Injuries, Exits Cap Off Rough Sports Week in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh sports fans pride themselves on their dedication to their teams. While there are elements of all fan bases that take things a bit too seriously, for the most part, the fans of the three professional sports teams of this city are worthy of respect.

The best of the bunch are able to lovingly embrace each of the teams: the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers. One might even say that there are many in the ranks that look at these teams as a type of family member. Enough effort and interest is spent on the moving and shaking of each franchise to say these are additional or substitute children for many.

If you think that is far-fetched, you probably have a better balance in your life regarding sports obsession than the majority, especially those dingbats that spend their writing and reading articles such as this one.

People with multiple children often say that it is impossible to pick a favorite, and that all of the kids are loved in separate but equal ways. The Pittsburgh sports family is no different.

The Steelers are the successful, oldest child. They carry the prestige of a doctor and often can do no wrong in the eyes of the masses. While it is fun and chic to take shots at the throne from time to time, the fact of the matter is that they have earned their place as top dog.

The Penguins are the middle child. More often than not, they do well, but over the years they certainly have demonstrated an occasional difficulty with their finances. Nonetheless, the proud “parents” of the town have a special place in their heart for them.

Then we come to the Pirates. To some, they are disowned because of their actions. For those that cannot bring themselves to give up on them, as long as they do not end up in prison, the love is still there.

This past week was a particularly difficult one for fans of these teams. If you love all three like children, than it was a brutal week.

One would have to do some very in-depth research to find a week that had such across-the-board negativity regarding each of these franchises.

The local Titan of sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers made the biggest splash by releasing or announcing their intention to release three all-time great players. No disrespect meant to Chris Kemeoatu, his release is an afterthought compared to the other players that are leaving. The players that are leaving each had immeasurable contributions to the franchise and its two new-generation Super Bowl victories.

James Farrior played 10 seasons for the team. He had over 100 combined tackles in six of those seasons. Perhaps more impressive than his raw numbers, he also only missed six games during that time span, and did not miss a start in each of the games played. Aaron Smith was also sent packing. Smith was the most injury-prone of the trio, but most players on the defense cited his importance to the layout and execution of the defense.

In the post-1990 Pittsburgh Steelers era, there may not be a roster move bigger than the Hines Ward purge. For the most part, Ward is thought of as a prototypical Steeler. His career was full of consistency, hard work, and the rule-bending play that Steelers fans love (that is not meant as a criticism, for the record). He may end up representing the team in the Hall of Fame, but he had already carved out a legacy in this city that places him alongside the greats of the 1970s. That alone, is worthy of respect.

The Penguins were not to be outdone, though. Even though it was a positive, the week started off with GM Ray Shero deciding to not make any moves at the trade deadline. For whatever reason, there are fans that were highly upset by this.

It certainly is not a new story, but another week of Sidney Crosby-less games passed for the franchise. He continues to make progress, so we are told, but there is something highly depressing about a great player being rendered ineffective for such a long period of time.

Pens-world took a turn for the worse on Wednesday, when Kris Letang took a high hit from Eric Nystrom that left the hockey community with much to debate. That is a story for another article. All that matters is Letang has concussion symptoms and is shelved until those subside.

Our old friend, the Civic Arena, made progress in its move towards annihilation. It appears that less than half of the famed roof remains, and the overall project is said to be entering its final few months. The removal has been controversial, but even for those in support, seeing the Igloo go has been emotional.

The Penguins also ruffled some feathers among their season ticket holders, as the deposit for the 2012-2013 season came due. By most accounts, it seems that a 10-percent hike was the rule. Playoff prices are also priced high and message boards such as letsgopens.com had much discussion on the matter and the premier voice of the Pens fan, The Pensblog had an “open letter” from a ticket holder to the team voicing many displeasures with the pricing, game experience, and CONSOL Energy Center.

After this week, one can only hope that the ceremony to unveil the Mario Lemieux statue goes off without any dents or Flyers fans present.

Lastly, the Pittsburgh Pirates opened spring training. Ba-doomp-tiss! Seriously though, the Pirates just finished an off-season that witnessed them pick up some players such as Clint Barmes, Erik Bedard, Rod Barajas, Casey McGehee, Nate McClouth and A.J. Burnett. While they are not a very smart pick to win the division or make the expanded playoff field, Pirates fans will take adding players over losing them any day.

Burnett was the player with the highest profile, based both on his accomplishments and the trade talks that managed to take up quite a bit of time. The Buccos should be congratulated on taking on more salary to give up lesser prospects in the trade regardless of the results.

The results, unfortunately, are going to be delayed by a few months. Sadly, Burnett was participating in bunting drills and tipped one at his own face which caused fractures in the orbital bone. Perhaps this was just a way for the union to argue for a designated hitter in both leagues, but for now the Pirates are again burdened with the widely held (and potentially correct) theory that they are cursed.

For all of this to have happened in the same week is amazing and quite cruel. This was a week that Pittsburgh sports fans would love to forget, but will always remember. Better days will be ahead.

Related posts:

1. Pittsburgh Penguins: A Few Observations on Inexplicable Injuries
2. Week 8 Preview: Pittsburgh-New England an Offensive Battle
3. Kunitz Signs 2-Year Extension: Penguins Salary Cap Implications
4. Try as They May-Injuries Will Not Keep the Steelers Down