Ricky_Bobby: Do you think Mike Tomlin should give Ben Roethlisberger the day off on Sunday? With the offensive line having their struggles and Willie Parker out he is going to take more hits.

Bob Smizik: Good morning one and all. This is Bob Smizik. Jerry Micco could not make it today. I'd love for Tomlin to rest Roethlisberger but not at the risk of losing the game. I'd start him, get a secure lead, and then go with Batch.

James_Taipei: Is there any hope that the Steelers can stop the Jaguars running attack the second time around? While it is not certain that the Steelers wills play the Jags it looks very likely with San Diego playing Oakland this weekend!

Bob Smizik: There's always hope. The Steelers have done well against the run this year against most teams. The Jaguars are playing exceptionally well right now. I think if the Steelers are to win, they will have to score a lot of points.

James_Taipei: Will Jose Castillo be the next Pirates reject to put it all together for another team?

Bob Smizik: He well could be. He's a guy with a lot of talent. I can understand the Pirates non-tendering him, though. He was due to make in excess of two million dollars. That's a lot of money to pay for a discontented backup.

Ricky_Bobby: Why do you think people are so outraged over Rodriguez and Petrino? Sure, they should have honored their contracts, but this happens in all industries in America every day. People go where the money is, plain and simple.

Bob Smizik: I was one of those people outraged. Not any more. I agree with you to a certain extent. If the colleges want this to stop, and I don't think they do, they have to instittute policies that will not permit coaches to so easily break their contract. It can't happen in the NFL. I don't see why the NCAA can't have something similar. I'm not so sure people are breaking contracts every day. NFL coaches can't break their contracts. TV anchors can't.

James_Taipei: Should the Steelers rest Davenport and possibly Big Ben this weekend since a 3 or 4 seed is of little relevance? They will probably have to beat both New England and Indy to get to the Super Bowl anyways.

Bob Smizik: Davenport needs work, not rest.

Pickman: Bob, where do you stand on the Mitchell Report? (meaning its significance, if those mentioned in the report should be punished or not, and if Clemens joins Bonds as HOF candidates that may get left out because of the performance enhancing era)

Bob Smizik: I consider the Mitchell Report a waste of time. They told us almost nothing we didn't already know. I think MLB foolishly washed its dirty linen in public. The NFL would never do anything so stupid. There was rampant steroid use in the NFL in the 1970s and perhaps beyond. The league instituted a testing policy and put the bad news behind it. MLB should have done the same.

ColoDave123: There were some rough words for you, Bob, on ESPN radio yesterday. I found them to be rather unprofessional - comments?

Bob Smizik: I will be glad to answer this one for Jerry. One of their young producers was on the air yesterday and, from what I'm told, made quite a personal attack on me. As a public person, I know I have to accept those kinds of things, although a professional criticism would have been more in line. What puzzled me though was that he intimated that I was picking on Mark Madden. The story in question was a news story. Madden was telling people he was going to be fired. He agreed to tone down his act to avoid being fired. That's news and I reported it. I guess this guy thinks Madden can relentlessly attack anyone he wants and no one is allowed to say a word about him -- even when it's news. I've always felt as long as they spell my name correctly and/or pronounce it correctly they can say what they want.

eelkmj01: Hi Bob. Can you summarize why you do not seem to have a relationship with ESPN 1250 any longer? I was always a fan of your radio segments and wish I still heard your commentary.

Bob Smizik: I did commentaries for them for about six years. In addition to that, I appeared almost weekly with Madden. I was terminated, due to economic conditions, they said, about three years ago. I continued, at their request, to appear with Madden. When he began relentlessly attacking the Post-Gazette, which let him go for economic reasons that were in no way related to what happened to me, I stopped appearing. Shortly thereafter, he began including me in his attacks on the P-G. Thanks for the kind words about the commentaries. They were fun.

Pickman: Are the Steelers truly what their record says they are or are they simply benefiting from a weak schedule? (the only wins against teams with winning records are Seattle and Cleveland)?

Bob Smizik: I don't think they are as good as their record because their play has declined since they beat Baltimore in November. That, along with a weak schedule, probably makes them less than most 11-5 teams. That doesn't mean they can't get it together for the playoffs. As we've seen strange things happen in the NFL.

Ricky_Bobby: Where are the Bonds bashers hiding because I don't sense much outcry for a * next to Roger Clemens' Cy Young awards?

Bob Smizik: No question, Clemens has gotten off easier than Bonds. But there has been considerable talk about doing something about Clemens' awards. I even think some of his peers have made those kind of comments. I am pleased to say I was among the first to question Clemens post-40 excellence.

Ricky_Bobby: Why are there 32 bowl games? Only 1 game matters and the rest are for the degenerate gamblers.

Bob Smizik: Because the NCAA is composed of a large group of idiots.

eelkmj01: Do you think collegiate athletes should be able to opt out of their committment if a coach leaves? Or should a coach be held to the same standards as an athlete and have to sit out a year when leaving a school?

