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| Blount now is without an NFL team. Photo credit: Bob Donnan/USA Today Sports |
The Steelers have officially said to goodbye to running back LeGarrette Blount today.
By : Michael Hanley
Pittsburgh released Blount today after reports surfaced that he left the field before Monday night's victory against the Titans ended. This move led to growing speculation over the past 24 hours about just what his future with the franchise would be. We got that answered quickly and swiftly.
Here is what Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Blount being released from the organization (via Scott Brown, ESPN):
"We believe the decision to release LeGarrette is in the best interest of the organization and wish him the best of luck,"
You had to know that Tomlin was not going to put up with this silly stunt of Blount and continue to have him on the team. He is a coach that demands his players to be professionals, carry themselves with class and put the team first.
Clearly Blount refused to agree on that last part of those qualities Tomlin wants in his team. Leaving the field while your team is about to win a game and go into a bye week with good momentum is one of the more erroneous acts a player has made on the field in a while.
Tomlin runs a tight ship and was smart to get rid of this running back who is not into the team concept at all and is only thinking about himself. Those type of players can ruin a team's chances with the distraction he becomes over the length of the season.
Thankfully and to their credit, the Steelers exercised some great common sense and judgement and cut their losses before this situation turns into a soap opera like the one going on in Seattle between the Seahawks management, coaches against running back Marshawn Lynch.
Blount signed a two year contract with Pittsburgh totaling $3.85 million this past March. He was active and involved with the offense for all of this season so far up until Monday night. In that game he was nothing more than a spectator as he watched his fellow running back in Le'Veon Bell ignited a dominant run game that totaled 204 yards on 33 carries, including a touchdown run by Bell.was a huge key in Pittsburgh putting the Titans away late in the game.
Now could you see where Blount would be miffed that he did not get the carries he was expecting to receive in this game? Yes, no question but if you are all about team, then why would it matter if you got into the game or not? The team won, his fellow running mate had a monster game and they are right in the playoff hunt in the AFC. It sounds as if Blount was just out for his own numbers and whatever happened to the team win or lose it did not bother him one bit.
Pittsburgh is not losing a whole lot with Blount now in their rear view mirror. If Monday night's game was an indication of anything, it was that Bell is capable of being the every down running back and being able to be very productive and help the balance of the Steelers offense. If he can stay this consistent, the Steelers will be just fine moving forward as a multidimensional and lethal offense to deal with.
For Blount, who knows if another team is willing to take him and his baggage on. He has had many chances in the NFL throughout his career, yet he continues to be his own worse enemy. If he doe snot change his attitude and grow up he will be watching the NFL playoffs from his couch at home with no team to call his own anymore.
Follow me on Twitter: @Magic20099
