Monday, February 24, 2025, 11:34PM |  51°
MENU
Advertisement
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and receiver Antonio Brown were reportedly at odds over the decision to stay off the field for the national anthem before the loss at Chicago.
1
MORE

Report: Anthem decision contributed to Antonio Brown's outburst in Baltimore

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Report: Anthem decision contributed to Antonio Brown's outburst in Baltimore

The Steelers have problems on the field, as their 30-9 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at Heinz Field laid bare. Turns out, they may have some issues to sort out in the locker room, too.

CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported Sunday morning that receiver Antonio Brown’s sideline outburst last week in Baltimore was triggered, in part, by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s role in the team’s decision to stay off the field for the national anthem two weeks ago before a loss at Chicago. La Canfora writes ...

“Roethlisberger spearheaded a decision to reverse course and have the players remain in the tunnel rather than on the sidelines as originally intended, which was the topic of an emotional team meeting the following day. During that meeting, sources said, Brown expressed his displeasure with how Roethlisberger and others handled the matter, and there was some lingering resentment through the week.

Sources said Brown has felt strongly the urge to kneel in protest during the anthem, but the Steelers have been in unison standing or remaining off the field during the playing of it.”

Roethlisberger and Brown appeared to be back on the same page Sunday against Jacksonville, as they teamed up for 10 completions that went for 157 yards. And La Canfora wrote that the issue isn’t expected to flare up again. 

Advertisement

Still, it’s not a good sign when two of a team’s key players are reportedly at odds with each other, even as it adds a little more context to an incident that seemed out of character for Brown. 

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger drops back to pass against the Jaguars in the second quarter Sunday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger threw five interceptions in the game, with two being returned for touchdowns. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)
Ed Bouchette
'Maybe I don't have it anymore': Ben Roethlisberger after Steelers' 30-9 loss

Adam Bittner: abittner@post-gazette.com and Twitter @fugimaster24.

First Published: October 8, 2017, 8:50 p.m.

Advertisement
RELATED
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tries to get away from the pressure from Jaguars Calais Campbell in the third quarter Sunday at Heinz Field.
Ed Bouchette
Ben Roethlisberger throws career-high five interceptions in Steelers' 30-9 loss to Jaguars
Todd Haley talks with Antonio Brown during Friday's practice on the South Side.
Ray Fittipaldo
Antonio Brown is sorry for 'taking away from the bigger picture'
Ben Roethlisberger doesn't sound thrilled with Antonio BRown.
Sean Gentille
Ben Roethlisberger on Antonio Brown's tantrum: 'It messes with all of us'
Steelers receiver Antonio Brown arrives for his team's game against the Ravens Sunday, October 1, 2017, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Ray Fittipaldo
Antonio Brown says no regrets over sideline temper tantrum
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, shown delivering his budget address in early February, said on Monday that a federal freeze of money intended for Pennsylvania is over.
1
news
Gov. Shapiro says federal freeze and blockages of $2.1 billion for Pa. are now over
Agents took Rachel Marie Powell, 40, of Sandy Lake, into custody in New Castle on Feb. 4, 2021.
2
news
Pardoned for Jan. 6, 'Pink Hat Lady' came home to a new reality in Western Pa.
The Downtown Pittsburgh skyline, with the view from Station Square on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
3
news
DHS director says Allegheny County could face reduction in millions of dollars for Medicaid, other services
Pirates first-round pick Konnor Griffin hits against the Twins at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
4
sports
Pirates top pick Konnor Griffin has raised eyebrows at spring training. Next step is learning to be a pro
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (27) intercepts a pass during a failed two-point conversion by the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in the North Shore. The Kansas City Chiefs won 29-10.
5
sports
Brian Batko's Steelers chat transcript: 02.24.25
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and receiver Antonio Brown were reportedly at odds over the decision to stay off the field for the national anthem before the loss at Chicago.  (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)
Matt Freed/Post-Gazette
Advertisement
LATEST sports
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story