ESPN North blogger James Walker reported on Monday that linebacker LaMarr Woodley would not be holding out this training camp. I am not sure why this was treated as breaking news around Steeler Nation as Woodley has said along he would report on time. Nearly every interview he has stated that. To me, this is a little media sensationalism trying to stir things up one last time before camp. It's not news, people.

Washington Observer writer Dale Lolley suggest that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ease the burden on his teammates on Friday or Saturday and address the media questions surrounding his tumultuous offseason early in camp.

Former Steelers running back Chuck Sanders said Monday that his charity is giving $100,000 to an employment fund supporting the Pittsburgh anti-gang program. Good to see Sanders in the midst of his life's work. Chuck Noll must be proud!

PPG columnist Ron Cook writes that he thinks there is no one better than head coach Mike Tomlin to deal with the upcoming season of challenges.

In their second pre season training camp "Agree to Disagree" segment on Steelers.com, Bob Labriola and Mike Prisuta preview the Steelers defensive positions and competitions for the upcoming training camp in Latrobe.

Kaye Cowher was laid to rest on Monday at a private funeral service in Raleigh, North Carolina. Among those in attendance were Steelers President Art Rooney II and Kevin Colbert, director of football operations. Pittsburgh sports fans also lost another legend on Monday as John Barbero, the public address announcer for Penguins, died at 65 of complications from a brain tumor. He will be forever remembered.

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Jeff Sperbeck, the agent for backup quarterback Dennis Dixon, is sounding off that Dixon did not get enough time with the first-team offense during offseason workouts for the coaching staff to fully evaluate his development. Sperbeck questions why Byron Leftwich is ahead of his client on the depth chart after being brought back from Tampa. This is just an agent posturing for a client in a contract year in my opinion. I have faith the starting job is still not fully decided at this time. Dixon needs to just take it.

Linebacker LaMarr Woodley is responding to criticism that he is using the media to air his contract dissatisfaction. Woodley said, "Ever since the story came out the other day about treating Woodley fair, some people felt like I was using the media to hype it up a little bit, but I wasn’t doing that at all. My whole idea was to report the story. They’ve been asking me about my contract all year long, and I was completely honest with everybody. Somebody asked me ‘Are the Steelers still looking to renew your contract?’ And I told them the story."

Bob Labriola and Mike Prisuta preview the Steelers offensive positions and competitions for the upcoming training camp in Latrobe. These, Agree to Disagree segments will be done in three segments with defense and special teams coming up next.

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall joins NFL.com today for a live chat starting at 2 p.m. ET. Make sure you get a good question in.

Jason La Canfora reports that Jordan Woy, the agent for free agent tackle Flozell Adams, claims four teams have standing offers on the table to sign Adams. Adams wants around $4 million on a one-year contract, and although the Steelers might have a deal on the table, I doubt it is for that much.

The second part of the Ask the Steelers segment with cornerback Bryant McFadden is now up on Steelers.com. BMac says his strong points of his game are being physical and consistent. I would have to agree.

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Steelers rookie offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey is being investigated by the NCAA over an allegation that he accepted $100,000 from an undisclosed agent's representative before playing in the Florida Gators Sugar Bowl victory. Pouncey does not face any trouble from the NFL, but it could effect the University. Pounceys will reportedly deny any wrong doing today, but it is just one more story that shows a Steelers player in a negative light as the offseason from hell continues.

Bob Labriola has a look at new offensive line coach Sean Kugler and his upcoming first training camp in which he must already start juggling the offensive line with injuries to Willie Colon and Chris Scott. Labriola says that Scott will miss all of training camp as well in the article.

Speaking of offensive linemen, Gil Brandt of NFL.com looks at the top 18 senior offensive linemen prospects NFL scouts will be keeping a close eye on this fall. It is expected to be a deep class for the 2011 draft which is right up the Steelers alley.

Steelers linebacker James Farrior predicts a turnaround not only for himself in 2010, but for the entire defense as well. Farrior is working out in Florida at ESPN Wide World of Sports under the watchful eye of speed and conditioning guru Tom Shaw and is using the offseason criticism as motivation for the upcoming season. In a separate story, Farrior talks about how players are preparing for a 2011 lockout should one occur.

Steelers defensive Brett Keisel takes fans on a video tour of the Steelers Practice Facility in part 1 of 2 videos up on Steelers.com. Nice to see Charlie Batch still working hard in the background.

Reporter Allen Wilson, of the Buffalo News, joined Vinnie on the “Vinnie and Cook Show” to discuss free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens and his 2009 season with the Bills. Wilson says he didn’t see Owens as a distraction in Buffalo. In fact, Wilson noted that the 36-year-old wide receiver was well-liked. and thinks the Steelers should take a chance on him. I as you know wrote that we shouldn't.

