Perhaps in response to criticism of the comments of Steelers chairman Dan Rooney regarding the decision of the team to cut backup receiver Cedrick Wilson and keep linebacker James Harrison when the two players essentially engaged in the same conduct, the team has issued a statement that attempts to clarify Mr. Rooney’s remarks. 

Here’s the full text of the release:

To clarify the comments made earlier regarding the conduct of our players, in no way do we condone domestic violence of any kind.  Each incident must be considered on a case-by-case basis

In the situation with James Harrison, he contacted us immediately after his incident and has taken responsibility for his actions.

“In today’s decision with Cedrick Wilson, we determined the situation was severe enough to warrant the player being released immediately.

“We trust that today’s roster move will indicate our intentions and send a message that we will not tolerate this type of conduct.”

Um, we’re not sure that this really clarifies anything.  Wilson, as we understand it, was cut before he was even charged — and he has taken full responsibility. 

No matter what the team says, people are going to believe that Harrison got to stay with the team because he’s a star, and Wilson didn’t because he isn’t.  And those people probably are right.

Moving forward, things definitely will get interesting when the next Steeler player gets arrested for roughing up a female.  If, for example, the culprit is Ben Roethlisberger or Willie Parker or Hines Ward, will the team reiterate its message?  Or will the team find a way to distinguish the situations?

“Well, you see, Cedrick’s incident happened on a Wednesday.   This one happened on a Saturday.  And we all know that Saturday night’s all right for fighting.”

Ideally, the players will simply get the message, and none of them will strike, push, shove, choke, kick, punch, cold cock, knee, elbow, head butt, tackle, bend, break, and/or bop any of the ladies in their lives.