Heinz Ward, jerk? (1 Viewer)

[mad sweeney]

From the FBG Daily email:

Source: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteAs pointed out by Seth Wickersham on his ESPN Blog, Hines Ward has been saying some interesting things lately. Speaking of his Super Bowl MVP afterglow, he said, "I love the treatment. When you can walk in and see all the players from other teams, there's nothing they can say to you. You're on top that whole offseason. I've been all over, to L.A., to Vegas, to Miami and seen all the players from all over. Hey, Peyton Manning, I know you're great and all, but you don't have a ring. You can be all this, all world, but you don't have a ring. I have a ring. There's nothing you can say to me right now."A few days later in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, he went down the Brett Favre path with this gem on rookies: "If [first-round pick Santonio Holmes] wants to be helped and asks, I'm more than willing," Ward told the P-G. "But for me to go out of the way to try to help somebody, I'm not going to do it. I did that before, and it didn't work."Joe Bendel in an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote Sunday that in a story in Sports Illustrated, Ward was quoted as saying the following about Cowher: "I don't have anything to say to him. After what he did to me, after how he treated me." The comments were made when Ward was asked about the No. 1 draft selections the Steelers have used on receivers during his nine-year tenure.Yesterday, Ward addressed the Cowher quote."It was very off," Ward said. "It was something little that was out of my control. You ask me a question, I answer it and you should put it like I answered it. It wasn't a question we talked about. Coach Cowher and I don't have a problem."

Please don't take this as post SB bitterness. I've always been a big fan of Ward and not of TO, but these quotes are making me seriously change my opinion of him. And I can't believe a bigger deal hasn't been made of this, especially from some of the long time TO/Moss sympathizers. Are these things out of context? Or did his MVP By Default really go to his head? Despite loathing the Steelers (for years) I always thought Ward was a class act and I'd hate to lose respect for him.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Nothing to see here.

Players at the elite level always rib each other during the post-season charity event/Pro Bowl/Skills Challenge circuit. Busting balls is a right you earn when you take the top prize. The comments about helping Holmes relate directly to Burress and how Ward took him under his wing, only to have Plaxico deny his example and act like a jerkoff. Thus, Ward, said, from now on, he will tutor young WRs, but only if they want to be, he's not forcing his example on anyone.

the Cowher quote, he immediately said was taken out of context - he said he was talking about his attitude earlier in his career when the Steelers seemed to be taking receivers high in the draft all the time in an effort to relegate him to a secondary role. I rather think they were drafting receivers to complement, not supplant Ward, but that was obviously his attitude. He and Cowher are fine. And if that chip (log) on his shoulder is what drives him to play so hard, I hope he never loses it.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

From the FBG Daily email:

Source: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

As pointed out by Seth Wickersham on his ESPN Blog, Hines Ward has been saying some interesting things lately. Speaking of his Super Bowl MVP afterglow, he said, "I love the treatment. When you can walk in and see all the players from other teams, there's nothing they can say to you. You're on top that whole offseason. I've been all over, to L.A., to Vegas, to Miami and seen all the players from all over. Hey, Peyton Manning, I know you're great and all, but you don't have a ring. You can be all this, all world, but you don't have a ring. I have a ring. There's nothing you can say to me right now."

A few days later in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, he went down the Brett Favre path with this gem on rookies: "If [first-round pick Santonio Holmes] wants to be helped and asks, I'm more than willing," Ward told the P-G. "But for me to go out of the way to try to help somebody, I'm not going to do it. I did that before, and it didn't work."

Joe Bendel in an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote Sunday that in a story in Sports Illustrated, Ward was quoted as saying the following about Cowher: "I don't have anything to say to him. After what he did to me, after how he treated me." The comments were made when Ward was asked about the No. 1 draft selections the Steelers have used on receivers during his nine-year tenure.

Yesterday, Ward addressed the Cowher quote.

"It was very off," Ward said. "It was something little that was out of my control. You ask me a question, I answer it and you should put it like I answered it. It wasn't a question we talked about. Coach Cowher and I don't have a problem."

Please don't take this as post SB bitterness. I've always been a big fan of Ward and not of TO, but these quotes are making me seriously change my opinion of him. And I can't believe a bigger deal hasn't been made of this, especially from some of the long time TO/Moss sympathizers. Are these things out of context? Or did his MVP By Default really go to his head? Despite loathing the Steelers (for years) I always thought Ward was a class act and I'd hate to lose respect for him.

Good "softening" edit, too.

 

[mad sweeney]

From the FBG Daily email:

Source: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

As pointed out by Seth Wickersham on his ESPN Blog, Hines Ward has been saying some interesting things late. Speaking of his Super Bowl MVP afterglow, he said, "I love the treatment. When you can walk in and see all the players from other teams, there's nothing they can say to you. You're on top that whole offseason. I've been all over, to L.A., to Vegas, to Miami and seen all the players from all over. Hey, Peyton Manning, I know you're great and all, but you don't have a ring. You can be all this, all world, but you don't have a ring. I have a ring. There's nothing you can say to me right now."

A few days later in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, he went down the Brett Favre path with this gem on rookies: "If [first-round pick Santonio Holmes] wants to be helped and asks, I'm more than willing," Ward told the P-G. "But for me to go out of the way to try to help somebody, I'm not going to do it. I did that before, and it didn't work."