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In their post OTA "Agree to Disagree" segment, Bob Labriola and Mike Prisuta talk about the completion of the OTA session and offer a preview at a couple of training camp position battles for the Steelers.

Jerome Bettis has been doing numerous interviews on the circuit for the "NFL Dads Dedicated to Daughters" program and ESPN Football Today caught up with him to discuss the Steelers eventful offseason with Matt Williamson. The interview is at the 29:00 minute mark of the podcast.

Part 2 of the Ask the Steelers segment with quarterback Byron Leftwich is now up on Steelers.com for your reading pleasure.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said on Thursday that the league no longer needs four preseason games, but the league should change its offseason training programs. NFL and union officials are discussing adding two games to the regular season instead.

The Benstonium site released a parody of the classic Big Red Gum commercials featuring Big Ben which is entertaining to watch below.

The Steelers jet plane was photographed by a Steeler Nation member at the Charlotte airport and you can see the picture of it below all decked out in black in gold.

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Steelers defensive end Nick Eason said he should be close to full strength for training camp after missing the final two weeks of OTA practices following emergency an appendectomy in which part of his colon was also removed. Eason said he plans to keep his weight down following a loss of 28 pounds so it will be interesting to see what he looks like when he arrives at Latrobe.

It is no secret that Mexico is Steeler Country and a few of the younger players got a taste of the International Steeler Nation at a one-day football camp in Mexico City last weekend. Mike Wallace, Ziggy Hood, Keenan Lewis and Daniel Sepulveda were all in attendance lending a hand.

Part 2 of the interview of Team President, Art Rooney II with Bob Labriola is now up on Steelers.com. You can watch it below as well.

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ESPN 1250 radio host Ken Laird posted what he sees as the depth chart and camp battles now that the roster is two players away from being set for training camp.

The Steelers signed two more picks yesterday and we had the news first. 5th rounders, CB Crezdon Butler and T Chris Scott both inked 3 year deals Wednesday leaving only 1st round offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey and 2nd round linebacker Jason Worilds as the two Steelers draft picks who have yet to sign a contract. Do not be surprised to see Worilds be the last one in the fold as the Steelers will likely try to low ball him because of where he was rated coming into the draft. Pouncey will likely get a 5 year deal, while the Worilds deal will be 4 years when it gets done.

The NFL made a presentation to the NFL Players Association during a collective bargaining session in New York on Wednesday espousing the merits of moving to an 18-game season. Jason La Canfora has an article on NFL.com along with a video interview that Rich Eisen did. Two more weeks of football?

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We have yet to hear back from Jordan Woy, the agent for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, but have no reason not to believe our contract report of 3 years, 2 million is not correct. (((Should be 1.8 million - Bad math and 3 years versus 4 years others received))). The picks just ahead of and just behind Sanders had signed and the contract numbers slot perfectly between Earl Mitchell of the Texans and Corey Peters of the Falcons. The only difference is both those players received 4 year deals. The Steelers have a long history of signing players drafted round 3 or later to only 3 year deals and the uncapped year was no different it seems. Sanders told Steelers Depot, " I'm just glad it's done and can't wait to ball"!

Steelers beat writer Scott Brown from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review joined Gregg Giannotti on his radio show to discuss how he thought Ben Roethlisberger fared in his one-on-one television interviews and which rookies performed well during the Steelers latest OTA session.

Steelers President, Art Rooney II sat down with Steelers Digest Editor, Bob Labriola for an one on one video interview you can watch here. Rooney II discusses Big Ben and what he has observed at the OTA's.

Today is the deadline for the restricted free agents to sign their tender offers given to them by their respective teams. NFLLabor.com has the full breakdown on who remains unsigned and what it means if they do not sign.

Steelers linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Keyaron Fox, tackle Max Starks and cornerback Anthony Madison are giving back to the children in their communities by hosting football camps in their hometowns. Steelers.com has a full report on these events.

Former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis will sign copies of "NFL Dads Dedicated to Daughters: Inspiring Personal Accounts on Fatherhood” Saturday at noon at the Barnes and Noble Buckhead, 2900 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. Read more on the book here.

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Steelers.com latest article by Bob Labriola focuses on new special teams coach Al Everest and the task he has ahead to improve the overall poor play last season on the special teams unit.

Ed Bouchette explains how the upcoming capless salary cap season might make it tough for the Steelers to sign linebacker LaMarr Woodley to a long-term contract. Woodley is about to enter the final year of his rookie contract this upcoming season.

