There was a question in the comments yesterday that questioned whether Taleni’s dismissal from the team was Pat Narduzzi’s doing or not. In most cases it is the HC’s choice unless the Chancellor or the Pitt Administration expelled the player over Narduzzi’s objections. Of course one of the more common instances is the NCAA taking the choice out of the institution’s hands.
The wording of these press releases says it all. To refresh in this case:
Pat Narduzzi Announces Disciplinary Action
Defensive tackle Jeremiah Taleni dismissed from the program.
PITTSBURGH—Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi announced today that senior defensive tackle Jeremiah Taleni has been dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons.
Taleni played in 21 career games, including four starting assignments, during his three active seasons with the Panthers.
When they use the term “dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons” that means the HC had kicked the player off the team. It is hard to get more specific than that without breaching student confidentiality clauses. Now – the HC’s hands might have been tied by University policies when it comes to administration of disciplinary measures.
“Has left the team” means the player chose this course of action voluntarily… most likely Pitt would say “has voluntarily left the team” or in a 5th year senior’s case it could mean he was asked to leave but the press release spins it in a nicer way.
In Voytik’s case we read that “Pitt quarterback Chad Voytik will pursue a graduate transfer upon receiving his degree at the end of the spring semester, Coach Pat Narduzzi announced.”
When a press release has this: “Has been suspended“, it means just that and is open ended – as opposed to “has been dismissed” which is final. If we remember in the cases of Rori Blair and Tyler Boyd’s DUI charges Pat Narduzzi stated this publicly:
“In addition to their game suspensions, Tyler and Rori have been, and will continue to be, subject to internal discipline and accountability,” Narduzzi said in a statement. “The situations were very disappointing and both young men have expressed their regret. Our expectation is that each of them, as well as our entire team, will learn from their mistakes and be better for it moving forward.”
Believe me guys – if there was any choice in this matter to keep Taleni or to get rid of him Narduzzi would move heaven and earth to keep him. For one bold reason is that without him our returning DL player’s have about zero experience at Pitt. Between them all they have a couple of tackles for loss by Mike Herndon & Shane Roy and one sack by Herndon.
But from the way the Pitt press release was written it sounds like it was either an internal incident or, most likely, a failed NCAA drug test.
This is a good time to review the NCAA’s latest stance on drug testing:
What is the penalty for a positive drug test?
The penalty for a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug (PED) is strict and automatic: student-athletes lose one full year of eligibility for the first offense (25 percent of their total eligibility) and are withheld from competition for 365 days from the date of the test. A second positive test for a PED results in the loss of all remaining eligibility.
The penalty for a positive test for a substance in the street drug class is withholding from competition for 50% of the season in all sports in which the student-athlete participates. A second positive test for a street drug results in the loss of a year of eligibility and withholding from participation for 365 days from the test.
This is more stringent than in years passed. It used to be that if a player failed a school-administered test (as opposed to a NCAA-mandated one) the institution had local authority to administer internal discipline. No longer is that the case apparently – now it is one (or two) and done.
Here is the full NCAA Drug Testing policy document if you care to get into the weeds.
DL Kam Carter (our last great hope on our 2017 DL) was dismissed by Penn State two years ago for failure to show up at a required drug test… he claims he ‘slept through it’.
Carter himself has no problem disclosing those now. “Basically, I overslept a drug test,” he said. “That ended up being my third failed drug test.”
Which is pretty hilarious on the face of it – like the third test was something he didn’t have to set an alarm for. His was a case that happened before the NCAA changed its testing and discipline policy.
Penn State was rather wordy in their press release about Carter:
“Kam Carter was informed on April 21 that he is no longer a member of the Penn State football team for a violation of team rules. We appreciate Kam’s contributions to the program and wish him success in the future”. “We also hope he gets his head out of his ass when he’s sleeping” (edit mine)
Hell – Taleni didn’t even rate a public goodbye and thank you from Pitt… which makes me wonder if Taleni’s issue was a drug test at all and not something more ‘personal’ to the university.
