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SportingNews.com: Rooney remarks make clear that Ben is available

Steelers president Art Rooney said plenty of things about quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Thursday.  (Some of them will play in the video box below.)

There’s also one very important thing he didn’t say.  He didn’t say that Roethlisberger won’t be traded.

We took a look at the tea leaves in our latest item for SportingNews.com.

 
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83 Responses to “SportingNews.com: Rooney remarks make clear that Ben is available”
  1. IanWhetstone says: Apr 15, 2010 5:19 PM

    Wow. That’s one hell of a manipulation of language, even for a lawyer.
    I’m still waiting for your first post on the Roethlisberger topic that isn’t horribly overblown and blatantly slanted toward invoking reaction. Just because you run a web site and page hits are your currency, doesn’t mean that you have to be a whore to them. I’d even like to think that you’re better than that.

  2. Nevisyakker says: Apr 15, 2010 5:20 PM

    This won’t be a deal like the last one where they took a 5th (funny, that sounds like something Ben would say) instead of cutting him.

  3. Chiefs2010 says: Apr 15, 2010 5:21 PM

    Big Ben is going (San Fran?? Arizona??)
    Buffalo?

  4. Paycents says: Apr 15, 2010 5:21 PM

    something equaly if not more important…he did not say he WILL be traded

  5. TexansMike says: Apr 15, 2010 5:23 PM

    This asshole doesn’t deserve this much coverage Mike. Move on to some real football stuff.

  6. azbears says: Apr 15, 2010 5:24 PM

    I can see a three way trade deal happening..
    Involving The vikings, Lions and Pit.
    End result.. Vikings get Stafford
    Lions get Ben
    Pit gets anything they want

  7. Triryche says: Apr 15, 2010 5:24 PM

    Florio:
    Could you please remove your picture from the article. It’s very distracting to the article itself, and takes away any believablity of you being a ‘real’ journalist. I can’t take anything someone says, with that hairstyle, seriously.
    Rather, could you post that famous outline of a person, that has no assoicated photograph and states, ‘no image available.’

  8. Katmanduu says: Apr 15, 2010 5:24 PM

    It’ll take more than a first round pick Florio. It would take two # 1s and a third, at a minimum. QBs of his caliber (on the field of course) don’t grow on trees. For a team like Buffalo or Carolina, it would be a no-brainer.

  9. nfcbeast says: Apr 15, 2010 5:26 PM

    Bye…Bye….Mr Chick Raping Guy…..
    This will be the day your career dies…..
    (Sing to the tune of Don Mclean-American Pie)
    WINK

  10. isonic1 says: Apr 15, 2010 5:27 PM

    Be careful Florio. The Steeler fateful will get on you again for posting a rumor…

  11. pghguyy33 says: Apr 15, 2010 5:29 PM

    with the right offer i think hes gone

  12. oyoy84 says: Apr 15, 2010 5:30 PM

    Have fun with Dennis Dixon as your starting qb you rag waving idiots.

  13. HJC says: Apr 15, 2010 5:31 PM

    I would take two #1′s for Ben, in a heartbeat.

  14. robert ethan says: Apr 15, 2010 5:32 PM

    Roethlisberger is “available” like the bad fruit that gets tossed in the basket when the vendors are sorting their produce in the morning. But they don’t expect anyone to pay for it.

  15. ttommytom says: Apr 15, 2010 5:34 PM

    Sanchez for Roethlisberger.
    The Jets are obviously THAT desperate.

  16. azbears says: Apr 15, 2010 5:36 PM

    haha.. The Panthers still have Barely Legal Cheerleaders..it’s a college town..

  17. muck says: Apr 15, 2010 5:38 PM

    azbears says:
    April 15, 2010 5:24 PM
    I can see a three way trade deal happening..
    Involving The vikings, Lions and Pit.
    End result.. Vikings get Stafford
    Lions get Ben
    Pit gets anything they want

  18. Igottz5onit says: Apr 15, 2010 5:38 PM

    Someone’s gonna have to sell their soul for this one. Maybe literally.

