Category: NFL

Man accuses NFL’s Aaron Donald of assault at Pittsburgh club

Man accuses NFL’s Aaron Donald of assault at Pittsburgh club
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A lawyer is telling Pittsburgh police that Los Angeles Rams player Aaron Donald and others assaulted his 26-year-old client at a nightclub last weekend, causing multiple injuries. Attorney Todd Hollis said Wednesday that De’Vincent Spriggs required 16 stitches. Spriggs suffered a broken orbital bone in his head, a broken nose and a sprained or broken arm at a bar around 3 a.m. Sunday. Hollis says a misunderstanding that Spriggs bumped into Donald precipitated the alleged assault. Hollis released a photo that showed Spriggs with facial injuries and swelling. Donald played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. The Rams said they were looking into the matter.

Steelers re-sign WR Ray-Ray McCloud to 1-year deal

Steelers re-sign WR Ray-Ray McCloud to 1-year deal
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ray-Ray McLoud’s solid season with the Pittsburgh Steelers earned the wide receiver/returner a second stint with the team. The Steelers signed McCloud to a one-year deal to give them some depth at the position with the impending departure of JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency. McCloud averaged 10.3 yards per punt return and 23.1 yards per kickoff return last season. He also caught 20 passes for 77 yards and ran for 65 yards on four carries.

Thursday Marks 20th Anniversary of Three Rivers Stadium Implosion.

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the implosion of Three Rivers Stadium on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Three Rivers was the home of the Pirates, Steelers, and even the Pittsburgh Maulers at one point during its history.
Both the Steelers and Pirates played there from the time the $55 million multi use stadium opened on July 16, 1970 when the Bucs donned a new style uniform to take on the The Reds until its implosion in 2001. The Bucs lost to the Reds 3-2 that day. The stadium’s capacity was 59,000 people.
The Final game ever played at was on Dec 16, 2000 as Steelers Legends Jack Lambert, Franco Harris, Jack Ham, and Mel Blount twirled Terrible Towels as they walked out for the coin toss, which was the only thing to go the Redskin’s way that afternoon.

Coach Bill Cowher started quarterback Kordell Stewart who, combined with Jerome Bettis, steamrolled over the Redskins to a massive 24-3 victory.

The Steelers did not qualify for the play-offs that year.

Thousands of people watched the implosion from Point State Park, Mount Washington and at home on TV.

Colts QB Rivers, 39, retires from NFL after 17 seasons

Colts QB Rivers, 39, retires from NFL after 17 seasons
By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Longtime NFL quarterback Philip Rivers has decided to retire after playing one season with the Indianapolis Colts. His decision at age 39 comes less than two weeks after the Colts suffered a 27-24 loss at Buffalo in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Rivers spent his first 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers after they acquired him in a draft-day trade that sent Eli Manning to the New York Giants in 2004. Rivers finishes his career ranked among the league’s top five in career completions, career yards passing and career TDs. His 240 consecutive regular-season starts was the second-longest streak since 1970, trailing only Brett Favre. He never played in a Super Bowl.

Steelers part ways with Randy Fichtner, 2 assistants

Steelers part ways with Randy Fichtner, 2 assistants
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaking up their coaching staff. The team announced offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and assistants Shaun Sarrett and Tom Bradley will not be back following a first-round playoff loss to Cleveland. Fichtner spent 14 seasons with the Steelers and was promoted to offensive coordinator three years ago. Yet Pittsburgh’s offense struggled down the stretch this season following an 11-0 start. The decision to not retain Fichtner could impact whether quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returns in 2021. Roethlisberger and Fichtner have a close relationship dating back to Fichtner’s stint as quarterbacks coach from 2010-18.

Browns get back 3, not top corner Denzel Ward for Steelers

Browns get back 3, not top corner Denzel Ward for Steelers
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns finally caught a needed break when safety Ronnie Harrison, tight end Harrison Bryant and linebacker Malcolm Smith were activated from the COVID-19 list to play in Sunday night’s wild-card game at Pittsburgh. However, the team will not have top cornerback Denzel Ward, who tested positive with the virus last week and isn’t ready to play. The Browns are short-handed for their first playoff game since the 2002 season. Coach Kevin Stefanski and Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio both tested positive this week and can not take part in the game. The Browns have lost 17 straight games at Heinz Field.

Steelers QB Rudolph shows poise in return to Cleveland

Steelers QB Rudolph shows poise in return to Cleveland
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph’s return to Cleveland was a success everywhere but the scoreboard. Rudolph threw for a career-high 313 yards and two touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 24-22 loss to the Browns while filling in for starter Ben Roethlisberger. Rudolph also exchanged pleasantries with Cleveland’s Myles Garrett afterward. The two shook hands in an attempt to put their ugly 2019 brawl behind them. Coach Mike Tomlin called Rudolph’s performance “gritty.” Rudolph will return to his backup role next week when the Steelers host Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs next Sunday night.

Steelers select T.J. Watt as team MVP for second time

Steelers select T.J. Watt as team MVP for second time
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected outside linebacker T.J. Watt as the team’s Most Valuable Player for a second straight year. Watt is the first player to win the award in consecutive seasons since outside linebacker James Harrison in 2007 and 2008. Watt’s 15 sacks lead the NFL and are one short of the franchise record set by Harrison. Watt’s play has also thrust him into the NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Watt says he’s more proud of being the team MVP because it is voted on by people who see him go to work every day.

Browns trying to shake COVID-19 issues as Steelers await

Browns trying to shake COVID-19 issues as Steelers await
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns’ COVID-19 issues aren’t easing. Cleveland closed its facility and delayed practice for the second straight day after two more players tested positive with the virus. The team’s latest COVID-19 situation has further impacted the Browns’ ability to prepare for Sunday’s big game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A win will put the Browns in the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The Steelers are resting several starters, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He’s 23-2-1 in his career against Cleveland. An NFL spokesman said the status for the game has not changed while standard contact tracing continues.

Steelers WR Claypool taking breakout rookie season in stride

Steelers WR Claypool taking breakout rookie season in stride
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool says he’s ready for the playoffs. Claypool’s rookie season began with a torrid start. He scored 10 touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s first 10 games, but hasn’t reached the end zone for five straight weeks. Claypool says his dip in production is a sign of respect because defenses are playing him differently than they were earlier in the season. Claypool and the rest of the AFC North champions finish up the regular season against rival Cleveland.