Back to the Grind

What a crazy weekend it has been, especially in the sports world. I'll try to engulf all my thoughts in two postings today. First we'll start with the local (Pittsburgh) scene.

The first news story coming out of the Three Rivers was Santonio Holmes getting dealt, while teammates will welcome back Big Ben with open arms. Admittedly, Santonio has had his share of problems, mostly stemming from his use of marijuana. More recently he was in the news for supposedly throwing a glass at a woman. I'm a huge advocate of judging both men equally for their actions.

On one hand you have Big Ben, a man twice accused of sexually assaulting women, and once illegally driving and crashing his motorcycle. On the other, you have Santonio, user of an illegal drug and mistakenly thinking a glass was a grenade. The difference in the assault charges, is there was video evidence that quickly dismissed Santonio. Both of Ben's charges were investigated heavily by the DA, and at least the most recent case was dismissed.

Let's imagine I'm the owner of the Steelers for a minute. I'd get rid of Steely McBeam ASAP, hire some cheerleaders, and then get right to these guys. Based solely on their actions, I'm keeping Santonio 90 outta 100 times. The guy uses pot, which like it or not is become socially acceptable, and within a week is cleared by video evidence of throwing a glass. Big Ben Drunk, gets accused twice of abusing women (never acceptable), and nearly dies while crashing his bike (which he told Steelers Management he only owned a Harley).

News came flying through this morning of Santonio being dealt to the Jets for a 5th Round draft pick. Ultimately due to his off-the-field transgressions. I cannot believe this happened for many reasons. First, you deal him to a team within the AFC, and one that will no doubt be a top contender. Secondly, you receive the equivalent of a Happy Meal from McDonalds, in return for a perennial All-Star, and former Super Bowl MVP. Now, you'll have to waste a first round pick on another receiver, while your offense line continually deteriorates and suffers b/c of this. All the while, Big Ben Drunk, comes right back to his comfy position as Franchise Quarterback.

The Steelers used to be run as a well respected franchise. Now within the last three years, Ben, Santonio, Jeff Reed, James Harrison, and Cedric Wilson, all have had run-ins with the law. The Steelers are turning into the Cowboys whether you like it or not. If the Rooneys think by getting rid of Santonio, their name will be cleared, they're dead wrong. I will again reiterate the need to suspend Ben for several games. How many more chances can the guy get? Just b/c he's a "Franchise" QB, shouldn't mean he gets that many more shots over a Super Bowl MVP and leading receiver.

On to some better news...First, I know it's impossible to judge off of one game, but it appears the Penguins are back into playing shape, just in time for the playoffs. They've been missing for large stretches of the season, Sergei Gonchar, Evengi Malkin, and Chris Kunitz. Two of those guys are absolutely crucial to any power-play chances as well as establishing a solid second scoring line. Malkin came back yesterday, and as Jim Ross (JR) used to say, "business was about to pick up". He torched the Islanders for two goals and one assist, re-established the Pens might power-play, and developed a good repertoire with Sidney Crosby. Crosby had a monster night by adding two goals and three assists, while taking the Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophy in the process. I know you can't get too excited about the performance, especially against a team like the Isles, but it's definitely a great way to get the adrenaline and confidence soaring heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.