  19. Johnnyb612 says: Apr 15, 2010 5:39 PM

    I love watching ben’s big, fat ass drug through the mud. The only thing that would be better is hearing about his big, fat ass getting raped in prison.

  20. Johnnyb612 says: Apr 15, 2010 5:41 PM

    I love watching ben’s big, fat ass drug through the mud. The only thing that would be better is hearing about his big, fat ass getting raped in prison.

  21. ninerfan says: Apr 15, 2010 5:41 PM

    Send him to the NFL’s version of Siberia.
    Buffaloburger.

  22. cunn9305 says: Apr 15, 2010 5:42 PM

    They’re not gonna trade him … but they have scared the living sh*t outta him that’s for sure …

  23. Heart Of Steel says: Apr 15, 2010 5:44 PM

    If you listen closely, there is a Satanic Message as well. Dan Rooney didn’t say that the Steelers DON’T worship the Devil, so it’s clear….They are a Satan-Worshipping Organization.
    Give me a break Florio, you are pathetic…

  24. BonnieD says: Apr 15, 2010 5:46 PM

    VERY curious to see if the Steelers draft a QB.

  25. downdog says: Apr 15, 2010 5:46 PM

    No flipping way he gets traded Bubby Brister, Mark Malone, Mike Tomzack the list goes on. Was he a bumbass for putting himself in that position? yes, of course he was ,bottom line is he is probably sufficiently embarrassed enough by his behavior off the field to be poised for a great year. If anyone other than Ben and the girl can tell me the facts of what really happened I am listining, until then I will withhold judgement. Right now guilty of being a dumbass that is it.

  26. shiftyshellshocked says: Apr 15, 2010 5:47 PM

    If they trade him no way he goes to AFC.

  27. yazman of steel says: Apr 15, 2010 5:47 PM

    The Rooneys would be incredibly naive to think that Ben Roethlisberger is NOT the Steelers. This trade talk is encourage by any team in the NFL wanting a franchise QB and potential HOFer

  28. steelforce43 says: Apr 15, 2010 5:55 PM

    Funny to hear all the haters on here.
    Personally, I think that Ben is going to be a Steeler for one more year and he is gone. To this point he has done nothing wrong other then he said she said. A first class idiot yes, but nothing in either case has been proven.
    However, I think that the Rooney’s are continuing to show they’re a class act organization by getting rid of Holmes and now possibly Ben.
    The Steeler nation would rather see all the problems gone then to brag about our thugs winning.
    Question for all the haters: Name another organization that is willing to do the same in this area of show me the money and win first attitudes?

  29. funi says: Apr 15, 2010 5:57 PM

    Ben to Rams for #1 this and and next. Pitt could take Suh #1,Iuoapati with the 18th, then trade their #2 and one of their 5th rounders and move up and get Golden Tate! Or trade #1 overall thir year to Seattle of both of their #1′s!

  30. HurricaneDitka says: Apr 15, 2010 6:01 PM

    They should trade him to the Raiders as punishment

  31. nfcbeast says: Apr 15, 2010 6:01 PM

    Chris Rock had the best advice for Ben
    -”There is NO sex in the champagne room”

  32. riki says: Apr 15, 2010 6:04 PM

    Florio, did you see the stuff at the smoking gun? Apparently he had his “thing”hanging out of his pants before he even went into the bathroom.
    This guy has some real problems.

  33. OntBoltFan says: Apr 15, 2010 6:05 PM

    I don’t know. He wasn’t wearing a red tie so he wasn’t trying to send a message he was angry which means he is ok with Ben and Ben is staying but he did look down and to the right more than he looked up and to the left.

  34. riki says: Apr 15, 2010 6:06 PM

    Florio did you see the smoking gun? It says he had his “thing’ hanging out of his pants before he even went into the bathroom.
    $100million, 28 years old. This guy has some real problems.

  35. CleanSlaton says: Apr 15, 2010 6:07 PM

    available how?
    I don’t think any drunk coeds are interested.

