The Morning Cup of Black & Gold: Hines Ward Arrested for DUI

I can’t believe this.  I just can’t, and I’m pretty speechless over this.  TMZ is usually spot on with their news (go figure), and they have reported this morning that Hines Ward was arrested last night down in Georgia with a DUI.  Really?  Yeah, just don’t know what to say.  Is there any Steeler safe from offseason troubles anymore?  Well I can tell you this at least – all that awesome PR he got while on DWTS just got thrown out the window.

Mike Tomlin is in Hampton Roads (that’s in Virginia) for the Hampton Roads Youth Foundation and their 15th Annual Free Football Camp.  Monday he will be heading back to the ‘Burgh to continue getting ready for the upcoming season – which could be coming sooner than later.  Tomlin is hopeful that is also true and realizes the damaging effect this lockout has had with fans.

It appeared that when the the 8th Circuit ruled in favor of the owners by upholding the lockout that the labor talks could have taken a few steps backwards.  After all, the owners gained another piece of leverage by gaining more legal favor in the courts.  I was ready to hear something along the lines of the owners wanting to rehash out the revenue sharing bit that is reported to almost be settled.  According to Ryan Clark, after participating in a conference call with De Smith, all talks continue to move forward in a positive direction.  That’s very good news to hear.  Perhaps the owners realize the financial impact that is at stake if there is no season – to themselves and to their cities.  Ok, probably mainly to just themselves.  I’m still sticking with my July 22nd prediction, but something could be settled next week.