Football buffs across the country, not just Pittsburgh, view the Pittsburgh Steelers as a well-run and very ethical franchise. In fact, if you listen to the talking heads of ESPN, CBS, etc. you will hear numerous people say they are the best run organization in sports.
When you see the Cincinnati Bengals getting arrested, Steelers fans say that would never happen with their black and gold. But look at recent history and that theory is full of holes.
James Harrison was charged with simple assault and criminal mischief in 2008 for slapping his girlfriend. Santonio Holmes has had multiple run ins with the law, the most recent coming this week. Holmes allegedly threw a glass into a woman's face, cutting her. Two women have gone to police, claiming they were sexually assaulted by Ben Roethlisberger. And Jeff Reed beat up a towel dispenser and later made threatening gestures to police officers. In Reed's defense, he was defending a teammate who was taking a leak.
Not exactly boy scouts, are they? Sure, the Steelers cut Cedrick Wilson after he was charged for allegedly punching his ex-girlfriend, but he was probably going to be cut anyway. He is coaching high school now. As a coordinator, not a head coach. Could be worse, he could be Ryan Leaf.
I'm sorry, I got caught up in the moment. What I was saying is that recently is seems that the idea of the Steelers holding themselves to a higher standard than the rest of the league is in serious question. Now Ben and Santonio have yet to be charged and might have done nothing criminal. But the fact remains they have put themselves in poor situations that make the Steelers looks bad.
All teams have problems like this. It might not be sexual assault. It might be DUI, it might be assault, it might be drugs. While The Steelers and the NFL should not punish these players until they are arrested and indicted, it's hard to say with confidence that the Steelers are on the ethical high ground compared to other teams.
Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On
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