Zeise: welcome back!! Let’s get started. We have a lot to get to!!

Donna: Hi Paul, I enjoyed your draft coverage. I can’t say I enjoy the opinion of your morning colleagues who are always so negative they should be referred to as Debbie Downers. It seems they like to put down you and anyone else who has a different view of the draft or other subjects for that matter. Hang in there Paul!
Zeise: I truly like what the Steelers did in the draft. They got a starting center, a starting running back, a tight end who should play a lot, a starting punter and a couple of depth guys and special teams guys. What is not to like?

Amanda: My petition is underway to get you and Rick Walls removed permanently from the Nightly Sports Call. Both of you laughing that night I called about kids drinking still gives me nightmares. You should be ashamed!
Zeise: Have another drink! Rich Walsh said hello and he wants to buy you a Heineken or two!

JR: Paul: thoughts on the state of Pitt hoops. Thanks!
Zeise: I think the date of this year hinges on what happens with Justin Champagne. I see he isn’t even on the radar of the NBA any more so I’m assuming he is coming back. And if he comes back I think they have a team coming back, with a few of the additions, that could fight for a NCAA bid

Erk the jerk: I just came to buy Amanda a drink and her dog one too!! Bottoms up baby.
Zeise: She loves beer!

Erk the jerk: How do you rate the Steelers draft Paul. Top to bottom all 9 guys. How do you like?? Thanks Paul.
Zeise: Well like I said, I think the key will be how do these guys perform. But ultimately top to bottom it was really good. I love the Harris pick and think Green will be really good too

Ed: Paul, what are your thoughts on the NCAA transfer portal, especially as it applies to college basketball? How can programs like Pitt and Duquesne hope to build consistency with what are basically transient rosters from year to year?
Zeise: I am as Libertarian as anyone and believe players should have the freedom to move as they want - BUT this has become asinine. The transfer thing was never supposed to be all out free agency. And the fact that there are 1200 or whatever people on the move is stupid.
Zeise: Here is my hope - the market corrects itself and guys start to realize that transferring isn’t always a good idea and doesn’t guarantee a good landing spot

Carl in Carrick: Paul, what’s your opinion on Jeff Heath? I saw he was released by the Raiders. Do you think the Steelers may be interested in signing him? Thanks.
Zeise: I don’t see where he would fit. I mean he would be a nice veteran backup but I don’t think he would come in and challenge for a starting job

Guest: hi paul, whats up with all this talk about coming back for the next 2 years, he's always out of shape, his arm is dead, and he continues to be below average in stats, whats he got on the steeler brass? i think its all money for him
Zeise: They did win 12 games with him and a division title so I don’t think he is terrible. And he is a guy who has performed at a high level for a long time. I would have moved on from him two years ago but I understand why they havent

V. Fontaine: How would you handle the Aaron Rodgers situation if you were the person in charge in Green Bay?
Zeise: I would have tried to fleece someone for first round picks before the draft. They have Jordan Love, why put up with Rodgers? I mean, I get it, he has led them to all those Super Bowls but... oh wait a minute. I would have traded him before the draft, lived with the cap hit and tried to get a haul of picks

TominPunta Gorda: Hi Paul, will we see D Watt used a lot more as a weapon this year similar to how Canada used Aston when Pitts offense was scoring a lot of points?
Zeise: I don’t know because that was the way Narduzzi likes to play but with Ben Roesthlisberger influencing the offense I’m not sure we will see that many heavy formations with a fullback

Joe W: Do the recent comments of Alejandro Villanueva suggest that there was a morale issue with the Steelers during yet another late season collapse last year?
Zeise: I know there were some who got all bent out of shape about what Big Al said. I’m not one of them. I think he was trying to have some fun and bust the chops of some of his old teammates. Nothing to see here

Darcy: Good day Paul, do you have a favorite national draft pundit? Thanks.
Zeise: I am actually a Mel Kiper fan. Nobody does more homework and knows his stuff more and he has credibility. He is a little nerdy for my tastes but he js good as anyone

Darnell: Hey Paul, do you think the Pirates have any interest in developing Cruz to play the outfield with the depth at shortstop? Thanks.
Zeise: I am not sure what they are thinking but if they aren’t going to move him to the outfield they aren’t giving him the best chance to succeed. He should be an outfielder already

Bernard: So was AV talking to Juju?
Zeise: Again, I think he was just joking. If you know his sense of humor, it is dry and he is a bit of a chops buster

Guest: I wonder if Amanda switched to Dos XX yesterday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Zeise: Lots of Teuqila too, I’m sure!