Sporting News writer Dennis Dillon has a 7 question interview with head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin does not reveal much, but does say the Steelers will not approach the Ben Roethlisberger suspension from a survivalist mentality.

Gene Collier of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette looks back at the Steelers 2005 draft and grades it a B-.

Pittsburgh ESPN Radio host Chris Mack is saying that all signs are pointing to another mediocre season for the Steelers in 2010. He speculates that if the Steelers do not return to the playoffs that Tomlin might not get a new contract. Not sure I buy any of that.

Deshea Townsend is still a free agent but is busy working with Dr. Zane Gates speaking to state lawmakers about a bill that would fund clinics across the state Pennsylvania.

Wow! We didn't know Big Ben read our blog, but after suggesting that Ben Roethlisberger cut his hair yesterday morning, he showed up at the meeting with the Commissioner with a nice and fresh, high and tight cut. It is a slow step in the right direction. Now Ben will wait and see what both Goodell and Art II decide as far as punishment goes.

The rumor that the Rams are trying to trade two 1st rounders for Ben has not been substantiated, but it is quite an entertaining offer. In my opinion though, you would still have to pay high dollar for 4 1st rounders in 2 years with one being a quarterback. I just do not see the Steelers doing that and trading a known commodity like Ben. Bob Smizik posted his thoughts on this very subject as well.

On Tuesday, Ben lost his endorsement deal with PLB, a local food marketer, for his Big Ben Beef Jerky. Not surprising, but what is surprising is that he was earning 2 million plus for that. Better hurry and snap these off of eBay as they surely will be a collectors item.

Kicker Jeff Reed signed his tender offer from the Steelers on Tuesday, meaning he will be in the Black and Gold barring a trade in 2010. Reed will earn $2,814,000 for 2010 as the Steelers look to get him signed to a longer deal.

The Jets Blog has the full transcript up from the Santonio Holmes press conference on Monday afternoon. Funny how he says he does not know what message the Steelers were sending by trading him.

Some how in all the trades and legal stories involving the Steelers, we missed a Q & A with new offensive line coach Sean Kugler. The interview is on Steelers.com and conducted by Bob Labriola.

All of the Steelers brass is down in Orlando for the NFL owners meetings and the media is doing their best to catch back up with Art Rooney II, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. Tomlin shed light on many subjects, on Monday, that included the rumors of Bruce Arians being fired, running the football more in 2010, Dennis Dixon and Antwaan Randle El. The biggest statement was that he intends to find and use a fullback that can block like Dan Kreider did.

Scott Brown has a complete Q & A of the talk with Mike Tomlin on his blog.

KDKA's Bob Pompeani got a chance to sit down one-on-one with Steelers President Art Rooney II to cover many subjects on Monday. He too addresses the Bruce Arians rumors that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger stepped up and saved Arians job. That evidently all was untrue.

If you missed the compensatory news from Monday, the NFL announced the Steelers would be getting three compensatory picks in the 2010 NFL draft. The Steelers will get two 5th round picks and one 7th round pick for the 2009 free agent loses of wide receiver Nate Washington, cornerback Bryant McFadden and quarterback Byron Leftwich in free agency last year.

NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, said Monday that he plans to meet with Ben Roethlisberger, who has been accused of sexual assault twice since July, but did not specify when he plans to meet with him.

Bob Labriola and Mike Prisuta discuss the Steelers free agent signings of Larry Foote and Antwaan Randle El and also the new NFL overtime rules proposal on the Steelers.com, Agree to Disagree episode.

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The lawyer representing Andrea McNulty in the Ben Roethlisberger Nevada case may let McNulty talk to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation concerning the Georgia case. Seems both need info to build their cases against Ben. Long ways to go I assume, but this is getting tiresome.

Steelers unrestricted free agent running back Willie Parker is scheduled to visit the Rams today. I would be very surprised if he is signed to a deal before the weekend. In fact he very well could be thinking about a return to Pittsburgh by now.

The Steelers have scheduled pre draft visits with Penn State linebackers Navorro Bowman and linebacker Sean Lee. Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn has a visit scheduled as well.

Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat transcript from Tuesday is up for your reading pleasure. Ed addresses a few of the rumors going around as only Ed can.

Art Rooney, the president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivered the evening address at the 105th Annual St. Patrick's Day dinner for the Friendly Sons.

Roethlisberger is officially a part of pop culture now as he was included in the season premier of South Park. The episode centered around rich celebrities with sex addictions. As you can imagine, Tiger Woods was the main focus. You can watch the clip here.

The 3rd and final installment of the interview with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is up on Steelers.com. Bob Labriola discusses his playing days as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions.

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