Joe Bendel in an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote Sunday that in a story in Sports Illustrated, Ward was quoted as saying the following about Cowher: "I don't have anything to say to him. After what he did to me, after how he treated me." The comments were made when Ward was asked about the No. 1 draft selections the Steelers have used on receivers during his nine-year tenure.

Yesterday, Ward addressed the Cowher quote.

"It was very off," Ward said. "It was something little that was out of my control. You ask me a question, I answer it and you should put it like I answered it. It wasn't a question we talked about. Coach Cowher and I don't have a problem."

Please don't take this as post SB bitterness. I've always been a big fan of Ward and not of TO, but these quotes are making me seriously change my opinion of him. And I can't believe a bigger deal hasn't been made of this, especially from some of the long time TO/Moss sympathizers. Are these things out of context? Or did his MVP By Default really go to his head? Despite loathing the Steelers (for years) I always thought Ward was a class act and I'd hate to lose respect for him.

Good "softening" edit, too.

Actually the edit was to add the FBG email source at the top. I really do like Ward and didn't want to come off as Bitter Sweeney, especially after seeing all the flack JAA takes whenever he tries to come to TO's aid with another player's jerkery. Thanks for the info.

 

[jurb26]

Their are huge double standards amoung the public percepion of NFL players. This is not news. Yes, had this been Moss, TO, White and a slew of others there may in fact be full fledged rioting among the media outlets and this board.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

From the FBG Daily email:

Source: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

As pointed out by Seth Wickersham on his ESPN Blog, Hines Ward has been saying some interesting things lately. Speaking of his Super Bowl MVP afterglow, he said, "I love the treatment. When you can walk in and see all the players from other teams, there's nothing they can say to you. You're on top that whole offseason. I've been all over, to L.A., to Vegas, to Miami and seen all the players from all over. Hey, Peyton Manning, I know you're great and all, but you don't have a ring. You can be all this, all world, but you don't have a ring. I have a ring. There's nothing you can say to me right now."

A few days later in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, he went down the Brett Favre path with this gem on rookies: "If [first-round pick Santonio Holmes] wants to be helped and asks, I'm more than willing," Ward told the P-G. "But for me to go out of the way to try to help somebody, I'm not going to do it. I did that before, and it didn't work."

Joe Bendel in an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote Sunday that in a story in Sports Illustrated, Ward was quoted as saying the following about Cowher: "I don't have anything to say to him. After what he did to me, after how he treated me." The comments were made when Ward was asked about the No. 1 draft selections the Steelers have used on receivers during his nine-year tenure.

Yesterday, Ward addressed the Cowher quote.

"It was very off," Ward said. "It was something little that was out of my control. You ask me a question, I answer it and you should put it like I answered it. It wasn't a question we talked about. Coach Cowher and I don't have a problem."

Please don't take this as post SB bitterness. I've always been a big fan of Ward and not of TO, but these quotes are making me seriously change my opinion of him. And I can't believe a bigger deal hasn't been made of this, especially from some of the long time TO/Moss sympathizers. Are these things out of context? Or did his MVP By Default really go to his head? Despite loathing the Steelers (for years) I always thought Ward was a class act and I'd hate to lose respect for him.

Good "softening" edit, too.

Actually the edit was to add the FBG email source at the top. I really do like Ward and didn't want to come off as Bitter Sweeney, especially after seeing all the flack JAA takes whenever he tries to come to TO's aid with another player's jerkery. Thanks for the info.

Understood.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Ive always thought of Hines Ward as sort of a jerk and his true colors are showing.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Wasn't Ward voted one of the dirtiest players in the NFL by his peers a year or two ago?

He had say all he wants about it being taken out of context, but those are still his words.

Besides, why is he mad at Cowher for Pitt constantly taking WR's in the first round? Steelers fans told me repeatedly last year that Cowher doesn't handle the personnel moves, but then again, they were trying to defend Cowher sticking with Kordell Stewart for so long, so they had to say something.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Nothing to see here.

Players at the elite level always rib each other during the post-season charity event/Pro Bowl/Skills Challenge circuit. Busting balls is a right you earn when you take the top prize. The comments about helping Holmes relate directly to Burress and how Ward took him under his wing, only to have Plaxico deny his example and act like a jerkoff. Thus, Ward, said, from now on, he will tutor young WRs, but only if they want to be, he's not forcing his example on anyone.

the Cowher quote, he immediately said was taken out of context - he said he was talking about his attitude earlier in his career when the Steelers seemed to be taking receivers high in the draft all the time in an effort to relegate him to a secondary role. I rather think they were drafting receivers to complement, not supplant Ward, but that was obviously his attitude. He and Cowher are fine. And if that chip (log) on his shoulder is what drives him to play so hard, I hope he never loses it.

Hi EG,I know you're proud of your team and rightly so and that's cool. I pull for Pittsburgh too.

But this stuff from Ward is lame. If Owens or Moss had said this, they'd be crucified. This guy is a fine player but just seems like a headcase. From the bawling over Bettis in 05 to this stuff. Once or twice I can see. But when a guy is constantly claiming he's quoted out of context, that starts to ring hollow.

