The Pittsburgh Steelers have addressed the lawsuit for assault and battery filed against receiver Santonio Holmes. Said team president Art Rooney II: “We are disappointed to learn about the recent incident involving Santonio Holmes in Florida. While we are continuing to gather the facts, I cannot comment further until we have more information and have spoken to Santonio and his representatives.”
It’s somewhat similar to the statement the team issued on March 9, after a criminal claim of sexual assault was made against quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: “All of us in the Steelers family are concerned about the recent incident involving Ben Roethlisberger in Georgia. We cannot comment on any of the specifics until law enforcement’s investigation is concluded. Certainly, we will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Meanwhile, Holmes has been showing periodic frustration on Twitter, presumably in response to some of the messages that others are directing to him. Earlier this morning, Holmes wrote, “U as fans would never learn! Remember u don’t cut my check.”
No, the fans don’t cut his check. But they have some say regarding a guy’s earning potential. Fan-friendly players get endorsements, and more of their jerseys sell.
As to the claim Holmes is facing, there’s still no word on whether the criminal investigation has concluded. Our pal Brooks has done some online sleuthing regarding the plaintiff, Anshonae Mills (in the court papers, her name is spelled “Anshonoe”). She’s 21, she’s a student at UCF, and she previously posted on a dating profile, “I love money.”
Maybe, eventually, Santonio will be cutting her a check.