More AB Drama / Trade Request merged thread

[Obviously]

Still salvageable, IMO.

Not according to AB.

[Steelafan77]

I totally Believe that AB knows this about Ben

The ESPN article comments from teammates pretty much confirm that AB has no problem with Ben... AB's problem is with Tomlin, Colbert, or Rooney. "Someone within the organization"

So, that sorta makes it plausible that it's about money. Perhaps he asked after last season to have his deal re-worked and the team said no? One could conceive that such an event could have precipitated AB's offseason-unhappiness during the season-petulance-week 17.

I think this is the best 'plausible' scenario going. What Brown has shown is a dissention from within the organization. Brown as a Steeler has always been coddled for lack of a better term. Tomlin himself has been forthright with his treatment of players he considers different in equality. A Tomlin quote, ' “I don’t treat everybody equally, but I treat everyone fairly”. So, since we know this it's fair to speculate Brown's ability to be tardy to meetings and or skip them entirely has been swept under the rug in the past.

It's about money IMHO. That said, If Brown wants out, truly wants out of Pittsburgh he will have to be on his best behavior at his next job. Right? No other coach is going to allow what Tomlin admits he allows. Also how does this impact his market value? Do locker rooms, coaching staff from other franchises really want to deal with Brown's diva entitlement mentality? I suppose there are teams that value the ability over the drama. How much are Brown's abilities related to Ben and Ben's abilities? We'll see.

[swissvale72]

Still salvageable, IMO.

Not according to AB.

I'm aware...doesn't mean it's not.

[Nick79]

Bottom line is, if he's going to be a little bitch and won't play for us, then I'd take the cap hit and keep him from playing for anybody else for TWO YEARS at age 30, that will hurt, and I don't care how it appears to other players, it's clear he's the fucked up asshole in the scenario. PURPOSELY HURT HIS CAREER. PERIOD.

[Kodiak]

I thought it could be about money, or will be (after he's traded and that team is "only" paying him $13M per year).

Except we haven't heard anything about money. He's an attention whore that isn't getting enough praise and adulation for his liking.

[Legacy User]

Still salvageable, IMO.

Don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think the relationship is salvageable. Also don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think Mike Tomlin is not on the Mount Rushmore of coaching morons.

[Legacy User]

I thought it could be about money, or will be (after he's traded and that team is "only" paying him $13M per year).

Except we haven't heard anything about money. He's an attention whore that isn't getting enough praise and adulation for his liking.

He’s a spoiled man-child. There’s no cure.

[Kodiak]

... Also don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think Mike Tomlin is not on the Mount Rushmore of coaching morons.

I said for a long time that Tomlin was not a leader and ran way too loose of a locker room. Other posters claimed that wasn't and shouldn't be his job. Now the chickens come home to roost.

The sloppy and disinterested play we see too frequently is a direct result of how Tomlin runs that team. A separate set of rules - which is to say, no rules - for the stars is absolutely not leadership or how to be a HC.

I think if you look at the lazy/non-existent way Tomlin manages these players and you can assume his preparation and overall attention to detail is similar. Seems he still has Deuce fooled, though.

Colbert should probably be in the HOF for putting players and coaches around Tomlin to have the success they've had.

[swissvale72]

Still salvageable, IMO.

Don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think the relationship is salvageable. Also don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think Mike Tomlin is not on the Mount Rushmore of coaching morons.

I probably read the article, but how about posting it again, Lit?

And...my take is until he's gone, traded, signed with someone else....it's salvageable.

[Legacy User]

Still salvageable, IMO.

Don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think the relationship is salvageable. Also don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think Mike Tomlin is not on the Mount Rushmore of coaching morons.

I probably read the article, but how about posting it again, Lit?

And...my take is until he's gone, traded, signed with someone else....it's salvageable.

Here you are, Swiss.

http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-ste ... bably-over

[Havoc]

You guys are giving AB waaay too much credit. Just like people were giving Bell too much credit for having some sort of plan last offseason when he was really just making shit up on the fly.

AB has the emotional maturity of a 13 year old girl, and probably the same level of intelligence. There is no master plan here, he's just a needy bitch who threw one too many bitch fits. No doubt in mind he took Ben's comments after the Denver game the wrong way, which to be fair Ben really should have fallen on the sword there, and lost his shit which led to what happened at the end of the year. He was a moody, malcontent asshole all year. His body language was awful. And some of you guys actually want him back on this team another year? As his skills start to decline just a little bit more, as Juju's star continues to shine brighter and brighter? You think his attitude is going to get better and not worse? C'mon.

No doubt in my mind his awful body language and shitty attitude this year were hugely related to the fact that Juju was getting more catches and AB wasn't seen as far and away the best WR in the game. He is a pre-teen girl. All great athletes are selfish/egomaniacs to an extent, but AB is on a whole other level. I'm talking Defcon 1. He is consumed with himself and his level of fame. I really worry about his mental health.