J

 

[Perfect Tommy]

I give Hines Ward the benefit of the doubt. Those all sound like quotes that could be taken out of context. He said what Favre said about helping younger players, and we know what kind of class Favre has. So none of these quotes, at this time, shake my appreciation of and respect for Hines Ward.

 

[Verbal Kint]

Nothing to see here.

Players at the elite level always rib each other during the post-season charity event/Pro Bowl/Skills Challenge circuit. Busting balls is a right you earn when you take the top prize. The comments about helping Holmes relate directly to Burress and how Ward took him under his wing, only to have Plaxico deny his example and act like a jerkoff. Thus, Ward, said, from now on, he will tutor young WRs, but only if they want to be, he's not forcing his example on anyone.

the Cowher quote, he immediately said was taken out of context - he said he was talking about his attitude earlier in his career when the Steelers seemed to be taking receivers high in the draft all the time in an effort to relegate him to a secondary role. I rather think they were drafting receivers to complement, not supplant Ward, but that was obviously his attitude. He and Cowher are fine. And if that chip (log) on his shoulder is what drives him to play so hard, I hope he never loses it.

Hi EG,I know you're proud of your team and rightly so and that's cool. I pull for Pittsburgh too.

But this stuff from Ward is lame. If Owens or Moss had said this, they'd be crucified. This guy is a fine player but just seems like a headcase. From the bawling over Bettis in 05 to this stuff. Once or twice I can see. But when a guy is constantly claiming he's quoted out of context, that starts to ring hollow.

J

plus, its really irritating when he mimicks other WRs' TD celebrations. Seriously.

 

[GregR_2]

Players at the elite level always rib each other during the post-season charity event/Pro Bowl/Skills Challenge circuit. Busting balls is a right you earn when you take the top prize.

Saying that kind of stuff to a player's face is busting balls and a normal part of athletics. Saying it to the media when he hasn't initiated something towards you is at best poor judgement, at worst poor character.

 

[mad sweeney]

Nothing to see here.

Players at the elite level always rib each other during the post-season charity event/Pro Bowl/Skills Challenge circuit. Busting balls is a right you earn when you take the top prize. The comments about helping Holmes relate directly to Burress and how Ward took him under his wing, only to have Plaxico deny his example and act like a jerkoff. Thus, Ward, said, from now on, he will tutor young WRs, but only if they want to be, he's not forcing his example on anyone.

the Cowher quote, he immediately said was taken out of context - he said he was talking about his attitude earlier in his career when the Steelers seemed to be taking receivers high in the draft all the time in an effort to relegate him to a secondary role. I rather think they were drafting receivers to complement, not supplant Ward, but that was obviously his attitude. He and Cowher are fine. And if that chip (log) on his shoulder is what drives him to play so hard, I hope he never loses it.

Hi EG,I know you're proud of your team and rightly so and that's cool. I pull for Pittsburgh too.

But this stuff from Ward is lame. If Owens or Moss had said this, they'd be crucified. This guy is a fine player but just seems like a headcase. From the bawling over Bettis in 05 to this stuff. Once or twice I can see. But when a guy is constantly claiming he's quoted out of context, that starts to ring hollow.

J

plus, its really irritating when he mimicks other WRs' TD celebrations. Seriously.

So the other WRs celebrations are OK but mimicking them is not? That's one of the things I liked about him is that he'd do that with a big grin and kind of show up the guys who take it seriously.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Saying that kind of stuff to a player's face is busting balls and a normal part of athletics. Saying it to the media when he hasn't initiated something towards you is at best poor judgement, at worst poor character.

I agree. I am not a fan of Manning, but that shot at him was uncalled for. This whole "he won a Super Bowl, so he can rip on whomever he wants" mantra is for the birds. Does that mean a backup linebacker who was on a Super Bowl-winning team can rip on Manning, too, since he has a ring and Manning doesn't?

 

[Thorpe]

WRs are football's version of pitchers. They are all a little wierd and a lot self-centered. No other position in sports requires as much (or any) self-promotion, to get the QB to throw you the ball. The only thing off the top of my head that compares is Pro Wrestling.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

 

[Sabertooth]

Nothing to see here.

Players at the elite level always rib each other during the post-season charity event/Pro Bowl/Skills Challenge circuit. Busting balls is a right you earn when you take the top prize. The comments about helping Holmes relate directly to Burress and how Ward took him under his wing, only to have Plaxico deny his example and act like a jerkoff. Thus, Ward, said, from now on, he will tutor young WRs, but only if they want to be, he's not forcing his example on anyone.

the Cowher quote, he immediately said was taken out of context - he said he was talking about his attitude earlier in his career when the Steelers seemed to be taking receivers high in the draft all the time in an effort to relegate him to a secondary role. I rather think they were drafting receivers to complement, not supplant Ward, but that was obviously his attitude. He and Cowher are fine. And if that chip (log) on his shoulder is what drives him to play so hard, I hope he never loses it.

I agree with EG72 here.

 

[jurb26]

WRs are football's version of pitchers. They are all a little wierd and a lot self-centered. No other position in sports requires as much (or any) self-promotion, to get the QB to throw you the ball. The only thing off the top of my head that compares is Pro Wrestling.

Ummmm, CB.

 

[jurb26]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

The Steelers may have gotten lucky in some cases in their run to the SB win, but the Colts game was NOT one of them.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Nothing to see here.

