As a writer/blogger/podcaster/complete idiot-at-times of all things Steelers, I have to admit that I am not perfect. I make mistakes from time to time simply because I’m in a hurry or am writing at all hours of the night but I admit when I’m wrong.
I’m opinionated and often those opinions are disagreed with and this why it’s an ‘opinion.’ I realize when I put something out there it might not be seen favorably and that’s OK. If it sparks discussion, then perhaps it’s worth it.
I can’t say the same for the so-called “national NFL guys.” For the second time (at least) Jason LaCanfora decided to throw a Steeler under the bus.
Earlier this season he claimed that Casey Hampton was going to be cut yet wouldn’t cite any sources. This obviously did not happen.
Last weekend, LaCanfora stated that “Steelers’ players were frustrated that QB Ben Roethlisberger didn’t practice on Friday.”
Oh really? So I asked LaCanfora several times via Twitter if he could share who these ‘players’ were and I received, as expected, the sounds of crickets in an open field. For all I know there may have been one or two guys who said as much or there may have been no one. LaCanfora was trying to get the jump on a story that didn’t exist based solely on Roethlisberger’s past.
What pisses me off is that these national guys can just throw anything to the wall and whether it sticks or not is no care of theirs as long as it stirs the pot. Never-mind if there is any truth behind the comments because there are no repercussions unless low-level hacks like me call them out.
I don’t have the opportunity to speak with players and coaches like our local beat writers and national guys get to so I often have to choose carefully the sources of my information. I have found that the more and more I write and research that if you want good, accurate Pittsburgh Steelers’ information then I suggest you stick with the local guys and of course myself (shameless plug).
We don’t have the liberty of just throwing out inaccurate bits of news if we want an audience and any form of respect from readers. LaCanfora isn’t alone when it comes to Steelers’ news being wrong. Mike Florio has had his share of boners and even a few local guys have too. It happens from time to time, but when they don’t fess up to it and act as though it never happened it brings the rest of us down.
My point is this; Take your Steelers’ news with a grain of salt because you just never know when it is going to be backed up by fact or not.
Marc Uhlmann writes for and co-owns www.steelcityblitz.com. Follow him on Twitter @steeldad and follow the website at @SCBlitz. He can be heard Mondays on Trib-Live Radio at 4pm ET talking Steelers.