Fact is, he wants to show he can go to another team and transform their offense and be the biggest offensive star in the league. Fucking let him. Get his cancerous ass off my damn team. We'll be better off for it in more ways than we realize.

I do not disagree with anything here.

I agree Ben should have fallen on the sword for the end of game int vs Broncos even though what he said was true.

AB showed this season, he is not going to age well.

[Kodiak]

AB showed this season, he is not going to age well.

I think AB feels like Ben and JuJu are blocking some of his sun.

Whomever said AB wants to go be a savior of another offense, and put up numbers without Ben so he can make a claim for GOAT is spot on. And he's in for a very rude reality check when he has a lesser arm throwing him the ball. His targets will go down, and the quality of his targets will go down - man oh man he is going to implode this year.

[Legacy User]

AB is interested in being the goat in so much that it keeps business boomin...as in $$$$$.

Thats what hes motivated by, inspired by etc and so on. He knows he aint seeing another big payday by the Steelers, so hed like a new start somewhere else aka $$$$ and specifically upfront guaranteed money.

Once the steelers find an acceptable trading partner, im certain his agent will be looking to rip his old contract and get it up to date with other top WRs. This is all about $$$.

[swissvale72]

Thanks Lit. I read the article, and honestly, don't know the references you're making

What I got out of it....
*AB is, and has always been, the hardest-working player on the team.
*AB's teammates almost universally like him.
*AB's teammates want him back in Black & Gold.

They'll work this out.

[Legacy User]

Thanks Lit. I read the article, and honestly, don't know the references you're making

What I got out of it....
*AB is, and has always been, the hardest-working player on the team.
*AB's teammates almost universally like him.
*AB's teammates want him back in Black & Gold.

They'll work this out.

First, like you, I wish they could keep Bell.
Second, like you, I hope BIGLY that they manage to keep AB.

What I got out of it....
*Tomlin has let AB do whatever the fuck AB wants without consequence from helmet catch, on.
*Tomlin’s policy has led to a habit and desire on ABs part to do whatever the fuck AB wants without consequence
*AB is now uncontrollable.

I sure hope they work it out.
I sure wish Tomlin had not been so unbelievably stupid in his handling of AB. You get exactly what you are willing to tolerate.

[Gonzo]

Greek steel,is correct IMO
It doesn't matter if he has a nomtrade clause.
He wants one more big contract and he knows it will be better to get it now instea do for waiting two more years to 32. He and Bell are peas in a pod

He is going to force a new contract or a trade
That's all this is about

[Gonzo]

Brown often showed up late and didn't stay with the team at camp

"[Tomlin] essentially told the group, we'll tolerate it now because of what he brings on the field, but the minute production stops, you don't overlook it," one ex-Steeler said of Brown's tardiness issues, which was confirmed by other players.

Ridiculous comment

[FortyThree]

If you look at the pic on ABs Instagram with he and Ben slapping 5 in the NO game, then look at the comments look who posts the first comment? Yep, that IS James Conners account...

if it is, Conner was interviewed this week and said he and AB haven't talked either. Many are waiting for return calls or other texts

"teamconner30" is not James Conner.

[chippedhamsandwich]

Brown often showed up late and didn't stay with the team at camp

"[Tomlin] essentially told the group, we'll tolerate it now because of what he brings on the field, but the minute production stops, you don't overlook it," one ex-Steeler said of Brown's tardiness issues, which was confirmed by other players.

Ridiculous comment

Fucking insane that TOMLIN is saying this to players, what the fuck is he doing?!?!

[Orangesteel]

Brown often showed up late and didn't stay with the team at camp

"[Tomlin] essentially told the group, we'll tolerate it now because of what he brings on the field, but the minute production stops, you don't overlook it," one ex-Steeler said of Brown's tardiness issues, which was confirmed by other players.

Ridiculous comment

Fucking insane that TOMLIN is saying this to players, what the fuck is he doing?!?!

Tomlin is a fucking MORON. Been saying this for years.

[Orangesteel]

Still salvageable, IMO.

Don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think the relationship is salvageable. Also don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think Mike Tomlin is not on the Mount Rushmore of coaching morons.

This. Tomlin has really fucked this up.

[Jobu]

Brown often showed up late and didn't stay with the team at camp

"[Tomlin] essentially told the group, we'll tolerate it now because of what he brings on the field, but the minute production stops, you don't overlook it," one ex-Steeler said of Brown's tardiness issues, which was confirmed by other players.

Ridiculous comment

Fucking insane that TOMLIN is saying this to players, what the fuck is he doing?!?!

This IS your Pittsburgh Steelers head football coach folks. A2 says no problems here...

Leader of men???
Players coach???
Buffoon!!!

