Just like I would be embarrassed to have my team or city represented by Hines Ward if I was a Steelers fan I am embarrassed by Terrell Suggs. Most of what leaves his mouth seems to be self centered and serving drivel. Perhaps we can spend his 7-8 million dollars next year on athletes who conduct themselves as professionals on and off the field.

Hines Ward and Terrell Suggs are one in the same... an embarrassment

Peter, Peter, Peter. The title of this blog seems to insinuate that Suggs' 1st Amendment rights are being infringed upon by people's criticism of his comments. Come on now, Peter. The 1st Amendment guarantees that the Government cannot imprison or otherwise penalize an individual for what they say. It doesn't guarantee protection from public criticism, nor does it protect one from disciplinary action from one's employer.

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Pete's reply: Thanks for the First Amendment primer, but the title was sarcastic, referring to his freedom to say whatever he wants. It certainly wasn't meant to be some legalistic treatise on constitutional principles.

Hines Ward is also a Super Bowl MVP,and he leads the Steelers in receiving yards and catches all time. He will also be wearing a authentic yellow hall of fame sport coat.

They also don't need Suggs serving a league-mandated suspension for confessing a hit on Hines Ward, but I would not be surprised to see that happen.

will terrell suggs be a raven next year. he got all bent out of shape this past off season because the ravens put the franchise tag on him. he is a good player,but it seems that he is letting his head get in the way with his performance.

Hey Peter,

New coach, same old Suggs, McAllister, et al. And we thought Harbaugh would be able to rein in these egomaniacal jerks!

Hello Pete:

If responding to racist trash talk makes one "mouthy," then Hines Ward is mouthy. If delivering hard but legal blocks is being a "cheap shot artist," then Hines Ward is a cheap shot artist. Truth be told, he's neither. He's a future Hall of Famer who plays the game as it was meant to be played -- tough. Hines got a taunting penalty when, after a defensive back had been calling him a "Chinaman [expletive deleted] all game, Hines scored a touchdown and said "How's that for Chinaman [expletive deleted]?" The hit from Hines last week that broke a linebacker's jaw, perfectly legal, no penalty was called, no fine will be levied even after the NFL reviewed the game film. The injury was purely accidental. I think a lot of defensive players don't expect wide receivers to block, and especially not to block like Hines. Calling him a dirty player is one way to try to hide the fact a 6 foot 205 lbs. can kick their butts. Be honest, any team in the NFL would love to have him. Brian B. said so last year.

As for Suggs' comment, Suggs should be fined and suspended. The guy who really ought to be angry at Suggs is Flacco. If your team mates are bragging about hurting people, that puts a very big bull's eye on their quarterback's knee.

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Pete's reply: I agree with the last part of your post, but not the first. I've watched Hines Ward for years, hitting guys from behind at the end of plays, and then getting the call when the guy swings back. He's a master at it and, for the most part, he helps his team with those bush-league moves, but everybody in the league thinks he's a cheap-shot artist, not just the Ravens. Is everybody wrong?

Suggs is a good player. But sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut when you are talking about teammates and who should or shouldn't play. It doesn't make for a good locker room and I would say does not help build confidence in the rookie. That said, I disagree with your assesment that the statement makes 'no sense whatsoever'. I have been saying it from jumpstreet. I don't think he is the 'best answer' for the offense...but it is hard to argue for Troy when we have not seen him play this year either. He could suck it up or he could be a better option - who knows? However, it makes no sense for Suggs to be running his mouth unless he is trying to create division to see if he gets his way. Truth is, Troy will get his shot if Flacco stinks it up on a consistent basis.

Now, Ward...he is starting to get out of hand on the cheap shots. I still think we would not whine about him as much if he wore our jersey. He is a great player that tries a little to hard to prove to everyone that he is 'tough'. It's one thing putting a block on someone that you are involved in the play, but to whack someone outside the play - is un-called for. I don't know if the league should make rules to address such things though...I just think that the NFL has been adding so many rules that it is taking away from the game. If Hines wants to give cheap-shots, then the refs should look the other way when their is retaliation - in my opinion. Of course, I wouldn't mind if he was a Raven.

I don't want to wear the subject out, but there are two good pieces of advice for pro football players.. The first, from your high school football coach -- "Keep playing hard until you hear the whistle." The second, from Clint Eastwood in "Million Dollar Baby" -- "Rule number one, always protect yourself."