March 2018 - Pittsburgh Steelers Wiretap

Ben Roethlisberger Defends 'Right' To Publicly Criticize Teammates

Nov 29, 2018 9:33 AM

Ben Roethlisberger defended his right to publicly criticize his teammates.

Roethlisberger took issue with Antonio Brown's route running on a late-game interception, rookie James Washington dropping a pass and offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner not calling JuJu Smith-Schuster's number enough on the final drive.

"I think I have earned the right to be able to do that with as long as I have been here," Roethlisberger said Wednesday, via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "and I'll just be just as critical of myself [in the media], as well."

Herbie Teope/NFL.com

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers

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Le'Veon Bell Affected By Business Tainting Purity Of Football

Nov 27, 2018 3:03 PM

According to one person close to him, Le'Veon Bell said he was affected by the business of football tainting its purity.

Bell had developed into one of the NFL's best players but was told his worth doesn't correlate with other great players.

Bell was told by the Pittsburgh Steelers in January that they planned to sign him to a long-term extension and put the franchise tag to rest. But the Steelers don't typically guarantee money beyond the first year of a deal, but try to honor the contracts of their homegrown players.

Bell said in January he would consider sitting out 2018 or retiring if the Steelers asked him to play under the franchise tag.

Jeremy Fowler/ESPN

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Le'Veon Bell, Steelers Made Late Contract Push Before Deadline

Nov 18, 2018 11:39 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Le'Veon Bell both made late pushes leading to Tuesday's deadline.

The Steelers were told that if they were willing to not use their franchise or transition tag on Bell after this season, he would consider reporting to the team.

Pittsburgh declined Bell's request, which sets up a battle between the NFL's management council and the NFL Players Association in a potentially precedent-setting case over Bell's future.

The management council believes the Steelers will be able to use a $9.5 million transition tag on Bell this offseason that would give Pittsburgh the chance to match any offer sheet he signs with a rival team.

The NFLPA believes that the transition tag must be $14.54 million.

Adam Schefter/ESPN

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor, Trade Rumor

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Steelers Raid Le'Veon Bell's Locker After Deadline Passes

Nov 16, 2018 8:45 AM

Several members of the Pittsburgh Steelers raided Le'Veon Bell's locker and removed his No. 26 nameplate after Wednesday's practice.

Bell forfeited his $14.5 million franchise tag by failing to report to the team on Tuesday. He is ineligible to play this season.

The running back's locker remained intact and untouched during his holdout. Bell left behind a locker full of stuff, including cleats, shirts and a CD labeled "Le'Veon Bell #1."

 

Jeremy Fowler/ESPN

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Misc Rumor

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Ben Roethlisberger Didn't Hear Back From Le'Veon Bell On Text

Nov 14, 2018 11:54 AM

Ben Roethlisberger texted Le'Veon Bell before the 4:00 PM deadline on Tuesday, but didn't hear back.

Bell decided not to report and will forfeit the entirety of his $14.5 million franchise tag.

"I texted him, saying I hoped he was going to show up and if he decided not to, I wished him nothing but the best," Roethlisberger said Wednesday morning from his locker. "He was a great teammate and football player."

Roethlisberger and Bell played together for five seasons.

"To each their own on what they want to walk away from," Roethlisberger said.

Jeremy Fowler/ESPN

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Le'Veon Bell Doesn't Report To Steelers, Won't Play In 2018

Nov 13, 2018 4:01 PM

Le'Veon Bell did not report by today's deadline and will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the 2018 season.

Bell will become an unrestricted free agent this winter.

Bell had lost out on $8.5 million in wages for the 2018 season already and will now lose out on an additional $6 million. Bell is hoping to sign a long-term deal this offseason.

James Conner will remain the starting running back of the Steelers.

Adam Schefter/ESPN

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Le'Veon Bell Not Expected To Report By Tuesday's Deadline

Nov 11, 2018 9:03 AM

Le'Veon Bell is not expected to report to the Pittsburgh Steelers by Tuesday's deadline, which would make him ineligible for the entire 2018 season.

Bell's camp continues to maintain its cone of silence and repeatedly has declined to address with reporters his plans for the coming week.

Ten months ago, Bell said he "definitely would consider" sitting out the 2018 season or retiring at the age of 26 if the Steelers used the franchise tag on him.

Bell has been trying to preserve his value and body by sitting out.

Adam Schefter/ESPN

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Fantasy, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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James Conner Enters Concussion Protocol

Nov 9, 2018 8:09 AM

James Conner left the fourth quarter of Thursday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers after suffering a concussion.

Mike Tomlin said afterward that Conner is in the concussion protocol.

The running back was examined on the sideline during the third quarter after taking a hit. He later returned to the game before leaving for the locker room early in the fourth quarter.

Austin Knoblauch/NFL

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Injury, Misc Rumor

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Steelers, Panthers Set Record With Three TDs In 23 Seconds

Nov 9, 2018 7:58 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers set an NFL record with three touchdowns in 23 seconds during the first quarter of Thursday night's game.

The previous record for three touchdowns was 26 seconds by the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders in 2008.

The Panthers scored on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Christian McCaffrey at the 10:29 mark.

On Pittsburgh's first play, Ben Roethlisberger connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster for a 75-yard touchdown that took just 11 seconds.

And on Carolina's next play from scrimmage, Newton was intercepted by Vince Williams, who returned the pick 17 yards for a touchdown with 10:05 left in the first quarter.

David Newton/ESPN

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Misc Rumor

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Steelers Expect Le'Veon Bell To Report By Tuesday

Nov 9, 2018 12:38 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers expect Le'Veon Bell to report in time for next week's game.

Bell, who has missed 10 weeks without signing his $14.5 million franchise tag, must report by Tuesday or he forfeits the 2018 season.

Bell has missed out on $8.52 million this season but is hoping to preserve his health for a long-term contract. 

"I don't know what his plans are, but I would say that at this point we expect him to come back next week," Art Rooney II said. "We know he's back in Pittsburgh, so we're hoping to have some communications with him over the weekend. We're kind of expecting he'll be back next week."

Jeremy Fowler/ESPN

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Antonio Brown Cited For Driving 100 MPH
Antonio Brown, who was in a black Porsche, was charged with reckless driving after speeding past an officer.

ESPN

Le'Veon Bell Spotted At Pittsburgh Gym Playing Basketball
There was no indication Wednesday that Le'Veon Bell had visited the team's facility.

Jeremy Fowler/ESPN

Steelers Could Tag Le'Veon Bell At QB Number In 2019
The saga between the Steelers and Le'Veon Bell may not be even close to over.

Tom Pelissero/NFL Network

Le'Veon Bell Not Expected To Report For Thursday's Game
One source pointed out to ESPN that it "doesn't make any sense for [Le'Veon Bell] to play now."

Jeremy Fowler, Adam Schefter/ESPN

Le'Veon Bell Has Until Nov. 13 To Report
Le'Veon Bell will be ineligible to play for the remainder of 2018 if he doesn't report by the deadline.

Adam Schefter/ESPN

David DeCastro: No One Cares Anymore About Le'Veon Bell Situation
Le'Veon Bell continues to sit while James Conner had 163 total yards in the Steelers' 23-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Jeffri Chadiha/NFL.com