Preseason almost over. Hallelujah! Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE

What We Learned This Week in the NFL Preseason:

• Seattle releases T.O. and names rookie starting QB
• Jets still can’t find the endzone
• Replacement refs still stinking up the joint
• Steelers win and lose in Buffalo
• NFL rosters cut down to 75 by this afternoon (more…)

Big Ben to have Little Ben.

What We Learned This Week in the NFL Offseason:

• A Second Arbitrator rules in Goodell’s favor for bounty punishments
• Broncos LB DJ Williams tweets part of playbook
• Ochocinco cut from Pats
• Big Ben and wife expecting a Little Ben

In this week’s edition of the reality show that has become the NFL offseason, Goodell gets more confirmation that he alone holds ultimate power over the players as a second arbitrator ruled in his favor in a grievance filed by the NFLPA.  The players association tried to argue that Goodell was prohibited from punishing players for any conduct before the CBA was signed and that the player appeals should be heard by Art Shell and Ted Cottrell instead of Goodell.  But like the judgment before this one, the arbitrator ruled that Goodell is entitled to hand out the punishment alone and handle the appeal alone.  The NFLPA states it will appeal the decisions but that seems rather futile at this point.   The four players Goodell suspended in relation to the bounty program in New Orleans will have their appeals heard by Goodell on June 18^th.  I would say there’s a greater chance that the city of Cleveland becomes the next powerhouse in all of professional sports than these players get any of their suspensions reduced or overturned. (more…)

Revis Island must be expensive to live on. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

What We Learned This Week in the NFL Offseason

• Darrelle Revis looking to hold out…again
• TO looking for an apology and cash from IFL team that cut him
• DUI season heats up
• Hines Ward to join NBC Sports
• The Steelers wrap up Week 2 of OTAs

As we enter the timeframe of under 100 days until the regular season kicks off the most intriguing stories left before training camp starts will be who is holding out.  Speculation arose this week for Aliquippa native and former Pitt star, Darrelle Revis to see if he will be holding out for the second time in three seasons.  Revis held out all of 2010 for a new contract that was mainly front loaded and paid him a ridiculous combined $32.5 million between 2010 and 2011.  He’s set to make a measly $13.5 million this year so many are wondering if the cornerback will be holding out for more dough or showing up to camp.  This situation is completely different from the one Steeler Nation is closely following, with Mike Wallace still not signing his $2.7 million tender and still not reporting to OTAs, Revis already has a contract in place. (more…)

I sure hope the camera is on me. I really nailed it with the eye-black today. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

What We Learned This Week in the NFL Off Season:

• Chad Ochocinco has “Daddy” issues
• NFL safety debate reaches an unbearable level

If you listen to as much sports talk radio as I do you’re probably just as sick as I am about the whole “The NFL is dying” talk as it relates to concussions, player safety, and former players’ health.  Like clockwork, Chad “I want some attention for not doing anything” Ochocinco decided to add his 1 ½ cents into the conversation in the form of an open letter to NFL Commish and all around douchey guy, Roger Goodell, whom he refers to as “Dad” all through the letter.  Meanwhile, Ocho’s former teammate and buddy, Terrell Owens was on Dr. Phil’s couch being confronted by a gaggle of baby mama’s wondering where their child support is.  Elsewhere in the NFL the Vikings finally got their new stadium approved to be built in Minnesota and not Los Angeles.  David DeCastro and Sean Spence are the final Steelers draft picks that have yet to sign their rookie contracts and once signed, they will have their entire rookie class signed the earliest in team history in about 30 years. (more…)

Hug it out, Bitch.

In my recap of the Pittsburgh Steelers utter domination of the hapless Cincinnati Bengals, I noted defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau ripping superstar Troy Polamalu a new one for attempting a boneheaded lateral after his game-sealing interception.  A few moments later they hugged it out so it’s all good.  Turns out Coach Dad didn’t need to waste his time.  When reporters conducted a post-game interview, our Hall of Fame bound safety was nearly in tears over his silly mistake.

Quoth Troy:

First and foremost, I want to apologize for that play.  It was incredibly arrogant and selfish and foolish of me.  I represent something bigger than myself … my faith, my family, and this team.  I’ll try not to ever let that happen again.

From the Skippy Manifesto to James Harrison‘s clumsy attempt to explain he likes hurting people, not injuring them, this has been a banner year for Steeler quotes.  But this may be the most amazing one of all.  You seldom hear a player admit he blew a coverage or ran the wrong route.  Troy is apologizing for the play WHICH WON THE GAME.

Terrell Owens dropped a big pass late in the game.  Did he apologize?  Of course not, he blamed Carson Palmer instead.  Eagles wide receiver Desean Jackson pulled one of the biggest dick moves of the season on his 91 yard touchdown catch on Sunday night.  Did he apologize for his antics?  Why should he when ESPN will air it 538 times over the next week?

Florida Gators fans went nuts when Tim Tebow made a heartfelt speech after an embarrassing loss to Ole Miss.  “The Promise” has since been immortalized by a plaque outside the team’s home, Griffin Stadium.  No offense to one of the finest role models in all of sports but Troy’s apology is even more deserving of such an honor.  Unlike so many prima donna athletes in this Me First era, he clearly understands the importance of being a man of faith and a Pittsburgh Steeler.  His words should serve as a shining example of what it means to be a true hero.