Players at the elite level always rib each other during the post-season charity event/Pro Bowl/Skills Challenge circuit.  Busting balls is a right you earn when you take the top prize.  The comments about helping Holmes relate directly to Burress and how Ward took him under his wing, only to have Plaxico deny his example and act like a jerkoff.  Thus, Ward, said, from now on, he will tutor young WRs, but only if they want to be, he's not forcing his example on anyone.

the Cowher quote, he immediately said was taken out of context - he said he was talking about his attitude earlier in his career when the Steelers seemed to be taking receivers high in the draft all the time in an effort to relegate him to a secondary role.  I rather think they were drafting receivers to complement, not supplant Ward, but that was obviously his attitude.  He and Cowher are fine.  And if that chip (log) on his shoulder is what drives him to play so hard, I hope he never loses it.

Hi EG,I know you're proud of your team and rightly so and that's cool. I pull for Pittsburgh too.

But this stuff from Ward is lame. If Owens or Moss had said this, they'd be crucified. This guy is a fine player but just seems like a headcase. From the bawling over Bettis in 05 to this stuff. Once or twice I can see. But when a guy is constantly claiming he's quoted out of context, that starts to ring hollow.

J

When this was all discussed days ago in the Steelers Offseason Thread, I fully admitted that if this were someone with a history of being a malcontent like T.O. or Moss, that I'd have likely jumped all over the guy as well. Ward, however, gets the benefit of the doubt with me because of the way he's typically conducted himself, as opposed to the aforementioned guys, not just because he's a Steeler. I'd give Tom Brady the same leeway and I hate the frigging Patriots.The bawling in '05 gets made fun of all the time, but I don't have an issue with it. As far as being quoted out of context goes, I have never made such a claim except in the case of the comments in this article relating directly to his relationship with Cowher. He was ticked off with Cowher (and I presume, Colbert) because it seemed they were trying to supplant him. The contract he received last year, which was the largest the Steelers have ever given a receiver, I think went a long way towards smoothing that over. The only issue I have with "misquoting" is that the comments in SI this week make it seem as if this is a problem of the present, not the past. That is wrong. I actually disagree 100% with Ward that the Steelers were trying to sublimate his role, so I think Ward was wrong there, but as I said - if he needs that added motivation to go out there and crack skulls, so be it.

I have 0% problem with him breaking chops to Manning or anyone else during the offseason, nor do I have an issue with his proclamation that he will tutor young receivers only if asked. If these guys have an iota of brains, they'll ask.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Saying that kind of stuff to a player's face is busting balls and a normal part of athletics.  Saying it to the media when he hasn't initiated something towards you is at best poor judgement, at worst poor character.

I agree. I am not a fan of Manning, but that shot at him was uncalled for. This whole "he won a Super Bowl, so he can rip on whomever he wants" mantra is for the birds. Does that mean a backup linebacker who was on a Super Bowl-winning team can rip on Manning, too, since he has a ring and Manning doesn't?

I love the treatment. When you can walk in and see all the players from other teams, there's nothing they can say to you. You're on top that whole offseason. I've been all over, to L.A., to Vegas, to Miami and seen all the players from all over. Hey, Peyton Manning, I know you're great and all, but you don't have a ring. You can be all this, all world, but you don't have a ring. I have a ring. There's nothing you can say to me right nowI think he's recounting what he has said to players from other teams, not trashing Manning behind his back in the press.

Please, guys. You don't think Elway busts Marino's nuts for not having a ring? The guys on Inside the NFL do it once every two weeks. Besides which, Ward isn't a backup linebacker, he's a perennial Pro Bowler and the Super Bowl MVP. Don't compare apples to oranges.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

Keep going back... like if Polamalu's INT had been ruled correctly... play that game all day long.As for this stuff, I agree that if someone like TO had said it, it would've been a huge story. It's not a story no matter who says it, but the media will pick and choose who to attack.

I have to laugh at anyone who tries to pick at Ward's character though. He plays hard, and he blocks hard, and DBs don't like that... and he doesn't take any more cheap shots than defensive players.

His comments about the Super Bowl were in response to what it's like being a Super Bowl Champion and MVP during the offseason. So, he feels like nothing can touch him... and that's a problem? For now, he's right. Until next season, nothing can knock him off that pedastel. It's gotta be an amazing feeling.

After everything Bettis had done for the Steelers and for him personally, he cried when the team didn't come through in 2004. So what? He's been a stand-up guy from the get-go, and there's a reason he's so beloved in Pittsburgh.

His comments about Cowher WERE taken out of context. He wasn't talking about his feelings now, he was talking about them years ago. He'd been performing and doing everything asked of him, and he felt disrespected when the Steelers took Edwards and Burress in the first round. So what? Athletes play the "disrespect" card all the time, and he's used it as motivation.

And regarding mentoring rookies, he's doing that the right way. He's said he won't be the one to offer help, but he'll gladly offer any help when it's asked for. He tried to mentor Burress, but Burress didn't respond. Randle El went to him, so Ward helped him. Santonio Holmes has already gone to Ward for advice.

 

[cstu]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

The Steelers may have gotten lucky in some cases in their run to the SB win, but the Colts game was NOT one of them.

