It seems that Mike Tomlin has decided that sports writers are a more appropriate opponent than opposing coaches.  He felt it necessary to express his opinion on a column by Gene Collier in which he's quoted as saying:

"His actions were referred to as 'thuggery.' We take offense to that."

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/08226/903878-66.stm

Well I take offense at head coaches who try to manipulate or intimidate the press especially when they haven't shown the same courage when it really counted. I remember last year when Bill Belichick rubbed Smith's nose in the dirt after his idiocy prior to and during the New England debacle.  Belichick was gloating post-game when he told the national press that they'd faced better safeties than Smith.  Since when is it OK for a coach to criticize another team's players?   Where was Mike Tomlin then?  I don't recall him having his players back at that time.  Is the press an easier target?  Was Tomlin afraid to say anything in response to Belichick?  At the least he could have pointed out that Belichick's comments said more about Belichick as a person than it did about Smith as a player!

Is Anthony Smith's psyche that fragile?

Come on Mike, coach the team,  and let the reporters write.

Heresy to some I know but I wonder if reality isn't forcing the best decision to the forefront.  Gerry Dulac's article today,

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/08220/902475-66.stm

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