Comments on: More words of wisdom from Dwayne Bowe

By: Deb

Deb — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:52:09 +0000

Hey …
From what I’ve read Ben was an okay guy in college and didn’t start becoming a jerk until he zoomed to stardom his rookie season. So I don’t know why Florio would have hated him then. But his piggish behavior has been well-known to reporters for years–and who knows? Maybe he blew off Florio. He’s blown off a lot of other reporters, and been a sexist jackass to some female journalists … none of which makes him a rapist, and that’s the only issue for me. I’ve been through a lot and had to deal with some seriously aggressive men when I was overseas. Honestly, I’d just like to slap some of these girls as hard as I can. They have no idea, they really don’t. Heaven help them if they ever really do run into the bogeyman.

By: this class sucks

this class sucks — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:43:17 +0000

My theory is that Florio started his hatred for Ben while Ben was in college. Then was mortified when his favorite team picked him, and even more so when he had success. Then when Ben was able to win a Super Bowl Florio hit rock bottom. His hatred for Ben is stronger than his like of the Steelers.
Yeah, I agree that Ben appears to be innocent of everything outside of obnoxiousness. I think Florio’s next mission will be (assuming Ben continues to play the way he has been playing) to try and keep Ben out of the hall of fame. Thank god he doesn’t have a vote.

By: Deb

Deb — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:36:23 +0000

@this class sucks …
Don’t know about the 49ers, but you’re not crazy about his disdain for Ben. Since I started on the site, I’ve been reading that Florio is a Steelers fan–and since he lives in West Virginia, that would make sense. But you certainly can’t tell it from his writing. He has really slammed the Steelers since I’ve been here, and he has a bloodlust for Ben. It’s not just that he’s going for page clicks, which he is–and he’s great at it. That’s his job, and I don’t begrudge it. I really admire what he’s built with this site.
But some of the stuff he’s written on Ben borders on irresponsible. It was understandable to some degree before the investigation concluded. Even my brother–a successful criminal defense attorney convinced of Ben’s innocence–thought he might be charged. I was convinced he wouldn’t be–but I was following the case more closely and have an edge on understanding rape issues. There’s absolutely no credible evidence anything happened. And at this point, continuing to imply otherwise is irresponsible. Yeah, the guy is a jackass. But he shouldn’t be branded a criminal. And the woman who falsely accused him shouldn’t be portrayed as a victim. She’s no different than the groupies the Chiefs flew to San Diego–except she lied and set off a very expensive taxpayer-funded investigation.
The Steelers never tried to deal Roethlisberger. That was total BS. Not one reporter has ever produced a verifiable source to confirm that. And the story has just faded away.

By: this class sucks

this class sucks — Thu, 27 May 2010 01:21:18 +0000

@Deb
Yeah every fanbase has their nuts. There are a lot of 49er fans that think Alex Smith is going to get us deep in the playoffs. Don’t get me wrong I would love nothing more, but I wish fans could try to approach situations with a little less bias. The Steeler fans calling for Ben’s head annoy me so much. Like you said, its not like we could just grab another stud QB. Just ask the Niners lol. Ben is probably the third best QB in the league, certainly top 5 arguably top 2. But getting rid of him, especially at his lowest value would be lunacy. If we could get Drew Brees for him than we would have already made the deal, but we would have to start over.
I remember when Florio was tossing around the rumors of Ben being traded to the 49ers and I was thinkg “YES PLEASE!” Although it would be everything Florio loves, because he hates Ben, and hates the 49ers. I am usually not one to accuse Florio of having any real emotions, but I do feel he has a certain disdain for those two things. Although maybe I am just crazy.

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:37:48 +0000

@this class sucks …
Just read one of those nutso Steeler fans who wants to get rid of Ben or sit him for the season. Unreal. I’m most thankful the evidence was so clearcut because it means the women weren’t abused and he’s not a monster (just a jackass). But I’m also thankful because whatever he is off the field, he’s a general on the field and there are only a handful in the league. You don’t just switch them out like car batteries.
Not talking about recommitting to an old-school running game–only developing a more balanced offense. You can’t throw long on four consecutive downs, as we did at the end of our second Bengals game, when the secondary has your number and you only need to get a first down. You must be able to change up play-calling plus wear down opposing defenses and protect leads–something else we didn’t do last season. We can be a strong passing team, but we still need to be able to call on an effective multi-back running game.

