Doug Whaley was the professional human resources coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 10 years. He’s brought in players like Lawrence Timmons and Troy Polamalu and was part of two Super Bowl championships. So when he talks to Steelers, we listen.
On Monday, Whaley went on to 93.7 The Fan and was asked how he would handle the situation with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his contract. Whaley was tactful but direct in saying he would let the team continue without Roethlisberger.
Personally I would say, ‘Thank you Ben you’re the best, we wouldn’t have two Super Bowl trophies without you, you become a Hall of Famer with the first vote, we play in the Hall of Fame game when you are inducted , we will have you back to hang you on the wall, but thanks for your service, we will have to go a different direction for both of us.
The Steelers are struggling with Roethlisberger, who wants to come back, and his huge contract. Pittsburgh certainly approaches this as a business decision and as we’ve seen in the past when it comes to star players, the front office has no qualms about moving on without them.