Now yesterday I checked the state arrest records for the Western PA Counties and also for Hawaii and didn’t find anything criminal with Taleni – which is good for the young man at least.
So what could it have been?
Well, severe insubordination could be one cause – something along the lines of his marching into Narduzzi’s office and telling him he hates his guts, that Narduzzi is a coward and has bad breath. That might get him dismissed pretty quickly.
This all makes me wonder if anyone has seen Josh Conklin lately?
It may be that Taleni went off and whooped on him so badly, with that Pacific Island temper those boys have, that Charlie Partridge will have to assume the DC duties this season – in which case I say we should chip in and buy Taleni a 1st class ticket upgrade for his flight home.
pittpov.com 
That’s a good one Reed. You did say that Taleni was your chosen one to help the PITT defense the most this year. When Taleni gets released you still create a scenario where he helped the team. I’m starting to get the feeling you don’t like Conklin all that much??
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Why did the Steelers take Connor when he would of been around in 4 and maybe 5th round? Not smart choice by Colbert unless we are taking 5th round ish. Hell I’d take Peterman 1000 times before Connor that early. Good for he and his family but not a good choice that early.
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I look at decisions like this as business not emotional. Can’t ask for a better story but we need to beat New England and this doesnt get us closer to that.
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Conner is a better option than the players behind Bell at the end of last year. They also know about his character. Her can drive Bell to the airport safely.
He could be the next Rockie Blier story.
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Conner is a touchdown machine in the redzone. Plus now he is good catching passes in the flat. No way he lasts much longer. The Steelers have always loved big power backs. For Conner, he is joining a most productive offense that is getting Bryant and a second round receiver back and may have a healthy TE this year. More offensive weapons and and up and coming defense., especially if Heyward comes back healthy, and Watt is the real deal.
He has a lot of upside. Peterman is not an elite QB. Probably a career backup.
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When Bell went down in the playoff game, Steelers were done, with Conner maybe not.
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GC – ACC Defenses are not NFL Defenses. I’d take Perine over Connor but would of waiting for 5th tound for either.
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I really liked Taleni, but as you say Reed must have been something was pretty serious or I think Coach Narduzzi would have found a way to make this an “open ended” suspension. Hope the young guys are ready to play!
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These NFL teams have a very accurate line on who other teams could be interested in. The Steelers are no different. If Conner was their guy then why wait and risk losing him to another team?
This was a compensatory pick as well. Makes you wonder a little bit
PITT is the real winner here (besides Conner) All of a sudden, the fact that PITT practices next to the Steelers has just magnified 10 fold.
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The Talent situation is another reminder of the mess Chryst left behind on defense.
Steelers need to go QB in round four. The roster is getting young. When Ben leaves there can’t be a SB contending team but no quarterback. If Ben would be all in for three more seasons the Steelers can pass on drafting one today and wait another year. Is Baby Huey all in? The front office gave him another weapon to keep him happy, so the fire should be far from burning out.
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Taleni situation.
I hate how spell check changes words but we can’t edit.
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To another comment in the last article. 3rd round picks are very rarely cut unless something unusual happens. Of course Conner is pretty much an early 4th round pick.
Having said that, The Steelers would never cut James this coming season. EVER! That would be disastrous.
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To much talent out there to take Connor in 4th round or whatever. Again, you want to beat the Pats you need DB’s that arent morons. Not a Goaline RB who rides the bench. Bell will get goal line carries not Connor. It’s Bell for God’s sake.
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How bout sticking your head up your ASS!!!
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Upitt, you crack my butt up, you really do. I get what you’re saying and I think you do know what you’re talking about BUT… We are two different kinds of fans you and I. I just have this weird tendency to defer to the people who are getting paid directly for their particular job and actually have the information to make these decisions.
Never the less, you make the world go round. How’s the dizziness doing these days?
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Ike – Still dealing with it. It kinda stopped then came back. Sucks but forgetting what was mormal. Paid 1000’s of dollars in BS charges and I have Great Insurance. I am done asking Doctors that have nonclue.