Bernard: Are you surprised Andy Reid hasnt taken more heat for his son's recent drunk driving accident. Both of his sons had serious legal issues in Philly while he was coaching the Eagles as well.
Zeise: No. It is hard to attack a guy for what his adult kids do. Obviously there is a lot going on in that family but I don’t think people are gonna hammer Reid for it. The hope is that they figure it out

Rick: Comments on the awful NHL decision for no suspension on latest awful Tom Wilson incident? How can they let this continue, especially with his "body of work"? Which leads to what we saw last night. The league is facilitating these actions by doing nothing. And the Caps seem to celebrate him. Some great GMJR decisions before he left, based on this regular season performance, but sure wish they kept Ryan Reaves to keep Wilson in check.
Zeise: The problem with the NHL is the old guard “hockey culture” goons still have way too much influence. And let’s face it - Wilson is a star player on one of the best teams and they don’t want to influence the playoff races

Gino: Hey Paul. Have you heard if Mike Lange plans on working next season ? His broadcasting career speaks for itself.
Zeise: I have not but I would think if his health is good and we are back to normal in the world, he will be back

Bernard: I'm a bit nervous about the Green pick. What are you hearing from sources re his upside? Is he an immediate starter at C? Is it difficult to transition from G to C? Will Ben want to break in a rookie C?
Zeise: I have heard nothing but positive thoughts on that pick. People love it actually. He played four games at center and is said to be the kind of athletic center the Steelers love

Nate from Fort Wayne: Hi. Was wondering why the NFL hasn't invested in a Spring/Summer "Minor league" league. Something kinda like the NBA and the G league.
I'm sure there's tons of players that are out of college or the NFL and still looking for a shot. Even big names like Colin K, Tebow, Manziel and a whole bunch of other players.
Smaller cities like Grand Rapids, Fort Wayne, Toledo, Oklahoma City, Portland, Raleigh ETC. could have teams.
I know leagues like the XFL and UFL haven't done well but I believe it's because they weren't under the NFL umbrella.
I feel the like NFL could get a pretty decent revenue and also bring good games to the smaller cities PLUS it'd give us football almost all year round.
Just wanted to know your thoughts on that.
Zeise: Why do that? It would drain money and bring very little in return. They are smart - let college be a free minor league and let the Vince McMahons of the world waste their money on minor leagues

Steeltown: Hey Paul, Why would the ratbirds offer Big Al so much money given his performance the past 2 years, especially with his lack of ability to run block. Just doesnt add up! Maybe he’ll provide intel on Steelers offense. Thoughts?
Zeise: I think they believe the Steelers offensive scheme had a lot to do with their line struggles last year. Their offense was soft and didn’t try and run the ball. They think in their scheme he will be much better

Aaron Rodgers: What's all the hype? I just want a legit #2 receiver. Mr. Roethlisberger may have a season left. I have at least 4 good one left. Swap?
Zeise: I never thought the Packers could find a bigger diva at quarterback than Brett Favre but they managed to with you. How about come up big in an NFC Title game and shut up

J$Money: You’re Kevin Colbert. What draft picks and/or players would you be willing to part with for Aaron Rodgers?
Zeise: None. Kevin Colbert has an aging Hall of Famer who hasn’t won anything in more than a decade, why does he need to trade for another?

