Posted on 11/13/2004 4:18:53 AM PST by beyond the sea
Bill Parcells wasn't able to rattle him. Bill Belichick, the master of disguise, was unable to unnerve him. Now along comes Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Gerard Warren, admittedly trying to rattle rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and, in the process, threatening physical harm.
Warren told a group of reporters Thursday he will be aiming for Roethlisberger's head when the Steelers and Browns meet tomorrow, even if it means a potential fine.
The league wasted little time reacting to Warren's comments. Commissioner Tagliabue sent letters to Warren and the Browns' organization yesterday, warning that a flagrant foul committed against Roethlisberger could result in Warren's suspension.
"Yeah, we're going across his head, regardless of cost," Warren said. "That's what we get paychecks for: We pay the cost.
Asked if hitting Roethlisberger in the head might result in a hefty fine, Warren said, "It'll be well worth it. You go across somebody's head a time or two, and they'll be looking for you."
"That's my personal way of rattling him," Warren said. "This game is all about being malicious and violent."
Coach Bill Cowher declined comment and instructed his players to do the same.
But wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who is a friend of Warren, said the comments by the former No. 1 pick from Florida were inappropriate.
"When you play this game to hurt people, you don't need to be playing," Burress said. "We all put our pants on the same way and we all have dreams and aspirations.
"He doesn't realize he's not going out playing against just Ben. He's got five guys in front of him he has to get past. This ain't track. This isn't a one-on-one game."
Then, smiling, Burress said, "I thought I raised him better than that."
(Excerpt) Read more at post-gazette.com ...
He who makes threats and acts like Mr. Hard-*ss may just get his! I'll be watching tomorrow.
The game is about money. Health = more money due to longevity. Warren is just begging to receive a Theisman leg on the field. No offensive line will put up with such threats to their QB.
Teach him a lesson tomorrow, Plax.
Pittsburgh 27, Cleveland 13. That will do!
This guy should be suspended for the season, if not permanently.
Right on! The Steelers do not resort to "cut-blocking" against defensive lineman, as it is illegal and dangerous to the guy getting "cut". But Warren sure is asking for some nasty dealing.
The Steeler offensive line is great so far this year, working very well together, and Warren may have a long day ......... or a very short one!
Another overpaid thug. If he injures Ben, let the Steeler fans have him.
Though, I don't think the NFL is going to let one of their rising young stars get whacked without major payback. If big Ben keeps playing like he's been playing...that's alot of future $$$ for the league.
Then there was Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, the Kansas City cornerback who parlayed his tough-guy image into a few action-movie roles. Just before the Chiefs played the Packers in Super Bowl I, Williamson promised to level a few Green Bay receivers with the forearm shiver that was his trademark.
Instead, with the game safely put away, the Packers pulled guard Gale Gillingham and ran a sweep at - and directly over - Williamson in the fourth quarter. "Laid him out like a bear rug, too," a Packer official recalled Tuesday - 36 years later. "Some hammer."
Classic Lombardi - preparation meeting opportunity. :-)
You're right. Eyeballs will be all over this game!
Ben is one very, very cool customer. I've been watching pro football for over 50 years, and I played some professional sports, and this kid is FOR REAL!
He is going to have his bad days like anyone else who is young, but really, he has been extraordinary so far. He's not fast-a-foot, but he makes all the little moves (ala Dan Marino and Montana - both Pittsburghers) to just stay out of the reach of the defensive charge. He has a great arm, and can "take something off it", throw the floaters when he needs to. He throws well across his body and on the run and is just a real nice, unassuming kid...... and he's BIG!
I'm wishing for the best for him, because in this day of huge egos and loud-mouth players (Warren, etc.), Ben is a refreshing fellow. He has renewed the excitement here in the Burgh, and I'm hoping he does well tomorrow. But anything can happen on any Sunday, after all, they're all professional players out there on the field, the best of the best.
We'll see.
*****
Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.
*****
Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price.
*****
Vince Lombardi
Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.
It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.
People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.
*****
Vince Lombardi
Thanks for the Lombardi quotes. Truly appreciated.
ping!
Suspend this friggin idiot! This is a direct threat to harm this quarteback, no different than someone saying they are going to physically harm another.
I hear you, but this loudmouth is more bark than bite. The Steeler offensive line and Krieder will bury him.
Look for Warren to be out of the game (injured) by the end of the first half, if not sooner!
I hear you, but let the Steeler offensive line have a *crack* at him, tomorrow. They'll teach him something a suspension wouldn't.
I was at the Browns-Steelers game in '76 (has it been 28 years?) when Turkey Joe Jones tried to stick Terry Bradshaw in the ground headfirst. Ugliest thing I ever witnessed on the football field. I agree that Warren is more talk than action, and he's just given the Steeler o-line a real incentive to bury him.
Best Lombardi quote I ever read: A reporter once asked him "What is the secret to being a good coach". Lombardi's answer, "Get good players".
ping to Stiller/football fans
Roethlisberger is not your average rookie QB.
This guy is tough as nails both physically and mentally. You are not getting into his head.
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