He didn't say that they didn't deserve to win, but Roethlisberger making that tackle involves a lot of luck.

 

[jurb26]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

Keep going back... like if Polamalu's INT had been ruled correctly... play that game all day long.As for this stuff, I agree that if someone like TO had said it, it would've been a huge story. It's not a story no matter who says it, but the media will pick and choose who to attack.

I have to laugh at anyone who tries to pick at Ward's character though. He plays hard, and he blocks hard, and DBs don't like that... and he doesn't take any more cheap shots than defensive players.

His comments about the Super Bowl were in response to what it's like being a Super Bowl Champion and MVP during the offseason. So, he feels like nothing can touch him... and that's a problem? For now, he's right. Until next season, nothing can knock him off that pedastel. It's gotta be an amazing feeling.

After everything Bettis had done for the Steelers and for him personally, he cried when the team didn't come through in 2004. So what? He's been a stand-up guy from the get-go, and there's a reason he's so beloved in Pittsburgh.

His comments about Cowher WERE taken out of context. He wasn't talking about his feelings now, he was talking about them years ago. He'd been performing and doing everything asked of him, and he felt disrespected when the Steelers took Edwards and Burress in the first round. So what? Athletes play the "disrespect" card all the time, and he's used it as motivation.

And regarding mentoring rookies, he's doing that the right way. He's said he won't be the one to offer help, but he'll gladly offer any help when it's asked for. He tried to mentor Burress, but Burress didn't respond. Randle El went to him, so Ward helped him. Santonio Holmes has already gone to Ward for advice.

I am a die hard Steeler fan and love Ward. I think a lot of you guys are kidding yourselves if you think he does not take and get away with more cheap shots/pushoffs than the average WR though. I think because Ward smiles all the time and smiles when getting away with something people somehow percieve it to be less offensive or OK. Ward is an instigator, but a smart one. He knows when he can and can not do things and normally does not get caught.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I love the treatment. When you can walk in and see all the players from other teams, there's nothing they can say to you. You're on top that whole offseason. I've been all over, to L.A., to Vegas, to Miami and seen all the players from all over. Hey, Peyton Manning, I know you're great and all, but you don't have a ring. You can be all this, all world, but you don't have a ring. I have a ring. There's nothing you can say to me right now

I think he's recounting what he has said to players from other teams, not trashing Manning behind his back in the press.

Please, guys. You don't think Elway busts Marino's nuts for not having a ring? The guys on Inside the NFL do it once every two weeks. Besides which, Ward isn't a backup linebacker, he's a perennial Pro Bowler and the Super Bowl MVP. Don't compare apples to oranges.

Okay, but now you are comparing apples to oranges. Those guys giving Marino crap is very different. NFL shows like that always feature good-natured ribbing and there, you are giving them crap to their face. You aren't making snide remarks to the media about a player you might not even have any type of relationship with at all.

If he had said that to Manning's face in good fun, that would be a lot better. If Elway does bust on Marino, he probably does it off camera and in private, not to the media or on television.

 

[jurb26]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

The Steelers may have gotten lucky in some cases in their run to the SB win, but the Colts game was NOT one of them.

He didn't say that they didn't deserve to win, but Roethlisberger making that tackle involves a lot of luck.

How does a guy making a great tackle involve luck. Ben, not some heavenly angle, put himself in postion to make that tackle. The only one who really got lucky on that play IMO was Bettis, for not ending the Steelers season.

 

[Bad_Mo]

Ward really needs to zip it, and get back to crying publicly.

I especially like the comment about not going out of his way to help anybody. You can certainly think that, but saying those words makes you look like a selfish, non-team player.

I don't recall other SB winners acting like this to the media. I'm sure they did around other players, but there is a big difference.

 

[Steelers4Life]

I especially like the comment about not going out of his way to help anybody. You can certainly think that, but saying those words makes you look like a selfish, non-team player.

That's not what he's said.He said he'll go out of his way to help anyone who asks him for the help. He's just not going to volunteer to anyone who won't be receptive to his advice. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

 

[mad sweeney]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

Keep going back... like if Polamalu's INT had been ruled correctly... play that game all day long.As for this stuff, I agree that if someone like TO had said it, it would've been a huge story. It's not a story no matter who says it, but the media will pick and choose who to attack.

I have to laugh at anyone who tries to pick at Ward's character though. He plays hard, and he blocks hard, and DBs don't like that... and he doesn't take any more cheap shots than defensive players.

His comments about the Super Bowl were in response to what it's like being a Super Bowl Champion and MVP during the offseason. So, he feels like nothing can touch him... and that's a problem? For now, he's right. Until next season, nothing can knock him off that pedastel. It's gotta be an amazing feeling.

After everything Bettis had done for the Steelers and for him personally, he cried when the team didn't come through in 2004. So what? He's been a stand-up guy from the get-go, and there's a reason he's so beloved in Pittsburgh.

His comments about Cowher WERE taken out of context. He wasn't talking about his feelings now, he was talking about them years ago. He'd been performing and doing everything asked of him, and he felt disrespected when the Steelers took Edwards and Burress in the first round. So what? Athletes play the "disrespect" card all the time, and he's used it as motivation.

