Winds of change Steelers cut another fan favorite, leader

Winds of change Steelers cut another fan favorite, leader
Saturday, March 03, 2012
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


The Steelers' March Massacre, three days of bloodletting for their fans, came to an end Friday when James Farrior was told his services were no longer needed.

The action began on Leap Day with the announcement, posted on the team's website, that Hines Ward would soon be released along with a few comments by team president Art Rooney II to send him along his way.

In rapid-fire succession over the next two days came the news that Aaron Smith and Chris Kemoeatu would be released, and, finally on Friday, that Farrior would follow, each time announced by the player's agent.

While most of this was not unexpected, the reality that it happened hit players and fans alike hard. None of the four players has spoken publicly, other than a statement Ward released through his lawyer. Many angry fans let the Steelers know how they felt in phone calls to the team, not to mention those placed to local sports talk radio shows and emails written to the media.

The painful process that began several weeks ago when Bryant McFadden and Arnaz Battle were released claimed captains of all three areas of the team -- offense (Ward), defense (Farrior) and special teams (Battle). Rooney and general manager Kevin Colbert had issued warnings that there were tough decisions to be made because of the bloated salary cap, and the Steelers have made them.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12063/1214207-66.stm?cmpid=steelers.xml#ixzz1o4DViWZh

It been awhile since we've seen at least 7 open roster spots on this team.

Ownership and the FO said it. Tough decisions had to be made. They don't come much tougher than these. It's time for the young guys to step up and assume their roles as future leaders.

I won't hear Bill Hillgrove saying "Potsie on the scene!" anymore!!! Dam, that's sad!!