By: this class sucks

this class sucks — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:29:33 +0000

@Deb
Ok, I get what you are saying and that makes sense.
On the football side of things, that would be a good problem to have if we went 4-0. As far as Arians getting back to the run game, I disagree a little bit. I like that we are committed to the run game actually. I think the league is changing so much to make the run game less relevant that teams going towards the run are moving backwards. I want to stay a pass happy team (when Ben is behind the wheel).
That is a good point about LaBeau. I think he has got plenty of time left, but it would be nice if he had a protege to put under his wing in his remaining years.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:50:03 +0000

@this class sucks …
He doesn’t care.
Okay, now I get where you’re coming from on the Biblical thing, so please let me explain.
You’re right that many “Christians” follow what they’ve been told and pick out passages supporting those views without studying them. The Bible is a complex work of history, prophecy, poetry, and instruction. You can’t just latch onto verses out of context, as many do. It’s a progression from a faith of mechanical rituals to one of spiritual principles. Those laws on stoning, etc., are accounts of old rituals practiced before Christ taught a better way. His instruction was to love others as yourself, to treat others as you want to be treated. (Not crazy–imagine what the world would be if we all practiced that.) But Christ still condemned certain behaviors–homosexuality among them. Somehow the rest of the behaviors on that list don’t generate the same attention. Maybe they hit too close to home for most people.
I’d never preach at gay friends because I wouldn’t want them–or you–preaching at or judging me, minding my business, or infringing on my civil rights. But if/when asked, I’m honest about those passages … just as I’ve been with you. Being honest is not being a hater. As I’ve told my friends, I have enough struggles with the sections that apply to me without pestering others about their lives. And I continue to study those scriptures in hopes of perhaps finding something that would lead to a broader understanding.
So that’s why I’m saying you have to gauge the situation and the attitude of the person speaking rather than assuming the worst.
Yeah, I think our season has been overhyped. I expect 2-2 or 3-1 without Roethlisberger. 0-4 is the rival fans’ fantasy and 4-0 is Florio’s because he’s hoping for a QB drama. If Ben’s absence helps Arians recommit to the running game, it will be better for us in the long run. I’m concerned about the aging defense … and the aging defensive coordinator. But we’ve got some young talent waiting in the wings. I think we’ll be okay.
Expect Ben to be back for the 5th game, which is at home, then I think we have three straight road games. That will be the test because we don’t know what he’ll get from rival fans. Maybe 1 percent of PFT readers who’ve followed the evidence actually think he did something. The rest don’t care. They’ll just do anything they think will give them a slight edge. But he has an amazing ability to focus while he’s on the field. I think they’ll be disappointed … and like any bullies, if you ignore them, they’ll eventually give up. Unless something unforeseen happens on or off the field, I think we’ll make the playoffs.

By: this class sucks

this class sucks — Tue, 25 May 2010 05:21:44 +0000

@Deb
Here is where we will probably disagree. Its tough for me to describe what I mean, but bear with me. I do not believe anyone has the right to use the bible to feel homosexuality is wrong. I understand that the bible does have passages that could be used to fund that belief, but the bible has direct passages that say people who work on sundays should be murdered, stoning your wife is ok, and so forth. Obviously no one follows these teachings of the bible, but it illustrates that people are picking and choosing what rules they follow. If people are christian they should know that the spirit of most of Jesus’ teachings are around inclusiveness and that crazy “do on to others” message. I am not saying I have or want the right to go to every person who believes gays are evil and harass them. But if someone voices that opinion and uses the bible as a source for their hate, than I am going to ridicule their unfounded beliefs.
Back to Football: I don’t think you could be more right. I am pretty much feeling Charlie Batch is the team mascot at this point. Yeah, the teams we play lead me to think 2-2 is a reasonable guess. 0-4 would shock me as would 4-0. If Mendenhal is going to have a big break out year, now would be the time. I am hoping Troy can stay healthy and that the defense will return to its pristine form of two years ago. I was kind of hoping the Steelers would steal Taylor Mays in the latter rounds (funnily enough he went to my other favorite team the 49ers), because I don’t like the age or health of our defense. But as far as the next few years go, I still think we will be competing in the playoffs (not counting this year, if we get in I will call this year a huge victory).
I wonder if us carrying on a conversation in this thread annoys Florio, helps him, or he doesn’t care?

By: twindaddy

twindaddy — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:30:33 +0000

# spellchecker says: May 21, 2010 10:05 PM
I have never seen gay bashing by blacks just like blacks have no ability to practice racism because we do not own anything and have no power.
_____________________________________
Idiot. Racism is hating someone because of their race. It has nothing to do with having any kind of power. If you hate me because I’m white, that makes you a racist. There are just as many black racists as there are white ones. The only difference is black people don’t get carried away and create cults and/or other stupid ass groups like the KKK or Nazi party. In short, no matter what your ethnicity, you can be a racist. It has nothing to do with power. Racism is ignorant, just like any other form of bigotry.