  36. dannerparty says: Apr 15, 2010 6:09 PM

    Steeler Fans be heard here!
    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113722495322701

  37. themage78 says: Apr 15, 2010 6:11 PM

    Why not talk about how the written report of the victim has come out and it states the woman claimed she was raped as soon as she walked out of the bathroom? And how she went to the nearest police officer?
    Yeah this idiot decided to pay her off to shutup so he didn’t have to join his old teammate Plaxico in jail.
    He’s no longer the best QB out of the 04′ draft.

  38. Raider Pride says: Apr 15, 2010 6:14 PM

    The NFL basically gave them the window they needed to dump him.
    I think the Vikings end up with him, and Brett is so pissed he signs with Chicago so he can stick it to the Vikings and Packers 4 times a year.

  39. SterilizeTHenry says: Apr 15, 2010 6:15 PM

    Message to PFT:
    Why don’t you guys translate these videos and put them in words/transcript for us?
    In case you haven’t figured it out already, 95% of the people on this site are on it because they are at work and bored. And while at work we can’t exactly fire up a video for all of our co-workers and (especially) bosses to hear.

  40. JoeSixPack says: Apr 15, 2010 6:16 PM

    I’d love to see him with Cleveland.
    Browns fans would show how shallow they are, do a 180 degree turn around and proclaim him the greatest thing since bread.
    (Don’t tell anyone in Clevleland they have sliced bread now… I don’t think they’re ready for it.)

  41. Joel_mac5 says: Apr 15, 2010 6:18 PM

    He also didn’t say that 9/11 wasn’t an inside job, the moon landing wasn’t staged, and Bin Laden will never be caught because he and Obama are one in the same person. He must be a real kook for believing that stuff.

  42. Catamount says: Apr 15, 2010 6:19 PM

    Ben to cleveland

  43. last starfighter says: Apr 15, 2010 6:27 PM

    If I’m a Steeler fan I tell the Rooneys I’m canceling my season tickets and not giving them another dime if that guys plays another down in a steeler uniform.

  44. Profanity in ALL CAPS says: Apr 15, 2010 6:29 PM

    azbears
    …well, that’s not bad for a first try….but you keep at it

  45. ncoolong says: Apr 15, 2010 6:32 PM

    He didn’t say he WON’T trade him. You’re right. He also didn’t say he won’t trade Aaron Smith. Or if he’d get ice cream tonight.
    His lack of mentioning those hot news items doesn’t make me think they’ll happen, though.

  46. blitzburgh1 says: Apr 15, 2010 6:36 PM

    “After imposing an appropriate level of discipline,” Rooney said during a press conference this afternoon, “and outlining the steps we feel will be necessary to be successful as a player and a person, we intend to allow Ben the opportunity to prove to us he is the teammate and citizen we all believe he is capable of being.
    “And we hope the entire Steelers community will allow Ben the opportunity to prove to them that he deserves their trust and their respect.”
    What is so hard to understand about that statement? They have every intention of letting Ben redeem try to himself to the team and the community.
    So all you jealous, pathetic turds out there…….there’s no way you are are getting him so quit dreaming.

  47. Bossman says: Apr 15, 2010 6:38 PM

    As I said to you many times Steeler fans: “Karma is a bitch”. For all of the bullshit you idiots spew……
    Your franchise is in the toilet. Your QB is a rapist, and it will be a very long and lonely year because everybody hates you assholes.

  48. joswald says: Apr 15, 2010 6:42 PM

    Bulger has already been contacted and told to sit tight until next Thursday. That’s when the Steelers will offer him a the offer that has already been agreed to verbally. Then the Steelers make the move. Stay tuned…
    joswald says:
    April 13, 2010 8:12 PM
    Oh yes…and when they deal Ben for the Rams 2nd this year and their 2nd next year, Mark Bulger will be the Steelers starting QB this season. Bulger will be signed by the Steelers before the draft.

  49. spyboots says: Apr 15, 2010 6:42 PM

    I don’t see them cutting off their nose to spite their face.

