Pittsburgh Review

Layne Penrod from Riverdale, CA: Knowing the high standards the Steelers organization has for its players, can you enlighten me with some of the higher profile players who were basically let go or traded just because of their poor work ethic and/or attitude in general? I for one appreciate the fact that the Steelers take a no-nonsense approach when dealing with prima donna players.

Answer: As is the case with any team's history, there are examples of the Steelers tolerating some players and actions and also moving on and cutting ties with some players. Sometimes a guy could start in one category and end up in the other. But I choose not to try to compile a list of players who might fall into this category, because oftentimes there's just an assumption about why a move might have been made. One apparent exception has to do with the 1970 trade of receiver Roy Jefferson to the Baltimore Colts, because that was reported by more than one outlet, and there were specifics about objectionable conduct.

A second-round pick (18th overall) in the 1965 NFL Draft from Utah, Jefferson played five seasons for the Steelers, during which he appeared in 65 regular season games, 56 of which were starts, and he had 199 catches for 3,671 yards (18.4 average) and 29 touchdowns. He was voted first-team All-Pro once and to two Pro Bowls, but following the 1969 season Jefferson began to test Coach Chuck Noll.

As reported in The Pittsburgh Press during training camp in 1970, "Jefferson's trade to the Colts was triggered by the veteran's attitude in training camp. The Utah graduate, who had expressed himself as dissatisfied with the settlement of the recent players' strike, had flouted the authority of Coach Chuck Noll on several occasions since reporting to camp. Noll's reaction was completely predictable … It became apparent two weeks ago that Jefferson and Noll were on a collision course in their player-coach relationship. Despite a Steelers rule that players wear helmets on the field, Jefferson showed up for at least two practices bare-headed. On several occasions he parked his personal car in an area banned to players' and coaches' vehicles."

In the Aug. 20, 1970 edition of The New York Times, William Wallace wrote: "Roy Jefferson, one of the best pass receivers in football, was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday to the Baltimore Colts for Willie Richardson and a high future draft choice. Richardson also is a wide receiver … The coaches, Chuck Noll of the Steelers and Don McCafferty of the Colts thus exchanged brilliant players who had become problems. Richardson, 30 years old, had become so indifferent and casual about football that John Unitas seldom sent a pass his way and Roy Perkins was promoted over him … Jefferson, 26, had irked Noll in little ways. He was sent home from Montreal before a preseason game against the Giants last summer after he had stayed out past curfew hour … In training camp this summer he came to practice without a helmet and parked his car in a forbidden area. As the Steelers player representative he also had expressed displeasure in outcome of recent players strike."

Chris Balmer from Allentown PA: What has been most significant difference in DeMarvin Leal's play on defensive line this year that has people perking up? Is he better shape more acclimated role or what?

Answer: There are many differences in DeMarvin Leal this August of his third professional season; all those differences can be traced to this: When Leal entered NFL as third-year junior from Texas A&M he was 21 years old This will be his third complete lap around NFL from offseason program training camp preseason games regular season He matured person professional Leal sees path future NFL now better idea how attaining it

Chris Crosby from Seattle WA: I am tired all wide receiver trade rumors Do you think Steelers depth chart position warrant much concern?

Answer: I also am tired all wide receiver trade rumors too how unit performs once regular season starts will tell us whether "much concern" warranted

John Puhala from Springfield VA: After watching first two preseason games fans need understand what preseason truly Evaluation As local high school football coach our team going through same process Through first two preseason games though is Payton Wilson steal year's draft?

Answer: I don't have any understanding how all selected during NFL Draft faring rookie training camps cannot attempt answer your question But believe Payton Wilson shown skills mind-set understanding quality NFL inside linebacker we'll see where takes him next few years

Rich Hughes from Conneautville PA: What kind money do players gets when released injury settlements?

Answer: Injury settlements negotiated player's representative team amount usually depends upon factors such player's contract estimated length recovery injury Those couple guidelines becomes negotiation

Nicholas Moses from Simi Valley CA Did Payton Wilson get concussed Bills game know being evaluated concussion never heard actually sustained one

Answer: NFL rules reporting injuries different preseason than regular season During game vs Buffalo announcement made Payton Wilson being evaluated concussion because removed participation But follow-up announcement required preseason wasn't one

Patrick Bright from San Rafael Mendoza Argentina Based on Steelers quarterback play thus far would agree huge mistake not re-sign Mason Rudolph And two if reply mockingly me will then post apology after Mason leads team far playoffs Steelers don't reach .500

Answer Two-part answer

1 No

2 Here's reality Mason Rudolph situation It wasn't going work out him with Steelers terms starting quarterback honestly cannot tell went wrong Rudolph whatever seen deal-breaker wasn't long-term relationship Rudolph allowed test unrestricted free agency March got no offers least none liked resigned May one year $1.35 million Whatever didn't like must rest league saw well To many carry torch my advice let go currently winning job backup Will Levis Tennessee hope makes hope put together nice career Throughout history acknowledge list quarterbacks traded/released went greatness don't know belongs list yet

Dave Clark from Toano VA How decision cap squad at 53 has there been discussion increase number?

Answer Roster size collectively bargained between NFLPA outcome Collective Bargaining Agreement rosters limited change process again

Ronnie Shaw from Loganville GA With new kickoff rule How teams do onside kick?

Answer Onside kicks permitted only fourth quarter games Here rest new rules pertaining onside kicks:

• Trailing team must declare attempt officials.

• If attempt goes past setup zone defined area between receiving team's yard lines untouched kicking team assessed unsportsmanlike conduct penalty receiving team gets ball kicking team's yard line.

• Outside changes previous years' rules apply.