I Couldn't Disagree More Mr. Rome

As a Steelers fan, I should have been at Barnes & Noble the day My Life in and out of a Helmet was released. Especially being a big Bettis fan, but as usual, I let time go by until one day a couple weeks ago when I was watching Rome is Burning.

Rome went on a mini-rampage about how Jerome Bettis is completely in the wrong for faking an injury in camp a few years back to avoid being cut by the team. Once on the IR, Jerome became untouchable, so to speak, and was still able to draw a pretty nice paycheck.

Rome beat Bettis up for being unethical, a poor role model and for misleading his former employer. Unlike what Rome probably did, in simply hearing this second hand from a producer on the show or separate media outlet, I went ahead and took the time to read the book. It was a quick read, maybe four hours tops. Great read and always nice to see a run through the Super Bowl from a player's perspective. Now I can form my own opinion.

Rome misses the boat again and in a big way. The fact is, when in a job, especially one that pays what a starting RB in the NFL pays, you do what ever it takes to keep that job. Jerome went on to break records, proving he still had a ton left in the tank and was a key part of the Steelers Super Bowl XL run. If anything, he did his employer a huge favor by faking the injury. If an employer can cut you without regard, then an employee can do what it takes to make it without regard as well.

I guess Rome has never done what it takes to be successful. I guess in his younger days he never pushed the envelope or crossed the line to get to the next level. Rome hasn't ever faked an injury, but he has always and will continue to do whatever it takes to be successful and to reach his goals, be them unethical or not.

Definitely a case of calling the kettle black in this case Mr. Rome. When I have kids, I only ask they they have as much passion about their industry that you Rome and Jerome Bettis has had with theirs.