  50. golongboyee says: Apr 15, 2010 6:45 PM

    Please, if the Squealers trade Big Ben it will prove they are total fools………..any Steelers fan that wants him traded truly has a low IQ………….oh, that’s right, all Squealers fans have low IQs , sorry!

  51. spyboots says: Apr 15, 2010 6:47 PM

    On Total Access, Mike Mayock called the others out, calling this “speculation” and that he would not even comment on it right now.

  52. robert ethan says: Apr 15, 2010 6:53 PM

    Roethlisberger’s public approval rating is going to wind up somewhere between the Austrian guy who kept his daughter locked in the basement for 20 years while he raped her, and the Russian cannibal serial killer.
    “Ben mit der Alexander und der Fritzl, ve kom back to zee you in few veeks….”

  53. Bens Attorney says: Apr 15, 2010 6:54 PM

    This doesnt sound like to me that Ben will be going anywhere.
    “After imposing an appropriate level of discipline,” Rooney said during a press conference this afternoon, “and outlining the steps we feel will be necessary to be successful as a player and a person, we intend to allow Ben the opportunity to prove to us he is the teammate and citizen we all believe he is capable of being.
    “And we hope the entire Steelers community will allow Ben the opportunity to prove to them that he deserves their trust and their respect.
    I agree he should be held accountable for this incident. But I am sorry he is not the only one to blame here, but she will not be held accountable for her actions that night. But Ben is the one being still crucified in the media.

  54. Bious says: Apr 15, 2010 6:57 PM

    The Steelers need Ben at QB whether we admit it or not
    He won’t be traded because the Steelers KNOW that their best chance of winning is with Ben at QB
    By not stating that he wont be traded, it makes it look like they are punishing Ben
    They aren’t

  55. Garbage Pail Kid says: Apr 15, 2010 6:58 PM

    # Heart Of Steel says: April 15, 2010 5:44 PM
    If you listen closely, there is a Satanic Message as well. Dan Rooney didn’t say that the Steelers DON’T worship the Devil, so it’s clear….They are a Satan-Worshipping Organization.
    Give me a break Florio, you are pathetic…
    =============================
    H ewasnt asked if he worships the devil you illiterate asshat. Therefor there would be no reason for him to confirm, deny or otherwise mention it.
    He was however asked if The “Three Rivers Rapist” was on the trading block. If he waster for trade he would have emphatically said so.
    4th grade reading comprehension.

  56. bills83 says: Apr 15, 2010 7:00 PM

    @funi
    you are a retard if you think the rams would give not only the number 1 overall pick, but a additional 1st rounder as well for a QB who is 28 might be suspended 2 games, and cant keep his chod in his pants? get real, hes overrated and in trouble and these pitt fans think they will get more than what cutler got traded for. And no im not saying Cutler is better but Big Fat ass’s career is turning into a disaster quickly.

  57. DoomsDayD75 says: Apr 15, 2010 7:06 PM

    His penis was already out!

  58. tommy997 says: Apr 15, 2010 7:16 PM

    Florio is a Steelers hater….plain and simple….what do you expect from someone form West Virginia (cue the deliverance banjo music).
    Go to the Steelers message boards…..vast majority are pro Ben. Get a life….

  59. BoltsFan says: Apr 15, 2010 7:27 PM

    I think you read those tea leaves correctly, Mike.

  60. TheToolofTools says: Apr 15, 2010 7:31 PM

    total media masturbation.
    have you nothing better to type?
    this p.o.s. must have total job security
    after selling out to NBC.

  61. .Vox Veritas. says: Apr 15, 2010 7:36 PM

    “Question for all the haters: Name another organization that is willing to do the same in this area of show me the money and win first attitudes and is willing to cheat the salary cap?”
    Fixed.

  62. BrutusJones says: Apr 15, 2010 7:43 PM

    Rooney also didn’t say that Ben wasn’t the anti-christ…
    Oh shi-!

