Right off the bat, let's all agree, Brandon Beane is a brilliant fella. He never intended to acquire a quitter, headcase, me first WR like AB. Here's how it went down:
1) The Steelers knew we are in need of a WR. They set a deadline for teams to make offers by Friday.
2) Beane calls Steelers on Tuesday to ask "What are you looking for as compensation for the "highly respected" AB. The Steelers make some outrageous demand (ex. a 1st rounder this year and second rounder next year)
3) Beane says "Hmmm, that sounds pretty reasonable. Let me check with my owner and coach, etc" Beane hangs up the phone and laughs "This will be fun"
4) Steelers start talking to other teams but keep Beane in mind. They call Beane back "Have you thought any more about it?" Beane "Yeah, sure...how about first this year and a fourth next year?" Steelers "How about a first and third this year?" Beane "Let me call you back." He starts laughing again. No intention of signing AB whatsoever, but knows other teams are now being waved away by Steelers because they are about to get a sweet deal from Bills.
5) As the other teams walk away from negotiating, the Steelers start to get nervous...they give info to LaConjecture and RapReport.
6) Beane is busy eating a cob salad when the phone rings. Steelers: "Are we doing this?" Beane: "Who is this?"
7) Beane issues statement about what a great player AB is and, unfortunately, they were unable to get a deal done.
Steelers are now left in a bad negotiating position because they spurned several other suitors. AB's price went down all thanks to Brandon Beane and the greatest "catfish" technique we will ever see.
Long time lurker (and member back at bb.com), but finally took the plunge here...
I've got, what I'll call a unique perspective into this world, and I can say that, while this scenario is fun to think about, I can just about promise you that this isn't how it went down. The Pegulas are actually good friends with the Rooneys and within the league, there's a code of ethics, if you will, where teams respect each other and don't blindside or screw others like this. From the outside, it's easy to see the intensity and rivalries and assume that everyone is always trying to stab everyone else in the back for a foot up, but in reality, when there's only 31 other entities in your industry to do business with, you're pretty much forced to play nice.
It's not what the rabid fan wants to hear, and I completely agree that its fun to think about a prima donna like AB getting hosed in the process, but there's likely a much simpler explanation for ultimately what went down. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer on my first post, but just trying to bring a little more reality to the conversation...
What really happened: Beane trolled the Steelers and AB
in The Stadium Wall Archives
Posted
Long time lurker (and member back at bb.com), but finally took the plunge here...
I've got, what I'll call a unique perspective into this world, and I can say that, while this scenario is fun to think about, I can just about promise you that this isn't how it went down. The Pegulas are actually good friends with the Rooneys and within the league, there's a code of ethics, if you will, where teams respect each other and don't blindside or screw others like this. From the outside, it's easy to see the intensity and rivalries and assume that everyone is always trying to stab everyone else in the back for a foot up, but in reality, when there's only 31 other entities in your industry to do business with, you're pretty much forced to play nice.
It's not what the rabid fan wants to hear, and I completely agree that its fun to think about a prima donna like AB getting hosed in the process, but there's likely a much simpler explanation for ultimately what went down. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer on my first post, but just trying to bring a little more reality to the conversation...