I might get on Tuesday’s call in. Hoping I have the time. I enjoy watching them.
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Upitt, it might be vertigo. Comes and goes. Ive had it for almost 20 years. Nothing can be done. There are pills to take. When its bad it usually take 2 or 3 days for me to revover.
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Upitt. I double dare you to get on the round-table!! 🙂
and everyone else.
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Was thinking vertigo. Maybe you went in the ocean, got some water in your ears, then flew on a plane the next day.
Hope it works itself out for you.
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Upitt, have they mentioned Meniere’s disease? Have you taken any or all of the following test?
Videonystagmography test
Rotary-chair test
Vestubular myoginic test
Posturography
or
Video head impulse test?
Go to a good Neurologist.
I swear you sound like you may have Meniere’s
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Upiit: When you get some time hit this…. and we will see you next round-table ike
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/basics/…/con-20028251
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I’d bet that the Steelers use Conner as a end rusher on defense in 3rd down situations in case Watt is hurt. Could also use him as a RB near the goal line. Conner is great catching the ball out of the backfield too. But I agree with UPitt that they could have gotten him in the 4th and took Peterman in the 3rd.
NFL.com has Peterman & Johnson as the 2nd & 3rd best players available now in the Draft.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000804512/article/2017-nfl-draft-10-biggest-remaining-gems-after-day-2
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The NFL doesn’t want running backs who can break a homerun one time and then get stuff behind the line of scrimmage the next five. They want kids who could pick up first downs on a regular basis and that would be James Conner
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Thanks for the advice. Doctors are crooks and with insurance still find ways of charging you thousands. It is crazy.
I could see them drafting him for defense and special teams I guess. Connor against NFL defenses won’t be what we saw against ACC teams. Easily could of got him later. Hell every scout out there said 4-5th round. Stellers drafting hasnt been especially good lately less Brown and a few others. Our first round picks have been abysmal. Connor will play defense before you know it. I agree Jack.
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Most often the insurance is the problem and it is what you or your company chooses to buy.
Doctors are crooks barely half of the time…LOL!!!
Get better insurance!
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Stillers can’t draft, Conner will play defense, Doctors are crooks, the world is flat,,,,,,, you should be a script writer for Kellyanne Conway.
Alternative facts are you’re forte.
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Perine was the pick we should of made. He is a beast.
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dobbs stinks. Switzer and Pelprey were great picks by Eagles and Cowboys.
Steelers are having a bad draft. I don’t even like Watt. He isnt a threat from the edge. Juju was only solid pick when it was made. Foster way better than Watt.
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Really thought Peterman would go to the Jets with their last pick .
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Dorian has liver issues??
Peterman had his butt filled with smoke. I hope he goes to the right fit more than higher in the draft anyways.
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I think the Steeler draft has been tuurrrrible. The 1st Rounder will be a bust. He will do well on special teams however. Speed is so critical and we draft a 4.7 forty guy. UPitt is correct. You build your team to beat New England just like Baltimore and cincy built their teams to beat the steelers. This is the first time in forever that I felt the Steeler brass took the draft off. Sorry. Yeah, it’s all power5, but still.
There is a reason for the James Conner Pick. You need only to look at Bell. He is one failed drug test from missing a season. You need insurance. Is it Conner or Perrine. I like both. Is it me or are there times when 24 looks really quick and at other times he looks like he is running in quicksand. When he runs quick like he did against Dairy, he is awesome.
Reed I disagree with you on Conner. How many times did Conner break off a big run and then we handed the ball off to him in a hurry up scenario and he would get stuffed? It is poor play calling but if you think about it, we did that a lot. Even back to Chryst. I never understood that. The big diesel needed rest.
Let’s get 3 more drafted. Would be nice to get 5 or 6 drafted because it helps our story.
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Based on his agreement, his suspension tech. wasn’t drug related so in the future he is only looking at 4 games.