  63. paisano3197 says: Apr 15, 2010 7:46 PM

    Hey Tommy blow yourself. I love how people always talk smack about WV. I was born in the same Hometown as Florio and I have news for you it is mostly proud hard working Italians and Steeler fans. Real Clever with the “cue the deliverance banjo music” did you think that up all by yourself you prick. Anyways enough bashing at poor Tommy. If you people think he is such a horrible journalist then stop reading he will get by without you idiots anyways. I think the Steelers will do what’s best for the team plain and simple. If someone calls about a trade they will listen. Anyways I enjoy this site because of all the haters. 6 Time Super Bowl Champions!!!!!!That should I have been all I said this is tooo long.

  64. kristoff says: Apr 15, 2010 7:48 PM

    biggest smoke screen ever!! rooney is just tryn 2 appease the public by makin them think he is pissed and will do the same to ben as he did to santonio!!! But he won’t!! ha ha

  65. mrlaloosh says: Apr 15, 2010 8:02 PM

    As Elaine said on ~SEINFELD~ “He took –IT Out!!”
    Great episode.

  66. ECS - Brougham Boys 74 says: Apr 15, 2010 8:06 PM

    Rooney, you are destroying your own legacy. Don’t you see? Nobody cares about second chances, cuz he already got one. Two actually. No charges pressed in either case? Dude got lucky – if it was any of us, we’d be going to prison.
    Now that the documents have been released, the Steelers have pie all over the face. The docs are worse than anything I had assumed previously. I never thought he forcibly raped a girl after purposely getting her drunk. “No way the dude is that stupid” is what I thought. WRONG. There’s no two ways about it: your QB RAPED someone. HE RAPED SOMEONE.
    There is no way people are going to ignore this. There is no way to stem the tide of negative publicity. And every day that Rooney tries to manipulate the public will just further enforce everyone’s hatred of him and his team. Rooney, you should be ashamed, if you had any morals or ethics at all. Why doesn’t it surprise me that a bookie’s kid wouldn’t be? VILE SCUM. That is now the reputation of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rooney is willing to trade a guy for hitting a girl, but if she rapes them, it’s okay.
    Hope all you Steeler fans enjoy your new status as the #1 SCUMBAGS of the entire NFL. I’m sure Philly and Oakland are happy to finally be clearly rid of that title. Nothing they have ever done even comes close to the fact that the Steelers currently employ a known RAPIST and they don’t care.

  67. ECS - Brougham Boys 74 says: Apr 15, 2010 8:08 PM

    Keep bragging about the rings, Steeler fans. Nobody cares. Your team is bottom-feeding scum of the highest order. You seriously going to brag about anything while your team is led by a rapist?

  68. tombrookshire says: Apr 15, 2010 8:14 PM

    Trade him to Siberia for a pair of second round huskies.

  69. rsa says: Apr 15, 2010 8:25 PM

    Maybe the Redskins can trade McNabb for Roethlisberger…

  70. steelergirl says: Apr 15, 2010 9:02 PM

    okay..people on this site have some SERIOUS issues..if you all are this concerned with our team..when do you fnd time to root for yours?

  71. scrapdawg12 says: Apr 15, 2010 9:12 PM

    Jaguars your on the clock

  72. Ruffdawg says: Apr 15, 2010 9:13 PM

    Wow this is getting old, Florio. Watching that video without reading your commentwhoring post, I came away with the impression that Ben would not be traded. Mr. Rooney stated that Ben was being allowed to return to the team because they were convinced he was contrite enough about his situation, and they would allow him to work to regain everyone’s trust.
    Furthermore, the line that you are banking on here “We have not discusses a trade with any other team”…. should not be taken the way you are taken it. He is just not saying that they haven’t discusses with any other team the possibility of a trade. He is saying they haven’t disucussed “a trade with any other team.” As in they haven’t discussed it period.
    The bottom line is the yes the Rooney’s have tried to keep a clean image. But the boat on that has kind of sailed. James Harrison got a big new contract, drunken Jeff Reed did as well. The first responsibility that the Rooneys have to the city of Pittsburgh is to field a winner. Without that, than no one has any reason to listen to them. If they trade Ben, they are betraying that duty, they would be intentionally fielding a loser. They are not that stupid.

