For 10 years, Doug Whaley was the professional personnel coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He helped bring in players like Lawrence Timmons and Troy Polamalu and was part of two Super Bowl championships. So, when he speaks Steelers, we listen.
On Monday, Whaley went on 93.7 The Fan and was asked how he would handle the situation with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his contract. Whaley was diplomatic, but straightforward in saying he would make the team move forward without Roethlisberger.
I personally would say ‘Thanks, Ben, you’re the best, we wouldn’t have two Super Bowl trophies without you, you’ll be a Hall of Fame from the first vote, we’ll play the Hall of Fame game when you’re introduced, we’ll have to come back to put it on the wall, but thanks for your service, we’re going to have to go in a different direction for both of us.
The Steelers are in a difficult situation with Roethlisberger, who wants to return, and his massive contract. Pittsburgh is certainly approaching this as a business decision and, as we have seen in the past, when it comes to famous players, the front office has no qualms about moving forward without them.