There is a buzz zipping through Steelers Nation faster than the scalpel of a plastic surgeon in Hollywood. What is all of the chatter about you ask? Duh, it’s all about the quarterback controversy bubbling up in the town of a zillion Iron City “brewski’s” as well as other player personnel issues.

First things first, let’s discuss why there is even a quarterback controversy at all. Let’s reexamine the root of irresponsible behavior over the years by “Big” Ben Roethlisberger that has precipitated not one but two ill-advised decisions that have directly affected his playing status and the wholeness of his team. The off the field actions by No. 7 revolved around and continue to be centered on the concept of self, self, self.

by Barry Wilner
Associated Press Writer

CANTON, Ohio (AP)—Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith can stop the chase now.

Linked as the NFL’s leading receiver and rusher, two of the greatest players football has seen, entered the Hall of Fame Aug. 7. Both admitted their destinies are fulfilled.

“This is finally it,” Rice said. “There are no more routes to run, no more touchdowns to score, no more records to set. That young boy from Mississippi has finally stopped running.

CLASS OF 2010—The 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. From left: Emmitt Smith, Dick LeBeau, Russ Grimm, John Randle, Rickey Jackson, Jerry Rice and Floyd Little after enshrinement ceremonies at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio Aug. 7.

The basketball gods were shining on the Connie Hawkins Summer Basketball League as it returned to the indoor facilities of The Club 4-life in Monroeville to celebrate its 35th anniversary.

For nearly four decades the league was the gold standard in which Pittsburgh’s great basketball players were tested. The league has been nationally recognized and was once named one of the top 10 best summer leagues by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It is the fifth-longest running league in the country.

‘TEAM HAWK’—From left: John Krchmar, Terry Smith, Munz Abdulla, Devante Goudy, Bill Neal, B B Flenory, Kevin Corlew, and Karlton Griffin.

There was something special in the air regarding the 2010 Pro Football Hall-of-Fame inductees. All of these men deserved to be enshrined and in the case of Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau, better late than never. What struck me, aside from the heat and humidity at Canton, was the humility of Russ Grimm and LeBeau; the swagger and bright personality of Emmitt Smith; the coolness and calm confidence of Jerry Rice; the quiet intensity of Ricky Jackson; the craftiness of John Randle and the relieved smile of Little.

They all have my heartfelt congratulations at being part of one the world’s greatest sports fraternities. Oh by the way, Emmitt Smith gave a 24-minute speech without any notes and without the use of a teleprompter. Mr. Smith does not need me to write any of his quotes.