Bob Smizik: Something needs to be done about the way coaches can move around. Having them sit out a year is something I've thought about. But I don't think you can allow players to move around as freely as coaches. This is something I will be writing about in the near future.

ColoDave123: Bob - how do you feel the likes of Bonds and Clemens will be remembered? Are they Hall of Fame worthy in your mind? Do they deserve an asterisk next to their names if they are voted in?

Bob Smizik: I don't think this has completely played out and how they are remembered might be better defined at a later date. Until that happens. I think they will be remembered as great players who cheated. People will always wonder about what they did. But I don't think this will erase their legacies.

peabody_dave: The Steelers have the #1 defense ... How is that possible ... Did I miss something?

Bob Smizik: I refuse to believe you went to Peabody, Dave, which is my alma mater. The strength of their schedule has a lot to do with the Steelers defensive ranking. Obviously, if you're not playing strong teams, you're defense won't be severely challenged. You see a lot of this in the colleges early in the season. Teams that have played three creampuffs are No. 1 in the nation because they haven't been challenged. I think the Steelers defense is good, but definitely not No. 1.

Ricky_Bobby: Are the Pirates aware that the free agency period has begun?

Bob Smizik: An alarm goes off in the Pirates offices about four days before the end of free agency. That signals them that only the cheapest of the free agents are available and it's time for them to make their low-ball offers.

Pickman: Happy Holidays Bob, is there a possibility the Pirates don't make a major acquisition via trade or free agency and go into this season without bettering the current team or more importantly acquiring prospects for its future?

Bob Smizik: Same to you, `Pickman.' I don't think the Pirates will make any kind of major improvement before the start of the season. I've have been told, although not first hand, that GM Neal Huntington believes the team underachieved last year and will play better, as is, this year. I don't buy that, but that seems to be his story. As far as I'm concerned the unloading of Torres and Phelps diminished the team. Of course, they might -- might -- sign better players to replace them.

Ricky_Bobby: What should be the Pirates strategy this winter: tear it down and rebuild, or try to compete this season since it may take less than 90 wins to win the division?

Bob Smizik: I was of the opinion they had a decent core and should try to add to that. That strategy, however, involves spending money. The Pirates don't plan to do that. Looks like it will be status quo. The real test for this ownership group will come after the 2009 season when most of the core players either will be eligible for free agency or arbitration. They'll either have to significantly increase payroll or show themselves for the profit-takers they are.

Ricky_Bobby: How much will Cook's injury hurt Pitt?

Bob Smizik: As far as I know Ron Cook is full healthy.

ColoDave123: Bob - your answer on the Pirates front office is right on. Can you imagine a time when the Bucs will be competing for more than 5th place?

Bob Smizik: There is nothing in the history of this ownership group that would indicate it is willing to compete. The Pirates payroll has been last or next to last in the Central Division for more than a decade. That's a pretty strong track record that indicates the won't ever spend. It's possible their player development system could get better -- it can't get much worse -- and for a year or two they might make a run at .500 or slightly better. But I don't see that in the immediate future.

Richard87: What should the Penguins do to up their offensive production?

Bob Smizik: They could make a trade for an established winger who can score, but I don't think they want to disturb their salary cap situation. They seem to have a master plan and don't want to deviate from it. When Talbot and Malone come back, they should help. But they need better play from a lot of people, particularly Staal.

eelkmj01: I think either the entire era is in the Hall of Fame, or it is out. If it is out, Ripken and Gwynn have to be out, too. They were a large part of the era. Your thoughts?

Bob Smizik: I think you're painting with too broad a brush. That would be grossly unfair to some players. Gwynn, for example, never stuck me as a steroid guy. I think the Hall of Fame voters will weed out the suspicious, as they've done with McGwire. It might mean that some undeserving get in, but I think that's better than throwing out the deserving.

Ricky_Bobby: What can be done to level the WPIAL/PIAA playing field when it comes to private schools? I don't want to take anything away from the coaches or kids at Central, but a number of their players live a long way from Oakland.

Bob Smizik: I take it by Central you are speaking of the Central Catholic-North Carolina -Aliquippa-South Fayette Vikings/All-Star. I think there should be separate playoffs for private schools. Allow them to compete in the general league during the season but separate them in the post-season. Another state, New Jersey, I think, does that.

Ricky_Bobby: Considering the comedy of errors that has taken place since Barden was awarded the slots license, will you know change your stance and admit that IOC was the best option?

Bob Smizik: I never pretended to know which group was the best. I maintained all along the Gaming Board, with access to experts and and the specifics, was the best group to make the decision. I don't know if Barden has been a comedy of errors so much as the obstructions who have opposed his plans -- and I include the Pirates and Steelers in that group. I have no idea if IOC was the best group -- and neither do you. It looks like Pittsburgh will have both a casino and a new arena. Isn't that what everyone wanted?

walkie33: Warner or McNabb for Week 17?

Bob Smizik: No idea what you're talking about.

Joe_S: Hi Bob. What is your opinion of Penn State football program. Do they have a chance of landing Terrelle Pryor? Is Tom Bradley the answer as head coach?