[Minkah'n History]

I totally Believe that AB knows this about Ben

The ESPN article comments from teammates pretty much confirm that AB has no problem with Ben... AB's problem is with Tomlin, Colbert, or Rooney. "Someone within the organization"

So, that sorta makes it plausible that it's about money. Perhaps he asked after last season to have his deal re-worked and the team said no? One could conceive that such an event could have precipitated AB's offseason-unhappiness during the season-petulance-week 17.

What about what ABs newest mentor TO said? Said that Ben was a big reason for this mess..that Ben owes him an apology, which is quite laughable.

[K_C_]

I totally Believe that AB knows this about Ben

The ESPN article comments from teammates pretty much confirm that AB has no problem with Ben... AB's problem is with Tomlin, Colbert, or Rooney. "Someone within the organization"

So, that sorta makes it plausible that it's about money. Perhaps he asked after last season to have his deal re-worked and the team said no? One could conceive that such an event could have precipitated AB's offseason-unhappiness during the season-petulance-week 17.

What about what ABs newest mentor TO said? Said that Ben was a big reason for this mess..that Ben owes him an apology, which is quite laughable.

This is exactly why AB most certainly WILL be traded sometime before the draft.

When Terrell Owens is one of your mentors, you need to get your fucking ass outta town.

No matter what.

[jeemie]

Still salvageable, IMO.

Don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think the relationship is salvageable. Also don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think Mike Tomlin is not on the Mount Rushmore of coaching morons.

If he actually said that bit about how they’ll tolerate AB’s shenanigans until such time as his production drops off, then yes...Tomlin is indeed a top-flight moron.

That statement is wrong on so many levels.

[alancac98]

Still salvageable, IMO.

Don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think the relationship is salvageable. Also don’t know how anyone could read that Fowler article and think Mike Tomlin is not on the Mount Rushmore of coaching morons.

If he actually said that bit about how they’ll tolerate AB’s shenanigans until auch time as his production drops off, then yes...Tomlin is indeed a top-flight moron.

That statement is wrong on so many levels.

But... He's Rooney's top flight moron. Nothing for Rooney will change till he get extreme heat from investors and the fans knowingly show there displeasure by not showing up on game day, but I doubt that ever happens!

[Kodiak]

Fucking insane that TOMLIN is saying this to players, what the fuck is he doing?!?!

Toughest thing he has done is take away the ping-pong.

He avoids confrontation and the tough talks. He runs that team like a parent who won't discipline their children. I'm guessing this bit came out in an attempt to justify and rationalize his treatment of AB after some vets confronted Tomlin about shutting that BS down. "AB is the GOAT....don't tell me how to run my team"

It is unbelievable Tomlin still has a job.

[BethlehemSteel]

Here comes CrapReport, get some charmin. Steady dialog? Everyone on Steelers have quoted that no one has spoken to AB. EMR has said it like 10 times in last 2 weeks. Perhaps Rosenhaus is the channel to Colbert, because I do agree this is a contract play.

Antonio Brown - WR - Steelers
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Antonio Brown "hasn't closed the door" on returning to Pittsburgh.

While a fresh start elsewhere would be Brown's "preferred outcome," the 30-year-old has reportedly maintained a "steady dialogue" with some in the organization and hasn't ruled out a return to Pittsburgh. The Steelers haven't granted Brown or his agent permission to pursue a trade yet, but if they do, the star wideout is sure to draw heavy interest. He's been linked to the 49ers, among other teams.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

[StillerInCT]

Amazing to me that Tomlin isn't being held accountable for this. It's HIS locker room. He's the head honcho. The CEO. His main job is making sure that the locker room is cohesive.

After Bell and Blount showed up stoned to a team flight he should have known that he can't count on these guys to police themselves.

Tomlin was a great hire for a veteran (HOF) laden team that already had cohesion and found ultimate success. He's a terrible choice for a young team that needs someone to actually lead them. Basically he was allowed to coast with the team Cowher built. Once the guard turned over, the locker room has basically become a very talented, but toxic wasteland. All the talent in the world can't cover up the fact that the team is dysfunctional.

Keeping him on board after he's seemingly lost the locker room will be a decision Rooney regrets. Sometimes you have to make the bold choice. Other teams have turned over coaches with success.

[Kodiak]

Keeping him on board after he's seemingly lost the locker room will be a decision Rooney regrets..

You can't lose something you never had. Tomlin was never a "player's coach", he was a buddy. Liked because he didn't have rules or hold people accountable.

I forget exactly when, but it was a number of years ago and Harrison did an interview talking about Tomlin and Cowher. In hindsight, way back then Harrison didn't have a lot of respect for Tomlin as a coach. He clearly thought MUCH more highly of Cowher. And it was pretty shocking back then, as most of the board at the time thought Tomlin was or would be better than Cowher.