Open letter to Art Rooney II: You ARE running a circus

DEAR MR. ROONEY:

In an interview yesterday when asked about the perception of the team being a circus, you replied…”We finished a half game of winning the division. It’s disappointing, but I’m not sure how that makes you a circus.” Really? Have you not been paying attention at all the past five years?? For the record, let me list just some of the goings on underneath the Steelers big top………

ANTONIO BROWN:

• 2018 – Sued for throwing furniture from a balcony, nearly hitting a child
• 2018 – Had $80,000 in cash and a hand gun stolen
• 2018 – Threatened not one, but two reporters via social media
• 2018 – Skipped practice earlier this season, followed by the famous “trade me and find out” comment
• 2018 – Walked out on the team before the last game of the season, hasn’t returned any calls since.

2017 – The “FaceBook Live” incident after a playoff game.

LE’VEON BELL:

2018 – Skips entire season in dispute over Franchise Tag.

2017 – Skips practice before playoff game versus Jaguars.

2016 – Suspended four games for substance abuse

2014 – Charged with marijuana possession when pulled over with LeGarrette Blount.

BEN ROETHLISBERGER:

2018 – Takes shots at multiple teammates during weekly radio show.

2017 – Strongly hints at retirement during off-season.

ALEJANDRO VILLANUEVA:

2017 – Only Steelers player player to come out fo the National Anthem while team had decided to stay in tunnel in protest. Inadvertently created weeks of controversy for the team.

MARTAVIS BRYANT:

2017 – Benched for a game for being a distraction.

2016 – Suspended entire season for substance abuse.

• 2015 – Suspended first four games for substance abuse.

MARKUS GILBERT:

2017 – Sued for “body slamming” someone resulting in a broken leg.

2017 – Suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

LEGARRETTE BLOUNT:

Walks off the field during a game versus Titans.

JAMES HARRISON:

2017 – After being released, details come out of sleeping during meetings. Takes multiple shots at Mike Tomlin.

JOEY PORTER:

2017 – Arrested for assaulting a doorman at a Pittsburgh bar.

2017 – Had to be removed from his son’s high school football game for berating the coach.

TODD HALEY:

2017 – Involved in a physical confrontation outside a Pittsburgh bar on New Years Eve.

MIKE TOMLIN:

2017 – Accused of having a profanity laced tirade against officials of his son’s football game

2013 – Fined $100,000 for obstructing a kick return versus Baltimore Ravens.

So Mr. Rooney please tell me after all this how anyone is not supposed to look at this franchise as a circus? It is now over five years running of issues, all under your watch. Don’t waste our time with spin and excuses. Be the leader you are supposed to be and deal with these problems. Don’t bring back Le’Veon Bell, or Antonio Brown. Give this franchise the fresh start it badly needs. Let’s turn the page on an embarrassing era we would all like to forget. Don’t turn a blind eye to the circus, end it.

Sincerely Yours

Steelers Sanctuary