And regarding mentoring rookies, he's doing that the right way. He's said he won't be the one to offer help, but he'll gladly offer any help when it's asked for. He tried to mentor Burress, but Burress didn't respond. Randle El went to him, so Ward helped him. Santonio Holmes has already gone to Ward for advice.

I am a die hard Steeler fan and love Ward. I think a lot of you guys are kidding yourselves if you think he does not take and get away with more cheap shots/pushoffs than the average WR though. I think because Ward smiles all the time and smiles when getting away with something people somehow percieve it to be less offensive or OK. Ward is an instigator, but a smart one. He knows when he can and can not do things and normally does not get caught.

Believe me, I KNOW he gets away with a lot of push offs. He had at least 3 in the SB that were much more blatant than DJax, including one where he pushed off the DBs facemask.

 

[jurb26]

I especially like the comment about not going out of his way to help anybody. You can certainly think that, but saying those words makes you look like a selfish, non-team player.

That's not what he's said.He said he'll go out of his way to help anyone who asks him for the help. He's just not going to volunteer to anyone who won't be receptive to his advice. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I'm sorry, but yes I do find something wrong with that. Ward prides himself on being one of the "leaders" on the team and is looked up to by his teammates and glorified by the media. He is in a lot of ways the face of the Steelers and hyped for his hard working nature. Leaders motivate others to become better players. Hard workers accept challenges. This indecates that maybe he is not the leader or hard worker that everyone thinks he really is IMO. Hell, Randy Moss who is constatnly flogged by the media is said to go out of his way to try and help/motivate his teammates and from what those teammates have said does a good job of it. For his thanks, he gets tagged a team cancer. Double standards exhist, it's really that simple.

 

[mad sweeney]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

The Steelers may have gotten lucky in some cases in their run to the SB win, but the Colts game was NOT one of them.

He didn't say that they didn't deserve to win, but Roethlisberger making that tackle involves a lot of luck.

How does a guy making a great tackle involve luck. Ben, not some heavenly angle, put himself in postion to make that tackle. The only one who really got lucky on that play IMO was Bettis, for not ending the Steelers season.

I put it more on the Colt player for not cutting to the outside. He moves right instead of left and it's a whole different story. Also if his wife hadn't sliced him with a steeak knife a few days before!

 

[jurb26]

Believe me, I KNOW he gets away with a lot of push offs. He had at least 3 in the SB that were much more blatant than DJax, including one where he pushed off the DBs facemask.

OK, I can admit that the guy got away with some pushes, but I think you're crazy if you think they were more obvious than DJax's. Like I said, Ward is smart about the things he does. What DJax did was simply follish as can be given the position on the field and elements of the play.

 

[mad sweeney]

Believe me, I KNOW he gets away with a lot of push offs. He had at least 3 in the SB that were much more blatant than DJax, including one where he pushed off the DBs facemask.

OK, I can admit that the guy got away with some pushes, but I think you're crazy if you think they were more obvious than DJax's. Like I said, Ward is smart about the things he does. What DJax did was simply follish as can be given the position on the field and elements of the play.

It's pretty hard to be less obvious when you put your hands (plural) on a face mask and push off. I don't really want to rehash the whole bad reffing argument so I'll just say that 2 hands on a face mask>one arm semi push off on a beaten defender.

 

[Steelers4Life]

I especially like the comment about not going out of his way to help anybody.  You can certainly think that, but saying those words makes you look like a selfish, non-team player.

That's not what he's said.He said he'll go out of his way to help anyone who asks him for the help. He's just not going to volunteer to anyone who won't be receptive to his advice. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I'm sorry, but yes I do find something wrong with that. Ward prides himself on being one of the "leaders" on the team and is looked up to by his teammates and glorified by the media. He is in a lot of ways the face of the Steelers and hyped for his hard working nature. Leaders motivate others to become better players. Hard workers accept challenges. This indecates that maybe he is not the leader or hard worker that everyone thinks he really is IMO. Hell, Randy Moss who is constatnly flogged by the media is said to go out of his way to try and help/motivate his teammates and from what those teammates have said does a good job of it. For his thanks, he gets tagged a team cancer. Double standards exhist, it's really that simple.

We can agree to disagree on that, because he does a great job motivating people anyways, his teammates love him, and he's there as an example for all of the young receivers to follow. Extra attention should be asked for, and the young receivers who want to be great know where to go. Santonio Holmes already figured that out.As for the push offs, I wasn't referring to that. I was referring to his reputation for taking cheap shots at defensive players, and he doesn't do any more of that than most defensive players do. Sure, he's more physical and tries to get under their skin more than most WRs do, but that's part of his game. It's also why he's so respected by his peers.

There's definitely a talent to getting away with a push off, and if he's a guy who's good at it, fantastic. The key is normally to not blatantly extend your arm while doing it, especially when doing it 10 feet from an official like Jackson did!

 

[AnonymousBob]

Much ado about nothing.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I love the treatment. When you can walk in and see all the players from other teams, there's nothing they can say to you. You're on top that whole offseason. I've been all over, to L.A., to Vegas, to Miami and seen all the players from all over. Hey, Peyton Manning, I know you're great and all, but you don't have a ring. You can be all this, all world, but you don't have a ring. I have a ring. There's nothing you can say to me right now

I think he's recounting what he has said to players from other teams, not trashing Manning behind his back in the press.

