[IE]

As the Steelers scramble to clear cap space, a $4 million chunk could be opening up in one fell swoop.

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that the Steelers won’t bring back veteran receiver Hines Ward for a 15th season with the team.

In 2011, Ward slid down the depth chart, which makes him way too expensive for his current contribution level. Also, even if he cuts his pay down to the veteran minimum, he’s in danger of occupying a position that ordinarily would require the wideout to play special teams.

In the end, the Steelers may try to “retire” Ward, the same way offensive coordinator Bruce Arians “retired.”

Maybe Ward will end up with the Colts, too.

[1837]

Damn shame....

[Old School]

super over achiever..

but he is done...

[GENO]

Cleveland Browns fans won't miss him, and that big grin,

really he iwas/is a great talent, had a great career, and I can't remember any off field crap he has done

[Old School]

Originally Posted by GENO

Cleveland Browns fans won't miss him, and that big grin,

really he iwas/is a great talent, had a great career, and I can't remember any off field crap he has done

charged w/DUI shortly after finishing the DWTS show.

haven't read how it turned out.

his appearence on the show would lead anyone to think he is a great guy.

from the gnarly cuss he is on the field.

hope he learned a lesson if he was in fact driving while drunk..hate to read this ..especially about guys who appear to be super dudes with so much power and influence on the young minds of today.

[Old School]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hines_Ward#D.U.I._arrest


D.U.I. arrest
On July 9, 2011, Hines Ward was arrested for driving under the influence in DeKalb County, Georgia after being witnessed by a MARTA police officer failing to maintain his lane and subsequently hitting a curb.^[23] An officer of the DeKalb County Police Department responded which led to the investigation and Ward's arrest. His manager, Andrew Ree, told the celebrity news website TMZ.com that Ward "cooperated fully with the police and truthfully answered all of their questions." Additionally he stated "from our preliminary investigation we can tell you that we are confident that the facts will show that Hines was NOT impaired by alcohol while driving."^[24] According to the police report, Ward was arrested due to the fact he exhibited "bloodshot eyes, watery eyes, a strong odor of alcohol", and failed multiple field sobriety tests, including omitting letters when asked to recite the alphabet. Officer Catalano of the DeKalb County Police Department stated he failed all eye nystagmus tests and that during a field sobriety test, swayed while balancing, used his arms for balance, improperly turned, and stepped off of the designated line. Ward was described as "defensive" and "agitated" during the incident and refused to take a breathalyzer test.^[25]

[Mr. Poon]

It is surprising, but not considering the salary cap issues they have going into next season. They will have to get rid of at least one of their veteran LB's too.

[Old School]

Originally Posted by Mr. Poon

It is surprising, but not considering the salary cap issues they have going into next season. They will have to get rid of at least one of their veteran LB's too.

there in trouble..


aging QB with way to long a history of injury..


little or nothing a backup positions as seen in the post season game..

just about all over for the Steelers for quite a few years.

Cinc..and Ravens young enuff on offense to all but eliminate Steelers from post season consideration

[1837]

not sure anymore...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12043/1209685-66.stm

[bigdaddy19]

you are kidding, Pitts has the best front office in football they draFT QUALITY GUYS YR AFTER YR. Ben isn't old hell he's not even 30. They will be a plaYOFF CONENDER THIS YEAR AND MANY MANY MORE. THAT'S A FACT JACK.

[Destructor D]

Ben might be around 30, but he's a very old 30... very old, guessing he'll be done in 3 years.

Bengals appear to be the real up and coming team in this division. They might be a year or two away, but Cincy has a team which looks to be very tough in the future. Ravens aging as well, but still should be tough.

[hedgehog]

Ravens need a qb

Pitt will be fine, they need linemen and a RB

[the addict]

i will never count out PITT

never


and i hate em

[Old School]

Originally Posted by Old School

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hines_Ward#D.U.I._arrest


D.U.I. arrest
On July 9, 2011, Hines Ward was arrested for driving under the influence in DeKalb County, Georgia after being witnessed by a MARTA police officer failing to maintain his lane and subsequently hitting a curb.^[23] An officer of the DeKalb County Police Department responded which led to the investigation and Ward's arrest. His manager, Andrew Ree, told the celebrity news website TMZ.com that Ward "cooperated fully with the police and truthfully answered all of their questions." Additionally he stated "from our preliminary investigation we can tell you that we are confident that the facts will show that Hines was NOT impaired by alcohol while driving."^[24] According to the police report, Ward was arrested due to the fact he exhibited "bloodshot eyes, watery eyes, a strong odor of alcohol", and failed multiple field sobriety tests, including omitting letters when asked to recite the alphabet. Officer Catalano of the DeKalb County Police Department stated he failed all eye nystagmus tests and that during a field sobriety test, swayed while balancing, used his arms for balance, improperly turned, and stepped off of the designated line. Ward was described as "defensive" and "agitated" during the incident and refused to take a breathalyzer test.^[25]

Hines Ward Punished in DUI Case

Hines Ward better stay out of trouble for the next 12 months ... 'cause the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has been sentenced to a year of probation stemming from his 2011 DUI arrest.

TMZ broke the story ... Ward was arrested for DUI in DeKalb County, Georgia on July 9 ... after cops say he was driving his Aston Martin like a drunken maniac ... weaving in and out of his lane and hitting a curb.

Now, Ward has struck a plea deal with prosecutors ... in which he pled guilty to reckless driving and no contest to failure to stay in his lane ... and in exchange, the DUI charge was dropped.

Ward was sentenced to 12 months probation, 80 hours of community service and ordered to submit to an alcohol evaluation and any treatment suggested by the evaluators.

He was also ordered to pay $2,000 in fines and court costs.





hope Hines got the message here.

My first reduction down to reckless was followed up with an arrest again for DUI.

If he convinces the interviewer that he doesn't have a problem then he will avoid all the piss test and the extended rehab time.

If he doesn't the cup every week will surely get his attention some..No guarentee though..there are still millions of Americans who every day put the lives of their fellow human beings in peril by getting behind the wheel while LEGALY IMPAIRED to drive a motor vehicle.


Safe travels Mr. Ward..I think you are one of the good guys who messed up..Lets hope the message got thru..

Only selfish idiots drive while under the influence.

[Gags]

Originally Posted by Old School

there in trouble..


aging QB with way to long a history of injury..


little or nothing a backup positions as seen in the post season game..

just about all over for the Steelers for quite a few years.

Cinc..and Ravens young enuff on offense to all but eliminate Steelers from post season consideration

Who has any depth in the NFL today? Salary cap and free agency will kill any depth aquired. Everyone is jumping on the Steelers are done bandwagon but didn't that team just go 12-4? Hell they were one defensive stop away from winning the division and getting the #1 seed in the AFC. They need help on O line and I LB at this point. Going into the draft, I'd say they are in better shape than most teams.

[Gags]

And btw, Pittsburgh got rid of their aging and slow inside linebacker, Baltimore did not. Advantage Steelers :-)

[PaSprint]

It's obvious that Ward's glory years are over and he is starting to become injury prone, but theres no doubt he can still play in the league. Someone will pick him up at a bargain basement price.