For those of you who are busy writing out Daryl Washington's obituary, I want to give you all one name to remember while doing so:
Ben Roethlisberger.
Remember when Big Ben was going through his rape chargers? Who was his coordinator? Bruce Arians. Twice he was accused, and you can argue he got off on the second one due to a technicality. But each time, Bruce had his back. So much so that when Bruce was purged from the Steeler's coaching staff, Big Ben lobbied to the front office to get him back.
During these events, Big Ben was labeled a "screw up" and there were reports of him being traded or released. But since his suspension, Roethlisberger has not found himself in anytrouble since, is still the captain of the offense, and is still a productive QB. Today, Steeler fans have largely forgiven and forgotten about the events, and the front office and coaching staff (Bruce included) look smart for giving him that support.
What does this have to do with the price of tea in Arizona? Daryl Washington is drawing the ire of many fans. He just got busted for drugs and will have to serve a four-game suspension. He is wanted for questioning in a domestic violence case. His stock is pretty low at the moment. But much like Big Ben, I expect Bruce to support Washington through this matter with hopes that he matures and becomes the unquestioned leader of this defense. People make mistakes, sometimes numerous ones; especially those at Washington's age.
With that said, before we start jumping to conclusions about Washington being jettisoned from the team, or even being found guilty in this DV case, remember how our coach was one of the few who stood by the side of one of the league's most loathed individuals. By comparison, Washington's situation is rather benign. Let this thing pass, hope that he matures from this, and continue to marvel at his playmaking ability.
