Lambert missing?

[Hammer67]

Anyone know why Lambert was missing from last night's game? I know he informed the Steelers he wasn't attending but anyone know the scoop?

[Atlanta Dan]

P-G just says he has become "somewhat reclusive" although my understanding is he still does signing shows for the right price - hope an appearance fee was not the issue

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07310/831513-66.stm

Lambert also was listed to be one of the ex-Steelers speaking in the 1975 Steelers "America's Game" but did not appear on the broadcast - since he was named as a commentataor I wonder if his comments were simply left out or $$ were an issue - Bradshaw also did not appear on any of the 4 America's Game videos for the 70s Steelers.

I am not one of those who thinks he "owes it to the fans" but IMO he did owe it to Dan Rooney and the memory of The Chief. Does not detract from his legend but it is unsettling that something kept him away.

People grow distant from those with whom they were once close - I am glad to see Bradshaw buried whatever irked him over the years & seemed to be having a great time last night. As Brad said, those days were a long time ago and I cannot see when those greats will have an occassion to be together again - Lambert may regret it at some point but for some people nothing is sadder than the 2 words "remember when."

[BlastFurnace]

http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/blogngold/

In Ed Bouchette's blog, he mentions that money may have been an issue with Jack not appearing. It's sad that it comes down to this. My first game I ever saw of the Steelers was Super Bowl X. Jack Lambert....after he slammed Cliff Harris to the ground in SB 10...was one of the players from that game that made me love this team.

Bradshaw changed...maybe Lambert will too.

[Virginia Steeler]

Bradshaw used to have severe social anxiety problems...he is ok now, did not come back to Pittsburgh for years....

[Stlrs4Life]

I know I was disappointed that he wasn't there. I normally don't sit in my seats at half time. I did this time to see him. He was at the last game at 3 Rivers.

[CanadianSteel]

Yes truly dissapointed by Lamberst absense, specially considering his hall of fame speech. I can respect the fact he wants to remain private but this was a moment for the fans as well. Hope it's not true that he shows up for memorabilia signings for $$ but did not come to accept his honour as one of the Steeler greats of all time.

Possible he had a valid reason, never know, but I was dissapointed for sure...

[Atlanta Dan]

Originally Posted by BlastFurnace

http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/blogngold/

In Ed Bouchette's blog, he mentions that money may have been an issue with Jack not appearing. It's sad that it comes down to this. My first game I ever saw of the Steelers was Super Bowl X. Jack Lambert....after he slammed Cliff Harris to the ground in SB 10...was one of the players from that game that made me love this team.

Bradshaw changed...maybe Lambert will too.

Thanks for the link - I was afraid it might be about $$$. Woodson, Lloyd & Anderson apparently had bitter money differences with the Steelers but they showed up.

Interesting the reference to $$ only made it into the online Blog n' Gold by Ed.B. but not his story on Lambert's absence to which I linked that apparently made it into the dead trees version of the P-G.

[OneForTheToe]

I agree .... maybe Lambert will come around. If I remember, Bradshaw didn?t even return for "The Chief's." funeral, so it happens. I can't remember where I read this last night but someone noted that all great teams seem to have one player who sort of pulls this recluse persona regarding his old team and teammates. Anyhow, I hope Jack comes around, but he is still the best.

Also, I hope he realizes what he is missing. I got this from the ESPN blog regarding TB:

Just had a nice visit with former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw after he wrapped up an interview with the MNF crew. He's never spent a lot of time in Pittsburgh since his career ended, but he said there's no real reason for that.

"I've just never been a guy that lives in the past," he said. "But coming back here reminds me why guys do that. It gives you a chance to sit around and tell stories, a lot which I've never heard."

Until this afternoon, Bradshaw said he never knew Mean Joe Greene raced down the sideline with running back Franco Harris during the Immaculate Reception. He also said it was news to him that receiver John Stallworth secretly went to coach Chuck Noll to complain that Bradshaw wasn't throwing him the ball enough.

When I asked him what year that was, he said, "Yesterday!"

Bradshaw, who lives in Dallas and works in Los Angeles a lot, said seeing his former teammates makes him want to return to Pittsburgh more. He'll return next year for Mel Blount's charity event.

We also talked about why Jack Lambert became such a recluse.

"I have no clue why Jack's like that," Bradshaw said. "He was always a little different, but it was a good different. I don't understand why he wouldn't come back. I know I haven't talked to him in years."

[OX1947]

I would prefer to hear from Lambert himself. He did come to the last one they had. I'll be honest with you, the main relief of the Steelers winning in 2005 was not having to hear about the 70's. Maybe he is tired of it too. How many come back tours does the old team have to have. I understand every 20-25 years but I think they have had 3 or 4 of these the last 15 years and may have been too redundant for Lambert...

[Atlanta Dan]

Originally Posted by OX1947

I would prefer to hear from Lambert himself. He did come to the last one they had. I'll be honest with you, the main relief of the Steelers winning in 2005 was not having to hear about the 70's. Maybe he is tired of it too. How many come back tours does the old team have to have. I understand every 20-25 years but I think they have had 3 or 4 of these the last 15 years and may have been too redundant for Lambert...

Not according to the online chat today by Ed.B. of the P-G, who presumably has a source within the organization that has indicated it came down to the appearance fee:

Ed Bouchette: I think Lambert stayed away because he wants more. What that more is, I'm not sure, but it's not more adoration by the fans, that's for sure.

Terrible_Trousers: Big Ed, I've heard Lambert described as a very private individual before, would you guess that was the reason he was not in attendance last night, that he really just doesn't want to be in the spotlight anymore?

Ed Bouchette: No.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07310/831568-66.stm

Sounds like the only way we will hear from Lambert is if we pay to hear him. He owes the fans nothing - his teammates, the Rooneys, and the game are another matter.

This was not yet another salute to the 70s (and I agree it is good to have something else to celebrate) but to the history of the franchise - if Lambert stayed away because he thinks his time has passed that is admirable - if he wants a payday that is a different matter for someone who certainly did not indicate $$ were what motivated him in his HOF induction speech. Times change and so do people, not always for the better.