Tell Me The Cards Didn't Call Re Ben Roethlisberger

[Reddog]

On 620 this am they played a clip of John Clayton saying he heard the Cards had called inquiring about Ben Roethlisberger. How do you let something that damning get out if true? Not that we would actually do it but that we would even engage in the conversation. Not good from a PR standpoint or for Lienart to hear.

 

[Fitz Rulz]

you don't know who leaked it
could be the Steelers, to get attention and attract more teams

 

[CaptTurbo]

Id trade Matt and our 1st for Ben and their first. Of course Ben would have to sign a new contract that has clauses in which the cards would get their guarenteed money back if he commits a crime.

 

[Reddog]

you don't know who leaked it
could be the Steelers, to get attention and attract more teams

I assume it was someone with the Steelers and it could have been an unofficial call between old friends laughing about the situation and was misinterpreted gossip but having it come from Clayton vs some lame website gives it more credibility than it should probably have.

 

[Evil Ash]

you don't know who leaked it
could be the Steelers, to get attention and attract more teams

Possible.

Of course our reason for calling may be to gauge what the price tag would be for him considering one of the teams that was rumored to be one of his strongest suitors happens to be a division rival (SF).

Considering how ugly the relationship with Whis and Ben got (Whis called Ben out on his poor work ethic publicly, Ben in turn insults Whis), I don't know how genuine our interest was.

 

[Billy Bob]

On 620 this am they played a clip of John Clayton saying he heard the Cards had called inquiring about Ben Roethlisberger. How do you let something that damning get out if true? Not that we would actually do it but that we would even engage in the conversation. Not good from a PR standpoint or for Lienart to hear.

When asked yesterday on ktar Whiz basically said no comment because of tampering rules.....

 

[Mulli]

Leinart.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Id trade Matt and our 1st for Ben and their first. Of course Ben would have to sign a new contract that has clauses in which the cards would get their guarenteed money back if he commits a crime.

So you start Derek Anderson for 6 weeks waiting for Ben? No way. If we weren't the 2 time defending NFC West champion maybe. We can't afford to make a play like this to start the year.

 

[Cardiac]

Possible.

Of course our reason for calling maybe to gauge what the price tag would be for him considering one of the teams that was rumored to be one of his strongest suitors happens to be a division rival (SF).

Considering how ugly the relationship with Whis and Ben got (Whis called Ben out on his poor work ethic publicly, Ben in turn insults Whis), I don't know how genuine our interest was.

This the explanation I'm hoping for. Whis commented during his interview on KTAR this week that he received calls from teams about trading picks and you have to be careful because they could be simply getting info on your draft plans.

 

[MadCardDisease]

I don't believe anything that is reported this week unless it actually happens.

 

[az jam]

I don't see the Bidwills ever willing to bring Rothlisberger here. Love them or hate them they are family and community oriented.

 

[Mulli]

Cards get Big Ben. I am totally out of being a fan of them forever.

 

[jf-08]

Clayton said no offer was made, it seemed like a fact finding mission to see what actually the Steelers were asking for him.

IMO, we are not interested.

 

[CaptTurbo]

So you start Derek Anderson for 6 weeks waiting for Ben? No way. If we weren't the 2 time defending NFC West champion maybe. We can't afford to make a play like this to start the year.

I'd be OK with that. I dont think Anderson is awful. probably on par with Matt right now with the offense. Of course Id prefer Bulger over Anderson.

 

[Tyler]

Holmbergs morning sickness on KUPD had a segment on this today. He had supposed Cardinals fans call in with their thoughts on getting Ben. All of them said hell yea bring him in, a 9ers guy said bring him to AZ too because it will show signs that we are "reaching" Oh well, I dont want anything to do with him, but if he does come here it wont cause me to be a 9ers fan Mulli.

 

[Buckybird]

I assume it was someone with the Steelers and it could have been an unofficial call between old friends laughing about the situation and was misinterpreted gossip but having it come from Clayton vs some lame website gives it more credibility than it should probably have.

I would say 95% of what Clayton says never comes true. In my book he's the worst NFL expert on TV. Don't you find it interesting that breaking news seems to always come from Schefter or Mort?

 

[SuperSpck]

I'd be pretty bummed, I might have to take a long moment and make a decision or two about the nature of my fandom.

 

[Angel]

Cards get Big Ben. I am totally out of being a fan of them forever.

I never thought a situation would occur that would make me think like this. But this could be it.

Ben and his situation aside, It would be a monumentally stupid business move. Over pay for a starting QB suspended til week 7, that would have a terrible time behind our line, who has a negative history with our HC, a coach we have all but anointed?

We have clawed our way to a bit of respect, this would be so out of character for the team that has fought for that respect I am not sure I financially support such a error in judgment.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Please no...If Cards make the trade they are basically conceeding the season and Big Ben is a jackass. You dont want him so close to ASU...

 

[Sandan]

I assume it was someone with the Steelers and it could have been an unofficial call between old friends laughing about the situation and was misinterpreted gossip but having it come from Clayton vs some lame website gives it more credibility than it should probably have.

It could also have been draft day misdirection

 

[Shogun]

I'd be a sad panda if the Cardinals traded for him.

 

[Rivercard]

Over pay for a starting QB suspended til week 7,

Ben is 28, so I assume it would be a long term decision of which 6 games is a minor fraction. Plus, I believe the commish has the option to lower the suspension to 4 games with good behavior. I'd give up our first for him. A chance at a top tier QB doesn't come along very often. Give him a new start an AZ and hope for the best.

 

[JeffGollin]

There are 2 perspectives from which to look at this?

1. Would (should) the Steelers trade him away?

2. Would (should) the Cardinals trade for him?

I mulled over perspective #1 and came up with the following:

If you were the Rooneys and you were mapping out the destiny of the Steelers 1, 3 & 5 years out, what would life be like in Pittsburgh with Roethlisburger still the starting QB?

A case could be made that he'd wind up being the centerpiece in a "soap opera" distraction that would be a millstone around the neck of the franchise. The Rooney's might simply decide that it's time to make a clean break right now and then move on.

From the Cardinals' standpoint, setting the personal-issues aside for a moment, it would come down to how much they'd have to give up in order to bring in a young QB capable of taking them to the Super Bowl each year. (I'm guessing that the price would be too expensive - we'd have to sacrifice too much at other positions or in draft picks to make the deal worthwhile).

Then add in the personal-issues and other risk factors - there's the "character issue", the marketing issue (of alienating fans), the suspension issue (one more misstep and poof!), the future behavior issue (can you really ever change behavior in an adult)? and the "we know him/you don't/he's really an OK guy" issue.

All told (admittedly without knowing all the ins and outs), I'd think the ratiio of risks + costs vs. benefits ratio would be too steep.

 

[slinslin]

For the right price, yes.

Matt Leinart and #3 or #4 for Big Ben and #2. : )

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Possible.

Of course our reason for calling may be to gauge what the price tag would be for him considering one of the teams that was rumored to be one of his strongest suitors happens to be a division rival (SF).

Considering how ugly the relationship with Whis and Ben got (Whis called Ben out on his poor work ethic publicly, Ben in turn insults Whis), I don't know how genuine our interest was.

and add to this the Bidwill's aversion to "low-life".