Willie Parker Would Reportedly Rather Sit Out In 2010 Than Play For The Steelers

The Steelers let RB Willie Parker hit the open market turning their attention to former first round pick RB Rashard Mendenhall. Reports surfaced over the last few weeks that the Steelers may be open to a return by Parker.

That doesn't appear to be happening, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette spoke to a person close to Parker and reported in his PG+ blog that Parker is so bitter toward the Steelers about his treatment last season that he would rather sit out 2010 than play here again. The source's message might be a bit extreme, but there's no question Parker -- a valuable guy who played a major role on two Super Bowl-winning teams -- couldn't have been happy about being pushed aside for Mendenhall.

I'm not sure this is the best more for Parker. He's turning 30 in November and, as we've learned over the years, that usually means a limited to non-existent market for him.

Read more about Parker at Behind the Steel Curtain.