By: Jay-miah

Jay-miah — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:58:36 +0000

No homo was actually stared by a rap group called Dipset back in the early 2000′s, as you can see it’s still used today mainly by younger generations

By: Deb

Deb — Sun, 23 May 2010 19:55:34 +0000

@this class sucks …
Definitely wasn’t suggesting you remain silent when people are harassing gays. No scripture advocates abuse, and some lunatics spew a lot of hate under the guise of Christianity. But other Christians really are sincere people who don’t dislike gays, but do follow strict Biblical teaching. And if asked, they would say several passages condemn the behavior. You don’t have anymore right to try to “make them look like stupid intolerant homophobes” for quoting a scripture than the lunatics have to scream “You’re going to hell!” at a gay couple–not when they’re simply expressing their beliefs in a calm, rational discussion. That’s what I meant about tolerance going both ways. People have a right to their personal spiritual beliefs as long as they’re not trying to hurt anyone else.
As for our QB situation … Doubt anyone seriously thinks Leftwich or Dixon could replace Roethlisberger. A few pitchfork-bearing Steeler fans who can’t take the criticism over his notoriety are spinning fantasies that Dixon will prove to be a wunderkind and the Rooneys will boot the cause of their shame. And Florio keeps dramatically furrowing his brow and posting about our Big Dilemma–how overwhelming it is to prepare GASP! three QBs for the upcoming season. And OH MY! what if Leftwich were 4-0 when Ben returned?
Denver has four mediocre or untested QBs and no idea who will start, but PFT keeps describing that as a great problem. At least we know how our guys rank, and a vet like Roethlisberger won’t need much prep. New England was getting back a wounded Tom Brady, but didn’t have any trouble chosing him over Matt Cassel. The only way Leftwich goes 4-0 is if we have multiple scores on defense. Roethlisberger has always played well under adversity. Last year was one of his best, and this should be no exception. Once he’s got a couple of games under his belt, he’ll silence the fans and Florio will have to find a new muse.

By: this class sucks

this class sucks — Sun, 23 May 2010 14:37:45 +0000

@Deb
I understand what you are saying. And I certainly agree tolerance is a two way street. Although I don’t feel the courtesy of tolerance extends to those who are not showing it themselves. I don’t mean that in a vengeful way, I mean I don’t plan to put up with someone gay-bashing (just in general I am not referencing anyone on this board) or anything else like that. If someone believes that they need to do a funny dance three times a day to go to heaven, fine by me. But if someone expresses their dislike of gays because they feel the bible says its wrong, that is not ok. They have every right to say, but I have every right to do my best and make them look like stupid intolerant homophobes.
On the actual football discussion: that makes sense. I have been a huge Dixon fan since his college days, and I do think he could be a suitable Ben replacement in the distant future (Steve Young would be precedent for the age issue). As much as I want Dixon to start and play great, I think you are right that it will, and should be, Leftwich. I am hoping for 2 (or 3 if he serves 6) wins in this time period. I think they will win the opener, and I believe one of the games is a pretty light one, but more than half just feels like a lot to ask unless the defense plays like it did two years ago. And I totally agree that Ben is going to be the starter coming back. I wasn’t aware people thought otherwise, but they are deluded. People can trash his character all they want, but he is a great QB.
@Actlikea2yrold
Spellchecker is clearly trolling (saying stupid things to try and get a reaction). Obviously anyone of any race can be racist, obviously there are people of every race that are homophobic, and homosexuality is no more a choice than race.

By: TheWizard

TheWizard — Sat, 22 May 2010 16:12:14 +0000

Tolerance to liberals means you will NOT say things they disagree with.
Not very tolerant at all, when examined in the light of day.

By: Actlikea2yrold

Actlikea2yrold — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:47:38 +0000

@spellchecker sounds of disagreement. some brothers totally disagree with you and your opinion. to say that all black men condones or at least tolerates all homosexuality is to show your bigotry on throwing one race all together with common thought and actions, and also speaks to this article in no way. but what do i know? i think its funny to classify "no homo" as hip hop slang, and that saying in the contxt he used it is wrong is ridiculous. http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-722-Conservative-Politics-Examiner~y2009m5d10-Samesex-marriage-pits-blacks-against-gays-in-test-of-liberal-tolerance-part-one

By: CornerBlitz

CornerBlitz — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:16:13 +0000

And you wonder why many athletes and coaches say nothing to the media, and choose to spout rhetoric that means nothing when asked questions. It’s because everything they say will be dissected ad nauseum, to the point of no return. Don’t believe me? Look at all the threads this has generated not only on this site, but around the Internet.
How about we get upset every time we see an athlete clearly mouthing the f-bomb on the sidelines? Or a coach? Or the Vice President of the U.S.?
Or how about we mind our own business and all apply a Biblical principle we can all use: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

By: gute

gute — Sat, 22 May 2010 12:39:29 +0000

All this PC stuff is really gay.
Viking fans are homos.

