Tainted Love: Steelers Should Deal Wallace
Maybe it’s because there are so many other awesome things to talk about in camp for the Steelers. Maybe it’s because it’s been drawing on for so damn long. Maybe it’s because I can’t stand greedy football players dominating the headlines day in and day out. Well whatever the reason, I’ve just about had it with Mike Wallace, and I think it’s time the Steelers should deal him out.
Ok so the thing that really grinds my gears about Wallace is the fact that he does not trust the Steelers organization. And for that, like any good solid relationship based on trust, he should get dumped right into that Ohio River and doggy paddle his way all the way down to Cincy or St. Louis where he belongs – mediocrity. Wallace has had two weeks now since camp started to ‘think about’ his stupidity by not signing a long term contract with the Steelers (or even his tender). Why stupid? Well a few reasons: A) It’s stupid to think that for only a few seasons out of your career you have ‘pretty good’ stats, have a good start to your lastest season then totally disappear, and then expect to get a huge paycheck for your efforts. B) You are playing for one of the greatest franchises in NFL history. C) With Ben Roethlisberger, you have the chance to become one of the most electrifying receivers in your generation of receivers. D) Did I mention that you are playing for the Steelers?
Wallace and the Wallace Lovers out there may think that he is due his payday already. It’s shortsighted. Wallace and the Wallace Lovers out there may think that the Steelers are being stingy with their cash. Well it’s not rocket science to figure out that this year’s cap has hit all teams hard and that the Steelers would have to dump a bunch more players to fit Wallace into the pay grade he feels he belongs in. Has anyone reminded him (or the other WL’s out there) that the Steelers already dumped veterans like Hines Ward and James Farrior? Those were moves to not only better the team, but also shore up more capital to pay players like Wallace.
This whole situation comes down to loyalty and trust – and Mike Wallace has neither for the Steelers organization. Go ahead and say it, ‘But Craig, wouldn’t you say that by dumping Hines Ward the Steelers weren’t loyal to a receiver who wanted to stay in Pittsburgh?’ And while that’s close to being a good point, it misses the mark. Time and time again. Great player after great player, the Steelers take care of their own. Ward was taken care of when he signed his extension after a hold out. A hold out in which he caved and wished he had never done (see retirement speech). Bettis, Roethlisberger, Harrison, Polamalu, and now Antonio Brown. Those who truly want to play for this team get to play for this team. They eventually get their payday. Or, when older they get to hang on for just another year or two to get that ring or reach a personal milestone. The Steelers strive for excellence and reward excellence. Mike Wallace, you are not excellent.
The Steelers are still willing to talk to you, which you should feel blessed that they haven’t sent your sorry rear packing to some desperate team looking for any offensive talent. But first, you have to sign that tender. I think that’s where you are scared. You’re scared that if you sign that tender, you won’t get quite the deal you wanted. You’re scared that if you sign that tender, there will be no long term deal. You’re scared that without a long term deal you may get screwed if you get hurt. You don’t trust the people at the front office to give you the deal you think you deserve. Which, is a shame because you will get the deal you deserve (just not the one you think you should.) And, because you don’t trust this organization to continually work with you on a deal while you prove week in and week out that you are so worth it, you deserve instead to be traded. Your time with the team has been tainted. Adios.
The Steelers and Steeler Nation don’t need that kind of player in the locker room or on the field. Trust that those you represent within this organization are working hard for you. Let your ballin’ do the talking, not your desire for money or your agent. Think I’m dead wrong? Prove me wrong. I would love it if you did. Sign that tender, and let’s see what happens. Get off your sorry duff and get on that field and show us that you are indeed worth every penny. Time to put up or get traded.