  73. Heart Of Steel says: Apr 15, 2010 9:21 PM

    @ Garbage Pail Kid
    Garbage Pail Kid says:
    April 15, 2010 6:58 PM
    # Heart Of Steel says: April 15, 2010 5:44 PM
    If you listen closely, there is a Satanic Message as well. Dan Rooney didn’t say that the Steelers DON’T worship the Devil, so it’s clear….They are a Satan-Worshipping Organization.
    Give me a break Florio, you are pathetic…
    =============================
    H ewasnt asked if he worships the devil you illiterate asshat. Therefor there would be no reason for him to confirm, deny or otherwise mention it.
    He was however asked if The “Three Rivers Rapist” was on the trading block. If he waster for trade he would have emphatically said so.
    4th grade reading comprehension.
    ————————————————–
    Why would he outright say that there is no way whatsoever that a trade would be considered? Of course you keep every option open, not to mention it would be wise to send a message that EVERY player, including a franchise QB is expendable. Just because he didn’t say “Ben is our QB and we would never trade him” doesn’t mean he is on the block. This article is just another weak attempt for Florio to keep the message boards going with the Steeler Haters. I would hate too, the Steelers are proven winners. You, on the other hand, are an obvious loser who got picked on way too much as a child. Turn the music down, mommy is going to bed and can hear it from the basement….

  74. hank moody says: Apr 15, 2010 9:57 PM

    In the words of Elaine (Seinfield) “He took it out”.

  75. doni says: Apr 15, 2010 10:02 PM

    ECS-Brougham Boys74………Wow, you’re so prolific and obviously have an IQ of at least 2. I’m curious about your logon…’BroughamBoys74′. Sounds to me like you’re keeping track of the 12 year old sons of neighbors that you have molested over the years. Your comments regarding the Steelers and Roethlisberger do nothing to promote any meaningful discussion. You must be one pathetic jerk and obviously have some real problems with your own sexuality. Do us all a big favor and trash your computer before you go to bed tonight with another minor child. Idiot!

  76. UckTheFeagles says: Apr 15, 2010 11:09 PM

    At this point I think even the Rooneys know he is quickly becoming too big of a distraction for this team to overcome. Its time to face the facts. Ben must go, if not for the reason he is a raping scumbag, for the reason that the distraction is just not going to be worth it.
    Its over. He’s done.

  77. Klytus says: Apr 15, 2010 11:15 PM

    The situation has reached the tipping point for me. Is Mr. Rooney’s vengeance really in the best interest of the team? Is dumping Ben going to help the Steelers? No. The Steelers can kiss the next three seasons goodbye.
    Though the majority wants to hear one side of the story, we all know there is another.
    GO STEELERS!

  78. bills83 says: Apr 15, 2010 11:19 PM

    @doni
    Shut up.

  79. .RebaT says: Apr 15, 2010 11:47 PM

    Bu-bye Ben!

  80. Adam says: Apr 16, 2010 1:45 AM

    He still hasn’t been asked if he raped the girl, in public at least.

  81. runtheball says: Apr 16, 2010 9:39 AM

    Ben is available if the Vikings want to put together another Herschel Walker deal. Otherwise he will sit out 2 games and that will be that.

  82. Rafterman says: Apr 17, 2010 5:21 PM

    # runtheball says: April 16, 2010 9:39 AM
    Ben is available if the Vikings want to put together another Herschel Walker deal. Otherwise he will sit out 2 games and that will be that.
    ——————————————————That is the bottom line, the Rooney’s didn’t win six Lombardi’s with knee jerk reactions. Ben sits two and that’s the end of it.

  83. lgwelsh1 says: Apr 18, 2010 1:21 AM

    There will be no shortage of teams “Willing to take a chance” on a 2 time Super Bowl winning QB still in his 20′s if the Steelers decide to make a trade.
    Im sure Ben’s agent and publicist are already working on reparing his image. I wouldn’t doubt that a public relations firm hasn’t already been hired.
    If Ben has any brains he will keep a low profile and certainly stay away from situations that could jeapardize his career…..this has yet to be seen.

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