By: Deb

Deb — Sat, 22 May 2010 12:01:35 +0000

For some bizarre reason, half this post keeps disappearing–probably a sign from the computer gods that my posts are too long But it’s disappearing at a point where it seems like I’m saying one thing when I’m saying another. So I’m reposting it. Apologies to those who wish I wouldn’t.
@this class sucks …
That’s the thing about moral codes–no one can enforce them. People have the right to feel what they feel and believe what they believe. And in a free society, they should have the right to speak freely within understood limits (slander, yelling “fire” in a crowded theater, etc.). The true test of free speech is willingness to defend the right of someone to say the thing you abhor.
tcs, I’m an evangelical, and when people quote the Bible, don’t assume they’re being hateful or homophobic or hypocritical. Like it or not, it says what it says, going back to the original language. It’s something I continue to study in an effort to reconcile the scripture with my liberal leanings on the subject. These aren’t easy issues–especially for those from conservative religious backgrounds who are expected to just drop beliefs taught for generations and supported by Biblical teaching because they’re no longer politic.
When I was still thinking my classes sucked I would have just quoted a scripture, said “You’re wrong,” end of discussion. Since then, I’ve had a much more varied life experience than most of my hometown friends–living where there was a lot of poverty, violence, neglect, abuse, inequity, and misery. And I’ve become friends with all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds living all kinds of lifestyles. That’s been the difference. I can’t go back to pretending the world is Pleasantville and people are only “that way” because they’re being difficult. But I also can’t MAKE people who haven’t shared my experiences see the world through my eyes. And neither can you. So try to remember … tolerance is a two-way thing

By: sullijo

sullijo — Fri, 21 May 2010 23:31:25 +0000

Racial profiling, clearly.
Where’s Obama when you need him?

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 21 May 2010 23:02:36 +0000

@this class sucks …
A football question??? What a nice change of pace Leftwich.
When Ben missed the Ravens game, people were so focused on locker-room drama they missed the bigger picture. The players’ annoyance about losing Roethlisberger was also something of a no-confidence vote in Dixon.
Yes, Dixon was a rookie and it was a big game. But there was no similar panic from Ward & co. when rookie Roethlisberger stepped in for an injured Maddox in 04. Roethlisberger carried himself from the get-go with the confident demeanor of a starter. Dixon acquitted himself well that night, but it was kind of a fairy-tale evening with all of us clapping to keep Tinker Bell afloat. Skills aside, I question whether Dixon can deliver the measured leadership and game pacing necessary to carry the offense through at least a quarter of the season.
When the Steelers re-signed Leftwich right after the suspension was announced, I assumed they felt the same. Leftwich is mature, experienced, and knows the offense. He’s definitely flawed–big and tough like Ben, but sluggish, lacking his elusiveness and play-making ability. He’s not a top-flight QB, but he’s too good to play #3 behind Ben and Dixon when Ben returns. And that’s the place he’d be taking if they signed him despite intending to start Dixon. I doubt they’d do that.
It’s possible Dixon can win the job during preseason, but right now I’m sure it’s Leftwich’s job to lose. And anyone who doesn’t know Ben is the starter as soon as he’s cleared to play is living in a comic book.

By: spellchecker

spellchecker — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:05:01 +0000

I am black and have grown up around a lot of athletes and a lot of homosexuals. There are a lot of homosexuals in the black churches. But, I have never participated in acts of violence against homosexuals or even heard of it being perpetrated by anybody else in the so called black community.
Homosexuality is a choice. You can choose not be be homosexual or you can be homosexual and be in the closet. Comparing the homosexual experience to the black experience is offensive to me.
I have never seen gay bashing by blacks just like blacks have no ability to practice racism because we do not own anything and have no power.

