For ten years, Doug Whaley was the professional personnel coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He helped incorporate players such as Lawrence Timmons and Troy Polamalu and was part of two Super Bowl championships. So when Steelers speaks, we listen.
On Monday, Whaley continued with 93.7 The Fan and was asked how he would handle the situation with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his contract. Whaley was tactical but direct in saying that he would make the team continue without Roethlisberger.
Personally, I would say, “Thank you, Ben, you’re the best, we wouldn’t have two Super Bowl trophies without you, you’ll be a first-class Hall of Famer, we’ll play the Hall of Fame game when you’re incorporated, we’ll put you back the wall, but thanks for your service, we will have to go in a different direction for both of you.
The Steelers are in a tough spot with Roethlisberger, who wants to return, and his massive contract. Certainly, Pittsburgh approaches this as a business decision and, as we have seen in the past when it comes to star players, the front office has no hesitation in moving forward without them.