Defense Turns To Motive Against Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Adams

Aug 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Mike Adams (76) lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

This subject is becoming a sore spot with some in Steeler Nation, but the outcome of the trial in the stabbing of Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Adams could have larger implications further down the line.

The defense for Dquay Means, Jerrell Whitlock and Michael Paranay rested early on Tuesday and turned to closing arguments.  Earlier that morning, the defense showed the jury a two page document that was meant to inject more doubt into what seemed like such an open and shut case almost a year ago.  That document?  A portion of Mike Adams’ contract with the Steelers.  The defense subpoenaed Kevin Colbert a couple weeks ago in an attempt to gather this kind of information.

The portion of the contract the defense submitted was a clause that discusses code of conduct and penalties if those things were breached.  Essentially, the Steelers reserved the right to terminate the terms of the contract if Adams engages in personal conduct that reflects poorly or has adverse affects on the team.  Adams also could be released from the team if he were to be ever found guilty of any form of conduct deemed to be detrimental to the NFL.

Drunk with a BAC twice the legal limit in the state of PA, acting aggressively, asking for a fight, and then getting stabbed – ultimately, one could argue, leading to adverse affects on the team.  With his actions so close (less than a year removed) to that of former teammate and fellow 2012 draft pick Alameda Ta’amu’s Grand Theft Auto style driving escapade on the South Side back in October of 2012, there’s no doubt that Adams would be scared senseless about his actions and how they could impact his future with the team.  Wouldn’t you?

Let me be clear that I am not deflecting any guilt or blame away from the three men accused of the list of crimes and projecting that guilt onto Adams.  But it just seems that there’s more to this story than what Adams has said.  He’s not 100% innocent of any wrongdoing, and that could put the Steelers in a bit of a pickle with how to proceed going into this season.  Even this draft.

Are Adams’ offenses – being crazy drizzunk late at night and potentially lying about the entire ordeal – enough to make the Steelers release him from the team?  If so, when?  Do they wait until after the draft to see if they can find a replacement tackle?  And if they can’t find a replacement, do they just sweep this under the rug in hopes no one is paying attention or keeping score in the upstanding moral column?