This offseason, the Steelers cut Cedrick Wilson after he got into a physical altercation with his girlfriend at a local Mexican eatery. Later, the club pretended it wasn't paying attention when Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison was charged with slapping his girlfriend, and the media soon accused the team of having different rules for different players.
Apparently, that's changed; last night, Santonio Holmes was arrested for marijuana possession and the Steelers have decided to deactivate their big-play threat for this Sunday's matchup against the Giants.
"When you're a great team, there will be distractions," head coach Mike Tomlin told Pittsburgh's WPXI. Well, there are other distractions to add to the list: left tackle Marvel Smith, cornerback Bryant McFadden, and running back Willie Parker will all be out with injuries, and defensive end Aaron Smith will also miss the game for personal reasons. Oh, and Troy Polamalu is probably still punch drunk after cracking noggins with the Bengals' Cedric Benson last week. On the upside, Ben Roethlisberger feels great!
Nate Washington will replace Holmes, and both Dallas Baker, who spent last year on the practice squad, and rookie second-rounder Limas Sweed, will be on the game-day roster.
As for the Giants, barring a setback, it looks like Plaxico Burress will play. He was in the hospital yesterday morning, but practiced earlier today. So there's that.
And I suppose it's safe to assume that Pittsburgh police officer James Vogel didn't explain to the Steelers organization that getting caught with weed isn't a crime worthy of suspension. Thanks, James. For nothing.
Sports
Hat tip: PFT