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No way of knowing how these guys will pan out. A lot of first-round picks will be busts. It happens in every draft. Some drafts produce zilch in these later rounds also. If you find a gem in the fifth or sixth then you’re lucky. Some undrafted guys will have better careers then a lot second- and third-round picks.
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Yeah, like Rushel Shell who just signed with the Steelers as a free agent.
He’s mature now with something to prove, according to him in a Beaver County Times interview. Yeah right, He’ll be gone from the roster by August.
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Didn’t care for the Watt pick but I do believe in blood-lines.
My son introduced me to a player a few years ago transferring out of PITT to Villanova where his brother had played. Both made the Pro’s for years. Neither one was close to 6′ or 200 lbs. Actually Russ is still on the Steelers roster. You can’t teach a player the knowledge it takes to get there. You have it or you don’t. One thing I do know. The Watt family has it.
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Youngstown St has 2 drafted so far. For that reason, I do not expect their replacements to be better and an easier victory this year for team Panthers in week one.
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Not as a 1 Ike, with all respect. The kid was a tight end a year and a half ago. His stats look good against all the big10 inept offenses. They have no qb’s being drafted in the big10, so stat padding seems to be the way to go for those teams. I wanna be wrong on Watt.
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Well, to Upitt and ALL you Conner doubters who have stated again, and again, and again, and again, and……..
that James Conner will NEVER be an NFL running back and needs to immediately go back to defense – I say to you: WILL YOU FINALLY SHUT UP????? The Pittsburgh Steelers just picked James in the 3rd round to be their running back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Being drafted and playing RB in NFL is big difference. If you think he will get Bell’s carries then good luck. Steelers could have a plan to play him on D.
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You are entitled to your misguided opinion.
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……Obviously UPitt, you will NEVER give it up – pathetic, buddy!!!!!
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…..I love people who can never admit when they’re wrong.
Love you Upitt! :>)
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Then you must simply adore our President!
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Bell is on a one-year franchise deal at the moment. If there is no long-term deal done I’m not sure if he’ll be with the Steelers beyond 2017. James would be the one to take over in 2018. Cap dollars need to go to Big Al and Tuitt this offseason, then Shazier the following year. Running back is the perfect position to not pay top dollar to and use as a revolving door.
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Huff, I gotcha on that. I really didn’t like the pick myself. Just pointing out that he could develop with lots of hard work which I think he’s more than willing to do.
On another note. It’s loads of fun to pick the Steelers draft picks apart. Boy, the fans in Cleveland must have had lots to talk about the past 50 years.
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The season will prove I’m right. Let’s talk about it in the Fall. I’m done with this weak Steelers draft.
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Bad Steeler draft. They need defense defense defense. I think Rothlisberger took over the draft room.
Can’t draft backups on offense when you need starters on D.
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Running backs get injured and miss games. Where was Bell vs the Patriots when needed most? Conner will complement Bell’s style very nicely. Bell still gets the majority of carries as long as he holds up.
Austin is right, no money for a huge contract for Bell as long as Ben is on the team.
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Bills take Nate Peterman in the 5th. Congrats Nate!!!!!
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PITT offered 12 high school 2018-2019 recruits the past couple days.
3 from Maryland
1 from Fla
4 from Michigan
4 from New jersey
I realize most of the locals have already been offered or will be. That Michigan number stands out to me a little. Narduzzi has a few connections I’m sure.
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Upitt, I kinda agree with you that it’s not an impressive draft. I do, however now know who you remind me of. A friend of mine from high school. He just loved to argue about everything. He would argue the clearest blue sky was green. He was always right and never, ever wrong. He would never ever give up. You would sometimes cross the street just to avoid the hassle of dealing with him. We called him Pope because he was so self righteous. He is now the governor of Ohio. lol.
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If there are people that still doubt James Conner. Then they are unlike Conner and hopelessly incurable.
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Joe – Haha. I am wrong sometimes. I admit it. I simply think he would of been around a few rounds later. We need defensive help.
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4 Pitt players vs 1 Nitter drafted thus far
Impressive
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Doctors are crooks?