Please, guys.  You don't think Elway busts Marino's nuts for not having a ring?  The guys on Inside the NFL do it once every two weeks.  Besides which, Ward isn't  a backup linebacker, he's a perennial Pro Bowler and the Super Bowl MVP.  Don't compare apples to oranges.

Okay, but now you are comparing apples to oranges. Those guys giving Marino crap is very different. NFL shows like that always feature good-natured ribbing and there, you are giving them crap to their face. You aren't making snide remarks to the media about a player you might not even have any type of relationship with at all.

If he had said that to Manning's face in good fun, that would be a lot better. If Elway does bust on Marino, he probably does it off camera and in private, not to the media or on television.

I think that's exactly what he's saying. That he's been busting on everyone all offseason... for example... "Hey Peyton... etc." That's how it read to me at least. Manning and Ward were together for a period of time right here in Orlando for the NFl Skills Challenge. I'm sure Ward and Manning, being teammates, spoke frequently. I doubt Ward said nothing to him about the game or the Steelers' SB victory the whole time, then started riding his a## in the press afterwards. Doesn't make sense.

 

[jurb26]

There's definitely a talent to getting away with a push off, and if he's a guy who's good at it, fantastic. The key is normally to not blatantly extend your arm while doing it, especially when doing it 10 feet from an official like Jackson did!

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Ward really needs to zip it, and get back to crying publicly.

I especially like the comment about not going out of his way to help anybody. You can certainly think that, but saying those words makes you look like a selfish, non-team player.

I don't recall other SB winners acting like this to the media. I'm sure they did around other players, but there is a big difference.

He said he'd help anyone who asked him for help. he said he isn't going to offer help to those who don't want it. Don't twist the words around to help your charaterization of the guy. If you dislike Ward, fine, it's no skin off my nose, but at least paraphrase accurately.

 

[jurb26]

Much ado about nothing.

I think that is the problem and what the thread is supposed to point out. Nobody (or at least few people) is making much ado about it. Change the name of the player in the article though and all of a sudden we have a public hanging.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

The Steelers may have gotten lucky in some cases in their run to the SB win, but the Colts game was NOT one of them.

He didn't say that they didn't deserve to win, but Roethlisberger making that tackle involves a lot of luck.

How does a guy making a great tackle involve luck. Ben, not some heavenly angle, put himself in postion to make that tackle. The only one who really got lucky on that play IMO was Bettis, for not ending the Steelers season.

Where did I say Bens tackle was all luck? Where did I say the Steelers didn't deserve to win (they did deserve it by far). Alls I'm saying is if the guy breaks the other way the Steelers are at home in mid Januaray, that's the fact. Its a fine line between winning and losing, I move by 1 guy changes the outcome of a game. Hines comes off sounding to me like he is Michael Jordan looking back on the Bulls 73-9 season. Funny I didn't read Deion Branch running his trap about Manning after the Superbowl. If it had been TO or Moss saying these things they'd be tarred and feathered.

 

[JAA]

We dont know what would happen if Key or TO said something like this because they never have acted a fool like Ward is now.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Much ado about nothing.

I think that is the problem and what the thread is supposed to point out. Nobody (or at least few people) is making much ado about it. Change the name of the player in the article though and all of a sudden we have a public hanging.

Personally, I wouldn't have a problem if TO said it either. Damn, even class acts gloat. I don't blame anybody coming off a Super Bowl MVP high for bragging a bit. He's stoked about the win, as he should be and his ego is still flying high. God Bless him for it. To compete at that level me thinks you have to have one heck of an ego. Ward seems to keep it in check most of the time, who cares if it slips out now and then? As for the tutoring thing, I've no problem with what he said there, either. Nor would I have a problem if Randy Moss said it after HE wins his Super Bowl MVP.

 

[jurb26]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

The Steelers may have gotten lucky in some cases in their run to the SB win, but the Colts game was NOT one of them.

He didn't say that they didn't deserve to win, but Roethlisberger making that tackle involves a lot of luck.

How does a guy making a great tackle involve luck. Ben, not some heavenly angle, put himself in postion to make that tackle. The only one who really got lucky on that play IMO was Bettis, for not ending the Steelers season.

Where did I say Bens tackle was all luck? Where did I say the Steelers didn't deserve to win (they did deserve it by far). Alls I'm saying is if the guy breaks the other way the Steelers are at home in mid Januaray, that's the fact. Its a fine line between winning and losing, I move by 1 guy changes the outcome of a game. Hines comes off sounding to me like he is Michael Jordan looking back on the Bulls 73-9 season. Funny I didn't read Deion Branch running his trap about Manning after the Superbowl. If it had been TO or Moss saying these things they'd be tarred and feathered.

I guess you missed the post you even quoted yourself where someone DOES say that Ben's tackle was grealty luck. The only thing I was pointing out to you was that if you were going to try and paint the picture of Steelers luck, the Colts game is about as bad of an example as you can possibly come up with.

 

[TheLaw]

Ward has come out and specifically said he offered help to both Troy Edwards and Plax and they both basically copped an attitude with him because they were 1st rounders and he was just some dude on the team. ARE on the otherhand sought out Hines and Hines helped in his development tremendously. So, he is now saying he is perfectly willing to teach Holmes and Reid, however, he isnt going to go out of his way to make comments. If they want advice he will mentor. This is way better than Favre's attitutude towards Rogers.

