to be doing the playcalling by December, with Haley leaving to "pursue other opportunities" after the season, unless he realizes who the real boss on the field (hint: it ain't him, regardless of what Art II mught have said) is and works to repair whatever damage he's done quick, fast, and in a hurry.

Ben may not be bigger than the team, but he's sure as anything bigger than an outsider offensive coordinator who's got a lousy personal reputation to begin with.



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written by big_e, February 16, 2012 - 02:27 PM
I can't shake the feeling that Ben needs to realize that the offense was not good last year. Poor in redzone and 21st in scoring. Too many field goals.

I hope Ben can see that it is not unexpected that a concerned owner wants to do better. This team is loaded and needs to get to the next level. Give Haley a shot. This may be what the Dr. ordered.

Haley is out of the Bill Parcells camp. This is pure Parcells. Sending a message of who is boss. It already has worked. Art Rooney clearly did not like BA and BR being pals. He is speaking loud and clear here.
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written by DB21, February 16, 2012 - 04:32 PM
Watching 2004 draft classmate Eli Manning quarterback the New York Giants to their second Super Bowl victory in the past five seasons inspired him even more, Roethlisberger said.

"Now that Eli has tied me with his second, I have to try to get back up on him. So I have a little extra motivation."


"Now Eli has tied me with his second..." what an ego!

Hey Ben, you stunk in two of the three SBs you played in! Still waiting for that big head to pop. Maybe Haley can do it!

That's why Ben is a dummy.

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written by garretta, February 16, 2012 - 05:00 PM
Without that "dummy" in full command and control of an offense fully tsilored to and approved by him, the Steelers will not see another Super Bowl any time soon. That's a fact of life. Bettr an egotistical, "dummy" Ben who thinks he can call the shots and plays like a winner than a team player Ben who follows the coaches' orders There doesn;t appear to be a third choice, so out of the two I've listed, I'd rather have Ben as is. Let Haley do the adjusting.

As this team is currently constituted, everyone on the coaching staff is replaceable up to and including Tomlin. Ben is noy, unless there's a blockbuster trade involving Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers that I have yet to hear about. That's what they mean when they say that the NFL is a quarterback-driven league.

Ben runs things his way, or the Steelers don;t win Super Bowls. It's that simple, Steeler fans. Out of those two with no third choices allowed, which would you rather have? I'm interested to hear the answer from you Ben-haters out there. Is showing Ben sho the so-called "boss" is worth an 8-8 record or worse, if it comes to that?



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written by Iceman_63, February 16, 2012 - 06:14 PM
Ben is just as replaceable as anybody. it was the mindset that they couldn't win without him is what got the Steelers in the position they were in at the end of the season. A hobbled QB playing a first round playoff game on the road, who couldn't generate TDs in the red zone.

Of course he couldn't generate TDs in the red zone when he is healthy either.


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