Then simply don’t go to any.
Insurance rates will plummet, waiting lists will shrink, and all will be good.
Keep smoking those cigars, UPitt; I understand they have great therapeutic qualities.
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Somebody got their feathers ruffled. You “real doctors” are so sensitive.
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Tx P, the bad news is that PSU has 16 or 17 starters returning, and many of them will be draft considerations.
I don’t know how anyone can make an assessment on the NFL draft … especially from the 3rd round on. I don’t know anything about most of these guys
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Would be nice to put a 5th one on the board in the next couple picks.
Steelers need defensive speed. Speed wins. Pitt needs speed too. Speed and more speed.
Montae Nicholsen went in the 4th or 5th round. Russ Shell didn’t go yet.
Ejuan next? Tenneesee?
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She’ll should have been a 3* recruit out of HS. Slow footwork and no real power at the FBS level.
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& a bad attitude stoked by the misconception of entitlement.
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Gas – Not the doctors the Healthcare systems. I had a 7k ER bill and had 3 mins with an actual professional but was there 6 hours. I didn’t even see a Doctor but a PA. After Co-Pay and getting charged for everything I had to pay $900 with great insurance. The Healthcare Systems are crooks not doctors.
Cigars are good medicine. 😊
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Right on UPitt… go to a doc who isn’t working for the
( morally and ethically corrupt SYSTEM) you will be charged 50 to 7o % less… I am in private practice and see it every day… has a lady come in who was being charged nearly $500 for less than 1 hr of therapy.. that includes a facility fee… businessmen who make no one better making mega bucks I. E arrogant Jeffrey Romoff CEO of UPMC nearly 9 mil a year and 20 to 30 execs under him as his ass making 7 figures …
Literally occupies the top floor of my former favorite Restaurant that sat on top of the US Steel building…
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Bisno still on the board?
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He went to Giants!!
I agree Big B. This was a ER in Miami. I never got a room they were so busy. 6 hours in a hallway.
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Miami’s ER hospital policies.
4 bullet wounds are first priority.
3 bullet wounds 2nd in priority
2 bullet wounds? apply a band-aid.
1 bullet or less? Travel to Pittsburgh to be treated.
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Ejuan to play next to AD — Rams
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Just saw a Steeler coach extol Josh Dobbs and then said ‘sure a lot will raise issues of from neck up” – yeah you just did. Shoulda taken Nate. Steeler’s just drafted a long snapper? Huh? I gave up on Steeler drafts a long time ago.
Still bummed on Taleni.
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Not getting that rkb? Peterman smart, Dobbs smarter, with a bigger arm. Nate, who I believe has a better pocket presence at this moment though.
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free agents
Scott Orndoff – Steelers
Tyrique Jarrett & Shakir Soto – Broncos (?)
Ryan Lewis – Cardinals
PG Tweet: Colbert said Dobbs is highly intelligent and won big games at Tennessee. Said it will take time to learn a pro system after playing spread
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Nice pickup by the steelers. Showing love to the panthers for once. Should help boost the Pitt fan base a little bit.
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Terrish Webb with Steelers too! HTP!
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UPitt, the system is broken.
Money, money, money.
And patients get crap.
53% of healthcare costs to big pharma.
People can’t pay premiums.
Patients can’t pay copays nor meet outrageous deductibles.
Busted.
Broken.
Time for Medicare for all.
And I’m a republican.
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rkb.. if I was a guessing man… Taleni beefing up with performance enhancers .. too much pressure to get to the next level.. Prosecutor.. are Manhattens considered performance enhancers even if they slur ones speech?
Lastrow…Next time I come home I will cover a round at River Forest… we are only 8 miles apart- Apollo n Freeport!