I think it is pretty clear that Hines Cowher comments were in regard to the past where the Steelers felt they were still in need of a true #1 WR and kept drafting as such in the first round. Hines ended his holdout last season primarily based on a phone call between he and Cowher, where Cowher expressed Hines' importance to the team on the field and in the lockerroom and that Hines would be rewarded if he reported. Hines reported the next day and got his big money deal. Where else has Hines stated he was misquoted out of context?

 

[amnesiac]

I always thought Ward was a class act and I'd hate to lose respect for him.

he doesn't care what you think. you don't have a ring.

 

[TheLaw]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

The Steelers may have gotten lucky in some cases in their run to the SB win, but the Colts game was NOT one of them.

He didn't say that they didn't deserve to win, but Roethlisberger making that tackle involves a lot of luck.

How does a guy making a great tackle involve luck. Ben, not some heavenly angle, put himself in postion to make that tackle. The only one who really got lucky on that play IMO was Bettis, for not ending the Steelers season.

Where did I say Bens tackle was all luck? Where did I say the Steelers didn't deserve to win (they did deserve it by far). Alls I'm saying is if the guy breaks the other way the Steelers are at home in mid Januaray, that's the fact. Its a fine line between winning and losing, I move by 1 guy changes the outcome of a game. Hines comes off sounding to me like he is Michael Jordan looking back on the Bulls 73-9 season. Funny I didn't read Deion Branch running his trap about Manning after the Superbowl. If it had been TO or Moss saying these things they'd be tarred and feathered.

72-10

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Its funny how 1 play in a game can change everything. Had Rothlisberger missed that shoe string tackle none of this happens. I always marvel at the fine line between winners and losers, those who go about their job quietly, knowing luck and skill are as much an outcome as anything else. Then their are those who don't get it, and well, they come off sounding like Hines Ward.

The Steelers may have gotten lucky in some cases in their run to the SB win, but the Colts game was NOT one of them.

He didn't say that they didn't deserve to win, but Roethlisberger making that tackle involves a lot of luck.

How does a guy making a great tackle involve luck. Ben, not some heavenly angle, put himself in postion to make that tackle. The only one who really got lucky on that play IMO was Bettis, for not ending the Steelers season.

Where did I say Bens tackle was all luck? Where did I say the Steelers didn't deserve to win (they did deserve it by far). Alls I'm saying is if the guy breaks the other way the Steelers are at home in mid Januaray, that's the fact. Its a fine line between winning and losing, I move by 1 guy changes the outcome of a game. Hines comes off sounding to me like he is Michael Jordan looking back on the Bulls 73-9 season. Funny I didn't read Deion Branch running his trap about Manning after the Superbowl. If it had been TO or Moss saying these things they'd be tarred and feathered.

I guess you missed the post you even quoted yourself where someone DOES say that Ben's tackle was grealty luck. The only thing I was pointing out to you was that if you were going to try and paint the picture of Steelers luck, the Colts game is about as bad of an example as you can possibly come up with.

What I am saying, I will try it one more time, the Steelers deserved to win. They did win. However, if that play at the end of the game goes the other way, all the sudden they lose. Then Ward isn't popping off in the paper about how he's got a ring and Manning's got nothing. The point is if TO said it, everyone would be freaking out, but since it was all smiles Ward, nobody cares.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Nothing to see here.

Players at the elite level always rib each other during the post-season charity event/Pro Bowl/Skills Challenge circuit.  Busting balls is a right you earn when you take the top prize.  The comments about helping Holmes relate directly to Burress and how Ward took him under his wing, only to have Plaxico deny his example and act like a jerkoff.  Thus, Ward, said, from now on, he will tutor young WRs, but only if they want to be, he's not forcing his example on anyone.

the Cowher quote, he immediately said was taken out of context - he said he was talking about his attitude earlier in his career when the Steelers seemed to be taking receivers high in the draft all the time in an effort to relegate him to a secondary role.  I rather think they were drafting receivers to complement, not supplant Ward, but that was obviously his attitude.  He and Cowher are fine.  And if that chip (log) on his shoulder is what drives him to play so hard, I hope he never loses it.

Hi EG,I know you're proud of your team and rightly so and that's cool. I pull for Pittsburgh too.

But this stuff from Ward is lame. If Owens or Moss had said this, they'd be crucified. This guy is a fine player but just seems like a headcase. From the bawling over Bettis in 05 to this stuff. Once or twice I can see. But when a guy is constantly claiming he's quoted out of context, that starts to ring hollow.

J

plus, its really irritating when he mimicks other WRs' TD celebrations. Seriously.

I'll give you that. He is all world bad at that.J

 

[jurb26]

The point is if TO said it, everyone would be freaking out, but since it was all smiles Ward, nobody cares.

I don't think you have been following my comments in this thread very well. I have supported this very view the whole way through.

 

[Pipes]

I love how hypocrytical people are. We get pissed when athletes give the same old generic boring answers yet when guys like Favre and Ward speak their mind they get blasted for it.

I'm glad Favre says the things in the media that he does. I'm glad Ward took a shot at Manning. I like it when TO says "I Love me some me" This is entertainment and I see nothing wrong with these guys saying the things they do.