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:28:46 +0000

@this class sucks …
That’s the thing about moral codes–no one can enforce them. People have the right to feel what they feel and believe what they believe. And in a free society, they should have the right to speak freely within understood limits (slander, yelling “fire” in a crowded theater, etc.). The true test of free speech is willingness to defend the right of someone to say the thing you abhor.
tcs, I’m an evangelical, and when people quote the Bible, don’t assume they’re being hateful or homophobic or hypocritical. Like it or not, it says what it says, going back to the original language. It’s something I continue to study in an effort to reconcile the scripture with my liberal leanings on the subject. These aren’t easy issues–especially for those from conservative religious backgrounds who are expected to just drop beliefs taught for generations and supported by Biblical teaching because they’re no longer politic.
When I was still thinking my classes sucked I would have just quoted a scripture and said “You’re wrong,” end of discussion. Since then, I’ve had a much more varied life experience than most of my hometown friends–living where there was a lot of poverty, violence, neglect, abuse, inequity, and misery. And I’ve become friends with all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds living all kinds of lifestyles. That’s been the difference. I can’t go back to pretending the world is Pleasantville and people are only “that way” because they’re being difficult. But I also can’t MAKE people who haven’t shared my experiences see the world through my eyes. And neither can you. So try to remember … tolerance is a two-way thing

By: this class sucks

this class sucks — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:11:21 +0000

@Deb
Why thank you. On an unrelated topic (actual football) who do you want to start during Ben’s absence? I was all on board for Dixon but am having second thoughts, just wanted to now your opinion.

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:44:37 +0000

@joetoronto …
this class sucks is young, and I don’t always agree with him. But in reading his posts I’ve found he always seems to come from a place of genuine concern for issues and people instead of just mouthing off. It’s a nice quality.
Yes, political correctness frequently goes overboard–and people often make unfair judgments about others based on their offhand comments. Then again, if an expression I use innocently actually wounds other people, rather than debating it, I’d prefer to just find a better expression.

By: this class sucks

this class sucks — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:28:40 +0000

@Deb
Thanks Deb you already know you are one of my favorite posters, and probably the smartest on the boards. Don’t worry the only person I expect consistency out of on these boards is you. I just think he expressed what I was trying to say perfectly. A lot the posters are Browns fans todays, Eagles tomorrow.
I agree that Bowe probably didn’t mean it as offensive, or even know it could be offensive but it is offensive and thats why there should be some backlash so he can learn that it is hurtful.
If Goodell is going to punish players for not living by the NFL’s moral code how about punish them for saying homophobic or racial slurs?
@Joetoronto
The fact that I have to explain to you why you are stupid says a lot about how meaningless age is. It also says a lot that instead of disputing my claims you ignored them. The fact that you miss being able to say hurtful things to people and not be judged because of them speaks to what kind of person you are. I really hope you don’t have kids, or if you do, you are mature enough to let them form their own values and don’t force your’s on them.

By: Perception=Reality

Perception=Reality — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:40:19 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUCbPvP5H9k

By: mixman34

mixman34 — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:26:42 +0000

HAHA uggghhhh can we say anything now without people taking offense!?!? Who cares what some overpaid athlete thinks of you. If he called me a honky cracka ass cracka… shit would be funny!!!
Loosen up people no biggie, move along now…

By: Brady-mancrush

Brady-mancrush — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:56:24 +0000

Now if he said this about Tom Brady, it would be homo…..
No Homo fo sho you ho!!
Fo Shizzle

By: Actlikea2yrold

Actlikea2yrold — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:10:42 +0000

What you mean No homo is hip hop?
next thing you’ll say is all dutch wear flip flop’s
that all chinese say chop chop
or all mexicans have a chop shop
So what if Bowe used a phrase all kids use,
he’s a kid himself, and said it to amuse
i think your sensitive and need to get a life
at least he isnt like OJ, breakin it down with a knife
and he aint rollin like LT
bitching and moaning cuz “He disrespected me”
or even the other LT from NY’s seclusion
aiding the high priced game of prostitution.
Or even big ben down in Georgia with his gang,
rollin through the club showing his wang.
i think “no homo” is no big deal, and you shouldnt be a hater,
he’s not like O. Smith, hooked to a wizzinator.
Whatever…….

By: Rex Grossman

Rex Grossman — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:28:37 +0000

florio, remember when you didn’t act like some snobby politically correct d-bag? i miss them days. you obv arent really that way, but now you pretend to be just to start controversy on your blog. i miss the old mike. no homo.

By: Topher

Topher — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:28:06 +0000

Sometimes I forget that some people just hate folks. They frequently use the Bible to justify their hatred. They will never see certain words as being hate filled because they don’t even know they hate folks.
But you can recognize these folks by their fruit:
“Isn’t homo just short for homosexual?”
“But he is a boy. That black guy is male.”
“I said he jewed him down, but its just a figure of speech.”
“I’m not racist my daughter dates a black guy.”
“I’m not prejudice my nephew is gay.”
“Of course he wants a drink, he’s Irish.”