Steelers owner questions the validity of recent NFLPA survey
The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for continuity and production. Traits that often escape most NFL franchises, deeming many as dysfunctional. So when the NFLPA released a survey from players of all 32 teams, some of the grades Pittsburgh received were head-scratching. At the annual league owner meetings in Phoenix, Steelers owner Art Rooney II was […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for continuity and production. Traits that often escape most NFL franchises, deeming many as dysfunctional.
So when the NFLPA released a survey from players of all 32 teams, some of the grades Pittsburgh received were head-scratching.
At the annual league owner meetings in Phoenix, Steelers owner Art Rooney II was asked about the survey to which he replied:
"You know, I haven’t seen the survey,” Rooney said. “And so, I really have some questions about how many players participated in that survey. Irrespective of that, we’re always looking to try and improve our facilities. We expanded the facility a few years ago. We’re always open to ideas on what we need to improve, and we think we have a great facility, but you can always improve.”
Credit to Brooke Pryor of ESPN for asking the question, which I'm sure no owner wants to answer.
If you need a refresher on what exactly the team graded poorly on, here you are:
The Steelers finished 22nd out of the 32 teams, earning a letter D+ or worse grade in the following categories:
Family treatment (D-)
Training Room (D-)
Locker Room (D+)
"The common theme that arose through player respondents’ feedback was a feeling that there is a lack of resources and investment into the facility", said the NFLPA. "Player respondents believe that the team is understaffed in both the weight room and the training room; and, unlike the majority of the league, they do not offer a family room or daycare for the players’ families on game day."
The NFLPA found that "Only 44% of players who responded feel like Steelers owner Art Rooney II is willing to invest money into upgrading their facilities, ranking him tied for 29th in this category."
Now, the Rooney's are known for being "frugal" if you will, so perhaps the survey is correct and Art Rooney II was just trying to save face.
However, the Steelers have been the face of stability when it comes to the NFL, so the Rooney's certainly deserves some slack.
Then, there are the financials to consider, something that is tangible and adds to the potential lack of spending.
Nick Farabaugh of SteelersNow said the following when discussing the ownership in Pittsburgh:
"The Steelers are one of the more valuable franchises, but the Rooney Family is worth just over $1 billion according to Forbes, putting them in the bottom 10 percent of sports franchises," said Farabaugh.
With over six decades of success, Art Rooney and the rest of the Pittsburgh brass probably believe "if it's not broke, don't fix it."
