Steelers release ward

[jtbsteeler]

Hines wont go to the Ratbirds. He understands how the fans feel about them. He would get a commentating job if he decided to do so.

[rcoplien]

I think its crap that they didn't even offer to redu his contract? He was expecting it anyway. Let the guy retire a Steeler he deserves it. I'm very disappointed.

[rcoplien]

Originally Posted by madtowndrunkard

I hope Hines gets picked up by a team like the Packers. I would love to see him put up another 1000 yard season.

This is BS really. If we wanted to keep him, we could have. We gave Bettis what he wanted, and let him retire a steeler. Why not Hines? I think all he wanted was 1 more season.

God no I can't stand the packers. that would be a travesty. Sad thing is I live in Wisconsin and still can't stand the Packers. Steelers rule

[StainlessStill]

Originally Posted by rcoplien

I think its crap that they didn't even offer to redu his contract? He was expecting it anyway. Let the guy retire a Steeler he deserves it. I'm very disappointed.

It just doesn't work like that. Why pay Hines the kind of money he was scheduled to make while we are absolutely getting DESTROYED within the future of our young core givin' our state within the salary cap?

Hines would of been making a boatload of dough and I sure as hell wasn't in the mood to see his role diminish the way it did last season. Why go through an even WORSE scenario this season? I love Hines Ward, it's sad to see him go, but it was the right decision for this team to move forward if we wanted a shot at keeping guys like Wallace, Brown and Sanders. Our future.

[DanRooney]

MADNESS!

HOW CAN YOU RELEASE THE BEST BLOCKING WR IN THE GAME WITHOUT EVEN OFFERING HIM A CONTRACT?!

HE HAD 1,000 yards TWO YEARS AGO!

COLBERT/ROONEY IS STOOP!!!

[Bayz101]

Nice work of baiting there, Dan. Now, piss off.

[ggoldman]

If we can't use him anymore, I cant think of another team that would sign him

[pete74]

i would love to see Hines go to a good team and have one more 1000yard year then retire. personally i would of offered him leauge min. for a vet before i cut him. i also would of released Smith and Kemo first

[ricardisimo]

Originally Posted by DanRooney

MADNESS!

HOW CAN YOU RELEASE THE BEST BLOCKING WR IN THE GAME WITHOUT EVEN OFFERING HIM A CONTRACT?!

HE HAD 1,000 yards TWO YEARS AGO!

COLBERT/ROONEY IS STOOP!!!

Considering how near and dear Hines clearly is to the hearts of many a Steelers fan, I'd tone down the flaming and trolling on this issue if I were you. I'd focus on spinning the positives here; the bright future of our receiving corps, the extra cap room for Wallace, possible draft day replacements, etc.

Originally Posted by pete74

i would love to see Hines go to a good team and have one more 1000yard year then retire. personally i would of offered him leauge min. for a vet before i cut him. i also would of released Smith and Kemo first

As far as cutting Kemo and Smith first, evidently Hines' contract dictated the terms of his release, March 1st being the last possible date to do so. The other two, I'm certain, had no such stipulations.

[DanRooney]

Originally Posted by ricardisimo

Considering how near and dear Hines clearly is to the hearts of many a Steelers fan, I'd tone down the flaming and trolling on this issue if I were you. I'd focus on spinning the positives here; the bright future of our receiving corps, the extra cap room for Wallace, possible draft day replacements, etc.

.

Oh I was doing that for the past year or so.. You know, speaking of how promising Brown was, how Hines' spot could be easily filled by Cotchery (who's better at this point in his career), and how letting him go would give us an opportunity to grab another guy in the draft who can do more than catch WR screens and block.

Welcome to reality everyone. I guess it's only OK to let go of something after the fact. But when it's practically written on the wall for everyone to see, its not cool. It's gotta happen first.