The Steelers have an injury report as thick as a John Grisham novel, but the biggest issue is the gyrations of a wide receiver?
First, be thankful that Antonio Brown is around to cause this debate. He is arguably the best receiver in the NFL and, along with Ben Roethlisberger, the main reason the Steelers have such a dynamic offense.
Also know this about Brown: While he can be a diva and seems to be addicted to the spotlight, those traits don't affect his performance. Roethlisberger has said repeatedly that nobody outworks Brown on the practice field or the video room. He's a former sixth-round pick who has willed himself to become an impact player in the NFL.
All that said, why does he persist in being shortsighted and selfish about trivial touchdown celebrations?
In the past Brown has put himself in physical peril by somersaulting into the end zone and slamming himself into the goal post.
To what end? For 10 seconds of freak video time on ESPN, he's going to risk an injury?
Lately he's been grinding his hips in a celebratory dance, and that's earned him a couple of penalties and fines from the NFL.
Last week he got a $24,000 fine and complained that the NFL isn't clear on what is allowed.
Why does it even have to be an issue? There are rules that players don't like. A lot of people don't like speed limits and restrictions on red light right turns, but that doesn't give them the right to ignore the laws.
They're ticketing for hip grinding. So understand that and knock it off. It's not complicated.
If Brown wants to pay the fines, it's his money and his business. But the penalties come with a 15-yard walk off, which affects the people who blocked and did the hard work that helped him score that touchdown. Maybe they're not OK with losing 15 yards for no good reason other than someone's ego gratification.
Would it be so bad if he tossed the ball aside and just raised his arms in the air? Would anybody walk away from Heinz Field feeling disappointed that the price of a ticket didn't deliver 10 seconds of Antonio Brown hip thrusting?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the NFL is the No Fun League and they're a bunch of stodgy old guys who don't understand the modern world. Tell it to the judge.
The rules are on the books. They're being enforced.
Understand that, and adjust.
Does a guy who competed on "Dancing With The Stars" really need to polish his reputation as someone who can shake his hips?
Brown is already a great player. Now maybe he could be a smart one, too.
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--PERFECT GUESTS
Impressive to see the Penguins show up nice and classy for their White House visit the other day.
They were all dressed in dark suits, all respectful of their surroundings and grateful for the recognition.
President Obama rose to the occasion by flawlessly delivering prepared lines without mispronouncing any names and leaving everyone with the likely false impression that he was closely following hockey last season.
The Penguins once went to the White House to have George H.W. Bush say, "And you are...?" as Mario Lemieux approached him to present a jersey.
That sort of thing works both ways. When Bush was campaigning in 1988, he stopped by the Pirates' clubhouse in Houston. Wise guy pitcher Dave LaPoint shook his hand and say, "Hey, really enjoy your (Busch) beer."
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--DOLLAR VALUE
Pitt doesn't have the best football team, but is there any other school that gives its fans so much drama?
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--EXTENDED RUN
The Penguins open the season on Thursday against Washington.
Last season ran 248 days, from Oct. 8 to June 12.
Pace yourself.
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