Media Savvy
Too Much Steelers
By Paul Alexander

I really never was much of a rebel. Sure, I had shoulder-length hair in the seventies but so did everyone else. There were some epic battles with mom and dad but it was never a big deal.

I do, however, tend to take a stand now and again. You know what I mean. Dare to be different. Refuse to go with the flow. And recently I went against the grain so to speak.

When the Steelers gathered for the so-called voluntary coaches sessions, so did my media brothers and sisters. Keep in mind, I grew up here and I know where the Steelers fall in terms of local relevance. I understand that two days after the Tennessee loss, it was time to break down the draft. There is a year-round mentality and I'm not in denial. I just figured if it was voluntary, I would wait for the official opening of minicamp to get my Steeler fix.

So while I embarked on my silent Steeler boycott, the other radio stations had changed their formats to all Steelers all the time. The local sports sections were replete with game stories, side bars and features all without the limitations of an actual game or an opponent.

I've never really minded being the lone voice of reason. I've always believed that if you're right, you have nothing to worry about. I even maintained that stance while my very supportive bosses wanted to know why we weren't covering the Steelers.

Surely everyone knew these gatherings on the South Side weren't actually newsworthy. I mean, I know why the beat writers are there. That's what they do. I just didn't understand the full-blown features on "Will Amos be given a shot to be the starter?" or "How did Jerome get into such good shape?" or "How will Tommy approach his first full season as the returning starter?"

These are great stories but what will these people report on in July?!

I'm sorry but I never used to acknowledge anything before minicamp. It used to be the first time the entire team would convene since the end of the season. There are usually some significant roster moves and minicamp was always a great opportunity to meet the new Steelers.

It wasn't a line in the sand, but I felt like this was a time of the year when we should acknowledge that there are other sports stories. There are alternate topics worthy of discussion on my radio show. You have to understand that once camp does open, there's no turning back. When Steeler season arrives, it consumes everything in its path. I'm always ready when it happens but I just didn't think that should happen in May.

I did make it over to the South Side for what used to be called minicamp. It was good to see everybody. I really enjoy covering the Steelers. I love the atmosphere at St. Vincent and there isn't anything quite like football season in Pittsburgh. But I was still trying to figure out the sense of urgency.

After all, this was baseball season and for now we still do have a team to cover. The Penguins were in the midst of an intense search for a new head coach and were preparing for the NHL draft.

That's when it hit me. The Penguins made the big announcement that Ed Olczyk emerged as their number one choice, and the Pirates soiled the bed from Atlanta to Toronto. It was then that I understood that the Steelers truly are the only relevant sports story in this city.

Kendrell Bell's role on third down is big, even in May. We need to talk about Charlie Batch's contract because he makes more than the starter. But I was hoping to save all of that for Latrobe and July.

In a perfect world, the Pirates would be playing significant games in August and the Penguins wouldn't hit the links until at least the middle of May.

But it's up the Pirates and Penguins to remain relevant. If the Bucs were above .500, the Steelers would be playing second fiddle in the media. If the Pens had made a decent run in the post-season, there would still be a positive buzz about their future.

I have no preconceived notions about next spring and the Steelers' voluntary workouts. I do know this - I have every intention of only covering minicamp, but if the Pirates and the Penguins don't hold up their end of the bargain, I'll be on the South Side with bells on.

At least the cookies are good.

Paul Alexander has a sports talk show 6-9 pm weekdays on KDKA NewsTalk 1020.