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ike the Steeler coach was referring to the rap against Josh is that he is not smart ie problems from the neck up. Nate is extremely cerebral. I just found it interesting that the Steeler coach would raise the rap raised on the QB they just drafted My take on the whole QB thing is that obviously you want to stretch the field which I think Peterman has the arm to do though it is not overwhelming. These words stick in my throat but Brady is so good because of his brain (and various cheating such as deflategate, videogate). He is not known for a deep arm. I personally would rather have the slightly less skilled but extremely smart QB such as Brady and Peterman. I became a believer in NP this year from the 1st game on. IMO throw away stats he was the best QB at Pitt since Marino. Again the rap on Joshua Dobbs is that he is not real smart. Then again neither are Tomlin or Haley or Porter…
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Wasn’t Dobbs añ aerospace engineering major? His mental attributes should be just fine, not that I wouldn’t rather have seen the Steelers take Nate.
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Yeah this was just a misunderstanding. The Steeler QB coach, Randy Archer I think, referred to Dobbs above the shoulders and he meant it in a good way but I can see how some could take it as a negative. Dobbs is on the beam and smart as all get out.
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Big B LOL. If alcohol were a PED Bobby Layne would have been Pete Rosed from football, I look forward to having an enhancing Manhattan with you – it does enhance our intelligence. 🙂
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Well — after only Tyler Boyd getting drafted last year, Pitt legit got 5 players drafted so that’s good.
Ejuan Price to the LA Rams in the middle of the 7th round — Wade Phillips, arguably the best defensive coordinator in the League, uses a pure 3-4 which is the absolute best fit of Ejuan Price. Ejuan Price has one NFL role — 3-4 outside linebacker who will have to rush the passer from the edge in the pass-happy NFL. Good luck to him!
Adam Bisnowaty in the 6th round to the New York Giants, and they got him solely to play offensive guard —- Bisnowaty going to a solid team and he has a chance to be a really good guard, blocking for Eli Manning!
Dorian Johnson — without any health issues woulda been a second round pick. But he also is out in a good situation with Bruce Arians out in Phoenix so best of luck!
Nathan Peterman to Buffalo in the 5th — hey, he’s on a team so it’s all up to him now!
#HailToPitt!
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UPitt engaged to a Babe of Eastern European ( Estonian) discent.. we should have a POVert Bachelors party n golf tournament at Namencolin resort near his hometown of Uniontown (Red Raiders)during the Octoberfest weekend- Golf Tournament and Debauchery!
My ObGyno buddy Dr Dan giving it his best in the Namencolin Keg race…Reed will send vid as I can’t figure it out!!!
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I’m in BigB. Maybe we can bring a doctor to check him out as well. 😉
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BigB, knowing the little I know about Upitt, he probably went to Laurel Highlands just to be different.
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https://goo.gl/photos/8LzddZHLQnT33Sfy6
This is Big B’s friend who is a gynecologist surgeon…
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Shoulda sent this video into Americas Funniest… would win $10 k.. LMFAO to the point of tears every time I see my best bud as he calls himself” the P—y Dr ” do the crawl.. He’s on my golf team next time for the “Pursuit of the FRANKCAN.”
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Wedding in September Bernie! We need a summer trip! PA, FL, Vegas or Johnstown! LOL
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Reed not sure what that pic is but it looked like fun from disaster. As a German descendant whose dad was a WWII disabled vet I must say Big B at least Octoberfest was one vital German contribution to culture. I will party with all of y’all anyday, Big B I am presently watching the Pens while prepping a homicide to start Monday and testing my portable breathalyzer with Gin consumption. Alcohol I believe is a brain enhancing PED. Seriously I cant wait to test the Norm Theorum with you . Your Pitt flag is proudly hanging in the HMWH Club with two 25 foot American flags. Thanks!!!!
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Rkb – Bless you for the work you do!!
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Dr. Dan is right there with you on the cerebral “gin enhancement,” Dr Dan sez he can out drive, out drink, out dead more , chew tobacco and spit than any partakers while
Wearing lederhosen … his battle cry ” nobody is messin with the Hessian.” Sombitch
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And out drag a keg.. chew more tobacco and spit less..
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Carrick Elks is available.
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LMAO. Carrick Elks only if 5th grade grounds crew comes.
