*UPDATE* (Colbert speaks) ... According to LaConfora, Hines not returning

http://sports-kings.com/?p=9607

Not much else on this so far, and the link isn't something i'd confirm this on. Post any other links or articles ya'll can find.

if this is true, this kinda sucks

i was hoping that he would stay for at least one more year

I'm devastated, to be quite honest. It hasn't been confirmed by any local Pittsburgh media, or even Hines himself. I'm skeptical as of right now.

Hines Ward is one of the iconic Pittsburgh Steelers. As such, Ward playing football in anything but black and gold would feel like a mismatch.

But NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora told “NFL Total Access” Friday that Ward won’t be back next season, according to his sources.


As the Steelers work to restructure contracts and manuever below the salary cap, the circumstances are dictating the twilight of Ward’s 14-year career. On the books, he has one year and $4 million left on his current contract. On the field, Ward also took a backseat to youngsters Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, posting his lowest receiving totals since his rookie season in 1998.

The Steelers have adjusted the contracts of CB Ike Taylor and linebackers Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley. They might not be done, as La Canfora suggested S Troy Polamalu ($6.25 million next season) and QB Ben Roethlisberger ($11.6) could be next.

Ward has left the window open to playing elsewhere next season, but the choice might not be his if he can’t work out his own restructured deal.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/02/10/la-canfora-steelers-wont-bring-back-ward/?module=HP11_headline_stack

Yeah, that's basically where the first report stemmed from, it's nothing new.

Updated: February 11, 2012, 9:21 AM ET
Report: Steelers won't keep Hines Ward

ESPN.com news services
The Pittsburgh Steelers, with a Hines Ward roster-bonus deadline fast approaching, have decided not to keep the veteran receiver, the NFL Network has reported, citing unnamed sources.

Ward, who lost his starting job in 2011, was scheduled to make $4 million in the last two years of his contract but has said he was willing to take a pay cut.

A decision is required by March 1 to satisfy a clause in his contract.

(Read More:) http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7564969/pittsburgh-steelers-plan-keep-hines-ward-report-says

i wonder if they're gonna try to bring back Cotchery

bayz101 wrote:

I'm devastated, to be quite honest. It hasn't been confirmed by any local Pittsburgh media, or even Hines himself. I'm skeptical as of right now.

Pretty much this.

SteelerTide wrote:

bayz101 wrote:

I'm devastated, to be quite honest. It hasn't been confirmed by any local Pittsburgh media, or even Hines himself. I'm skeptical as of right now.

Pretty much this.

Yeah, this sucks, but I can't say I'm entirely surprised considering the cap situation and Hines' decline this season. I still wish we could bring him back, but saving a roster spot for a possible 5th wide receiver who won't play special teams doesn't seem viable. They are trying to re-sign Wallace and Cotchery, both who are better than Hines at this stage of his career. The young WRs have, unfortunately, made Hines expendable and there is good and bad in that. Great that we have such a talented WR group, but sad to see a legend like Hines get pushed out like this.

I'd like to see Hines return as a WRs coach for us when he decides to hang it up. Our WRs could certainly benefit from his experience and hard-nosed approach to the game. I just hope wherever Hines ends up, he's happy and isn't whipping our boys' asses.

If this is the end, thanks for all of the great memories and top-notch service to the team, Hines. We'll see you in the Hall of Fame, brother! :helmet:

I hope they cut him, get the 4 mil back for the cap, and then resign him for the vet league minimum. I would be absolutely sick to see him in anything else but a Steeler uniform. Please don't turn into Jerry Rice Hines!!

very sad if true. his leadership is needed for the young ones. I bet he is resigned at minimum

@ScottBrown_Trib: Hines Ward's representatives have yet to hear from Steelers.

bayz101 wrote:

@ScottBrown_Trib: Hines Ward's representatives have yet to hear from Steelers.

La Canfora and his sources could very well be correct. But I haven't heard it confirmed from any other sources yet. Until then, nothing is a done deal.

Ward reiterates desire to return to Steelers

By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Hines Ward, in response to an NFL Network report that the Steelers won't bring him back for a 15th season, said he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Ward, the Steelers' all-time leading receiver, also said he is willing to work with the team to accommodate his return in 2012.

"I don't normally like to respond to rumors, but as I've said all along, I want to finish my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers," Ward said on his Facebook page. "And as I've already told the organization I am willing to work with them to restructure my contract to male sure this happens."

Read more: Ward reiterates desire to return to Steelers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_781227.html#ixzz1m6iBrtgd
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Ward categorized the report as a rumor, and that's how I'm treating it as well. I'd be really disappointed if Hines had to learn this through the media. He deserves better than that.

I'm treating it entirely as a rumor as well.

NO! NO! NO!

How valid is this report before I freak out??????

He was supposed to meet with Rooney and Tomlin this week...... does this reporter know something that we don't?

WTF???

Gingerchip wrote:

NO! NO! NO!

How valid is this report before I freak out??????

He was supposed to meet with Rooney and Tomlin this week...... does this reporter know something that we don't?

WTF???

So far it's just a "report". Nothing confirmed by the team OR Hines. In fact, Hines has since come out reiterating his desire to restructure and return. He hasn't heard anything. It would be pretty shitty for him to find out through the press after all he's done and meant to the team.

You can come in off the ledge and have a coffee for a bit, Ginger.

So this report is older, right? Nothing new.

I can't imagine this slipping out of the front office to a "source" without Hines knowing.

The Rooney's have more class than that.

Hines said on his facebook page that he will inform his fans before he will allow the press to do so.

I'll come off the ledge if I can have some bailey's or kahlua in that coffee

Gingerchip wrote:

So this report is older, right? Nothing new.

I can't imagine this slipping out of the front office to a "source" without Hines knowing.

The Rooney's have more class than that.

Hines said on his facebook page that he will inform his fans before he will allow the press to do so.

I'll come off the ledge if I can have some bailey's or kahlua in that coffee

It's a new report, but still not confirmed. ESPN and NFL Network are reporting it though, so it must have some legs. I just won't get too upset till it's been confirmed by Ward or the team.

And, can you have some Bailey's or Kahlua in that coffee? Are you kidding? It's almost a requirement here.

I hope it's just a fucking rumor By a I am touching myself inappropriately right now. that didn't have anything to do yesterday

I'm leaning toward the idea that La Confora's source isn't very reliable. That doesn't mean that the Steelers still won't decide to release Ward, but I'm not taking this report as fact.

fer69 wrote:

I hope it's just a fucking rumor By a I am touching myself inappropriately right now. that didn't have anything to do yesterday

fer69 wrote:

I hope it's just a fucking rumor By a I am touching myself inappropriately right now. that didn't have anything to do yesterday

Thanks for that info, fer.

OK....Hines just posted 4 HOURS AGO on facebook:

"I don't normally like to respond to rumors, but as I've said all along, I want to finish my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And as I've already told the organization, I am willing to work with them to restructure my contract to make sure this happens. - HINES


Crap.....I'm confused. I think I need to get a cupcake and drink a bottle of scotch.