Rico: Hey Zeise what the hell happened to you. Your twitter feed is a right wing republican fox news talking points list. I suppose your all peachy today will the new Florida voting restrictions the gov signed aren't ya? You are a sellout pal.
Zeise: Rico is having a bad day. Rico doesn’t understand that most people with a brain don’t fit into the lunacy of “left wing” or “right wing” and thus just because they disagree with him it doesn’t mean they agree with the other side. Rico, relax. It ain’t that bad buddy. Call Amanda and have a few beers, it will work out

Benny: The more Richard Rodriguez pitches, the more top prospects the Pirates will get for him when they trade him correct Paul? What World Series contender wouldn't want him as their closer?
Zeise: Obviously the better he pitches it will be better for what return they get for him. But the part of that is, a team needs to have a need for a closer to be willing to give up a ton of value for him. If he is just viewed as a reliever for a team with a closer, his value would be leas

Kyle: As a diehard Pitt fan can I just say I am disgusted by Capel and his lack of recruiting for next year. We got really nobody worth anything in the portal. Capel has been a major disappointment. What do you think?
Zeise: Can you ask me this question again next March? I need to see what the team actually looks like and how they perform. If at the end of year 4 there has still been very little progress I might agree but it is too soon for me to go there

Big Zeke: If Pitt football goes 6-6 or 7-5 will Narduzzi be coaching for his job in 2022? He is so unimpressive to me.
Zeise: I don’t think so. I think they like the stability he has brought and the program he has built. They compete, they win some games, the kids graduate and they put guys in the NFL - I honestly don’t think the administration prioritizes won loss record like fans do

Gregory Polanco: I'm on the IL with covid again. I already had it last year. What gives?
Zeise: That’s not necessarily true. You may have just been exposed to it and have to quarantine

Tom N Isolation: When do draftees get paid? When they sign or only if they make the team or P.S? Same for UDFA? Thanks!
Zeise: When they sign. The undrafted guys get paid whatever their bonus is as soon as they sign.

Jeff: Seems pretty easy to sum up Pens games. Commit to playing d for 3 periods, take what offense they give you and they win. Otherwise blow out. I feel a lot better going into the playoffs this year versus last. Thoughts?
Zeise: Everyone had them winning big last year and it didn’t happen. I do agree they are better and will win the East at the very least

Tony: Paul is it just me or are the Pirates so damn boring to watch? I literally can't even get myself to turn them on and I am a lifetime fan. Maybe if Hayes come back but who knows when that's going to be.
Zeise: Their biggest problem is that they aren’t atrocious in a train wreck kind of way but they aren’t good either. There is nothing interesting about them and very few if any of these guys are going to be a part of the rebuild. That’s what makes it tough to watch. Their lineup stinks and that makes for long stretches without scoring runs

Amanda: See how evil you are Zeise? You and Walls now get other chatters to attack me. I can't wait until you lose your Sports Call job. Shame! Shame!
Zeise: It is Walsh. Rich Walsh!! Get it right. And Rich told me you have a crush on him. I believe him!

Louigi: Any word on the street about who Pine Richland might be looking towards for a head football coach? What is this going to do to their season? Do you think the players will boycott?
Zeise: I have heard some rumbling that the superintendent has a relationship with the North Allegheny defensive coordinator and a number of other coaches have applied. They will hire a new coach, the players will fall in line and this episode will be long forgotten when the games begin in Sept

Realist: Rick stole my comment/question about Wilson and the lack of punishment from the league office. That was pitiful. Do you think the Rangers will be handed a more severe penalty than Wilson, himself, for questioning the competency of George Parros?
Zeise: Well you got your answer - $250 K fine for the Rangers, which is about right. You can’t have teams calling for league officials to be fired, you just can’t. I have no issue with the fine for the Rangers, I have a big problem with Wilson not being suspended

Realist: I know MLB has compensatory picks and international sign8ng monies to give face to competitive balance for small market teams, but thoughts of this being radically changed in next collective bargaining agreement to swing more in small market teams favor? After all, large market teams eventually get the players they want, and this would allow an infusion of talent in small market teams...at least in development years.
Zeise: I don’t see that happening. I don’t think the large market teams will ever go for it

Holmes: Possible to relay to Mark Madden that he is just a medium fish in a small pond? Ego like Trump. Thanks in advance.
Zeise: Trump became the President, maybe Madden 2024 should be trending!!