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Met Dan 72 at POV golf outing – great guy. Apparently the UPItt rumors are true Congrat UPITT!! Dan 72 gin is made of fermented Juniper berries, junipers are evergreens, evergreens are eternal life, how can your go wrong. On one serious note it is nice the Pitt is getting people drafted in numbers again It is a sign the program is headed in the correct direction. Not so serous the Carrick fifth grader will be decorating UPitts wedding cake, not bad though it will be light on the icing.
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Suck on that pipe Capitals scum
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While I’ll root like hell for him, I agree with UPitt that I’ve just never seen the quickness out of James that you expect in an NFL back…
I think dealing with the size and speed of the LBs in the NFL is going to be a problem – hope I’m wrong and James is a big success.
Go Pitt
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Looking to next year, we will probably have four-five drafted. Whitehead if he bounces back, Weah with another big year, Q. Henderson, Oneill (if shoulder is healthy/no surgery) and Bookser. Hopefuls would be Jarryd Burger Jones Smith, Q. Ollison if he has a big year and Max Browne (with a big year).
Does Taleni count as a supplemental pick?
Who am I missing?
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Hahaha UPitt. .. Johnstown is my hometown. Not much to do there except for perhaps a sheetz run.
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Big B…looking forward to a round at River Forest next time you are back. And follow with a pontoon cruise on the Allegheny. I live in River Forest. Manhattan’s and a river…what could go wrong?
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PA Scorecard
Pitt 5 picks
Temple 3 picks
Viillanova 2 picks
Penn State 1 pick
Next year will likely be much different but Pitt should still have multiple picks
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BTW, YSU had 2 picks, both were DEs recruited by DL Coach Tom Sims.
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My guess with Taleni is that someone brought sexual assault or abuse claims to the university or team. Or Narduzzi and the coaches heard rumors. Charges may not have been filed or may be pending. The reason for no police reports. Drugs and grades don’t make sense. There are usually 2nd chances with those types of digressions and I don’t believe Taleni has ever been suspended before. I hope my gut is wrong but with the way the Baylor situation played out, there will be zero tolerance on this issue. Nor should there be.
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since we are all speculating … I agree with Reed that a failed drug test makes the most sense. Since it carries a mandatory one year sentence and Taleni will be a 5th year senior, his eligibility will be all used up, and no way in hell does the NCAA grant him a 6th year. Only hope, for his sake, that he has earned his degree or close to it.
.
I don’t know anything more than anyone else … just my 2 cents
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Interesting article on espn.com about future draft trends. #1 on their list is expect more high draft picks to skip bowl games in the future. Something many on this fan site often forget is that this is a big business.
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I think people overvalue bowls in general. Against Navy, Pitt clearly focused on protecting the DL from chop blocks. Against NW, Pitt pulled both Peterman and Conner where under normal situations they play thru it. Outside of the playoff, they’re exhibition games. Pitt was trying to win but the coaches were much more conservative with an eye on the longterm.
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There is a reason why you should steer clear of wagering anything more than an ice cream cone on a bowl game….. but I think both Peterman and Conner were taken out of the NW game by the Northwestern players not Narduzzi.
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Say what you want, Narduzzi runs a tight lipped ship. How bout that Reed?
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The demise of the 100 bowl games is upon us. When many players (not just a few) start to sit out, the games will be devalued even more. This will lead to playoff expansion to at least 8 teams with the idea of keeping the top talent of the top teams vying for a national championship.
Or, give the players a nice stipend for playing in the game. Will increase the divide in recruiting between the haves and the have nots.
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Saw comment regarding Steelers recruitment this year that they seem to have placed a very high premium on character and work ethic. Maybe they are tired of having key players suspended when they need them. So sorry to see Taleni gone as he really could have been a help as the experienced hand on the D line and he did seem to be contributing last year. My grandson just returned to Johnstown after 3 years in Buffalo and had season tickets to the Bills. He seems to think Peterman might have a future there because Tyrod Taylor has a reputation for being eratic and not reliable for the long hall.
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