Former Pittsburgh Steelers great Jerome Bettis is weighing in on the Antonio Brown/Pittsburgh Steelers saga.
Jerome Bettis just wants to see everyone in the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room, including Antonio Brown, happy again, and winning games.
After a tumultuous season that ended in failing to make the postseason for the first time since 2013, the Steelers are quickly bursting at the seams that started with Le’Veon Bell holding out for a bigger contract this season, and ended with Antonio Brown saying in so many words that he would rather play somewhere else.
But Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis, and Pittsburgh Steeler legend, is hoping a little course correction could salvage the relationship between Brown and the Steelers organization.
“I think the organization is better with him than without him,” Bettis told FanSided’s Mark Carman. “It’s going to take both sides to make that happen. It’s not a one sided street, and it’s going to take both sides to get that done.”
While Brown has professed his interest on social media that he would like a change of scenery, specifically to the San Francisco 49ers, there is still time for both sides to work toward a reunion instead of the Steelers shipping off their best player.
This isn’t an issue that is just between Brown and a few players or coaches, the entire organization as well as Brown have a hand in this situation getting as messy as it has become.
While it hasn’t gone as far as players cleaning out Brown’s locker for him like they did to Bell, there have been subtle shots from all sides that would make you think this drama was happening in the NBA. Although it looks like there is no going back for either side, Bettis thinks some key changes could help the Steelers move past this with or without Brown.
“Now its been proven that you cant macro manage, you have to micro manage these situations,” Bettis said. “You have to treat everyone consistent, that’s the only way you’ll be able to regain what you lost in the locker room.”
It’s not just about coach Mike Tomlin taking more control of the locker room, but letting everyone know that no one player is bigger than the rest of the team.
“Everyone has to be held to a certain standard and that shouldn’t waver,” Bettis said. “If guys aren’t willing to conform under those circumstances then they’ve chosen what they want to do and they choose not to be there.”
Tomlin has long received criticism for his leadership style, but Bettis doesn’t think he should be faulted for that, but rather given credit for trying to give players freedom to handle themselves. These are grown men we’re talking about here. Unfortunately, in this situation, that style no longer works and it’s time for some change.