Bob Smizik: Pryor seems to be a sensible kid who has a good idea what he's doing. Why would he want to go to Penn State to play QB? He'd sit the bench for two seasons and then play in an offense that doesn't suit his talents. I don't think Penn State has a chance of landing him. I don't think anyone knows who the next PSU coach will be. If the opening was tomorrow, Bradley would be the leading candidate. But I can remember when George Welch was the leading candidate to replace Paterno and he's been retired for about 10 years.

jksn17: Anyway we can convince the Steelers Organization to wear the 75th Anniversary Uniforms for the Home playoff games? So far when they have worn those jerseys they have played like a team possessed.

Bob Smizik: You might find this pretty radical but I don't think the uniform has much to do with performance. In fact, it has nothing to do with performance. But I urge you to call the Steelers -- they're in the phone book -- with your suggestion.

PhillyMarty: Hi Bob: The big New York story this week is should the Giants try to beat the Patriots or, due to the lack of a bye week, treat it like an exhibition prior to their Wild Card game. I think few would argue that the Giants have little chance of doing much damage in the playoffs and have a better chance of making their dent in history by upsetting the unbeaten Pats. What do you think?

Bob Smizik: The first responsibility of any team is itself. If I were the Giants I would rest my regulars. Besides, I want to see New England do it.

Pickman: Due to the suprising start of the Pitt Panthers and the big win over Duke, are the Panthers good enough to compete for the Big East Title?

Bob Smizik: They compete for the championship almost every year. I don't think this year will be any different. That was an impressive win over Duke and Blair is the real deal. They can play with most teams in the conference. I think they are the highest ranked team in the league. No reason why they shouldn't be a contender.

jksn17: How much rust should we expect with Verron being out all year?

Bob Smizik: My guess is about six layers. I hope they are not expecting much from him. I think he's more of an insurance policy than anything else. He's best as a third-down back, both in understanding the pass protection schemes and catching the ball. If he's used, it will probably be in that role.

PhillyMarty: You are one that has defended Paterno's decision not to retire. As an alum, I was more than a bit annoyed about last weeks Sporting News column in discussing the fall off of Michigan from Ohio State's level, they included Wisconsin and even Illiinois as challengers but no mention was even made of PSU as being an elite Big Ten program. That right there speaks loudly that Joe must go!

Bob Smizik: As I wrote earlier in the season, Penn State has dissolved into a mid-level Big Ten program. I'd rank Wisconsin and Iowa, although the Hawkeyes have fallen a bit, as right behind the big two. Zook's got it going recruiting-wise at Illinois, but I'd want to see more. Remember Illinois went to the Rose Bowl under Ron Turner and quickly returned to the bottom of the pack. I continue to defend Paterno's right to determine his future. At the same time, I think he should retire.

PhillyMarty: Considering Belicheat is no friend of the media, why would you root for him to obtain perfection?

Bob Smizik: I try not to judge people by how they treat the media. I have great admiration for New England and what it has done. If they were cheating in the past, I seriously doubt they are this season. Additionally, I'd love to see those 1970s Dolphins shut up.

Pickman: I know the baseball draft is in the middle of the season, but any hope that the current management team would do anything less than pick the best player available and not another middle reliever who projects to be half a round lower than every other team's board?

Bob Smizik: I fully expect the Pirates to take the best player available in the June draft. They took a lot of heat this past June by not selecting the catcher from Ga. Tech. I think they felt it would cost too much to sign him and he wasn't worth that much. The pitcher they took was, by all accounts, a legitimate first-round choice. I've heard detractors of Littlefield say as much.

Ricky_Bobby: Has your remote control cooled down yet from all the clicking you did on Thursday night? What a fun night, and all 3 local teams won!

Bob Smizik: My clicking was only two ways. I figured the Penguins could do without my support. I'm not smart enough to keep track of three games. It was great fun. I kind of stuck with the Pitt game when it got close and into overtime. Certainly a memorable night.

PhillyMarty: When it comes to class, Belicheat could not shine Shula's shoes? What bothers you about the Dolphins? That they had so many close games including a scare against the Steelers until we escorted Larry Sciple on a fake punt?

Bob Smizik: I think the classy thing to do is accept records can be broken. Both Hank Aaron and Dan Marino handled it with class when their records were broken within the past year. I don't think you'd see Marino celebrating, for example, if Favre didn't break his record. I happen to know Belichick is an expert man with the rag and brush and could definitely shine Shula's shoes. As for Shula, it's an absolute disgrace that he could never build a team around Marino. Dan rarely had a decent runner or receiver to work with. Shula is way overrated.

PhillyMarty: I don't see where it really matters in the grand scheme whether the Steelers avoid Jax or not. Since we have little control over that, shouldn't we treat this game like an exhibition, get players like Holmes that are playing hurt a week off. Otherwise even if we win the next game over whomever, we may be too banged up to win the next week on the road?

Bob Smizik: Thanks for all the good questions today. Jerry Micco will be back next week.