Holmes: Think there is any regret letting go of Fleury? 3rd most wins all time now!
Zeise: No you can’t look back like that. They made the right decision at the time. The fact that Murray flamed out doesn’t change that because hindsight is always 20/20

TPHunter: To Rico: Get a Life. Do the Pens make it out of the first round this time, or would the Bruins be too much?
Zeise: I think Pens beat Isles, Caps beat Bruins, Pens beat Bruins. That’s my prediction

Nate from Fort Wayne: If you had to pick any of the free agent CB's to join the Steelers for depth, who would it be?
Zeise: Richard Sherman, baby! Could you imagine adding that talent and personality to this defense??

GoSteelers: what are your early super bowl picks?
Zeise: I think I will go the wishful thinking route - New England vs Tampa!!

TPHunter: Do you get moving up to draft the DE and giving up a 4 next year? I respect KC, but why start spending next year's picks already? He might have to trade for a DB before the season starts.
Zeise: Yeah that was one I really didn’t get from this draft. I know they like the player but I don’t see where he fits or why you trade up to get him

TPHunter: When are you going to get the putter up to speed so you can play in a U.S. Open qualifier?
Zeise: It is safe to say I could one putt every green and still not qualify for the US Open qualifiers. I’m not good enough. I think you have to be like a scratch or better for an entire year to be eligible

TPHunter: Steelers schedule comes out next week. Five night games?
Zeise: I would think so, they are still one of the top brand names in the NFL.

kevin in Punxsy: Hi Paul. Yes, it is me. The NFL owners could take care of the Tom Wilson problem (and others who act like him) by getting rid of Bettman and cleaning house of the Player Safety (Ha, ha) Committee. Mario should start recruiting owners who think like him. If Bettman is still under contract, they could order him to make certain changes, limited by his contract, of course.
Zeise: The owners should get rid of Bettman but they won’t for one reason - he has significantly grown the visibly and revenue of the league. Owners like making money

Cody: Why are you such a Tomlin lover? Guy hasn't won a big game in over 10 years. I can't believe you think that stupid extension was a good idea. He hasn't earned it.
Zeise: I think you have me mistaken with someone else. Please go back and try and read the column I wrote about it and get back to me

Rico: Hey Zeise, next you'll be tweeting fake vaccine is bad propaganda won't you. You're a tool. Fox News should hire you.
Zeise: I don’t even know what that means. I assume you are laying on the floor with steam coming out of years, angry about something and mind working overtime to try and come up with some clever comeback to me that you think will really “get me” You tried. You failed. Have another beer with Amanda!!

TPHunter: Would that be Pens beat Caps in round 2? You have the Bruins losing twice, lol!
Zeise: Yes sorry - I have the Pens beating the Isles then the Caps

Jeff: Why is everyone so negative about the Steelers draft? I see it as every year you have to make a dinner (team). You have to have all the ingredients (players). I think they got that. Probably upgraded several. what's your take on my thoughts?
Zeise: Because there is some unwritten rule in the world of analytics that says you don’t get proper value with a first round pick running back. And they are apparently serious with that nonsense.

kevin in Punxsy: I don't read and enter questions on sports blogs in order to................TALK POLITICS! Come on man!
Zeise: Who is “talking Politics” I am just having fun laughing at Rico

Bruce: Hey Paul why don't you and Rich make a toast to Amanda the next time you guys are on together?!?!
TPHunter: Rico and Amanda sitting in a tree ...
Scott Stout: First Amanda then this Rico guy. I wish they would take the whole Xanax rather than splitting it.
Zeise: Well, three Amanda and Rico questions in a row is a proper way to end it. Congrats, Rico, you are this week’s clown show and will now give us another punchline for weeks to come!! Thanks for all the great questions let’s do it again next week

First Published: May 6, 2021, 3:13 p.m.