Fan Pulse: Steelers fans discuss the idea of a billionaire owner

By Neal Coolong  |   Tuesday, July 08, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

The team with only one emblem on its helmet has only seen one family own it.

Pittsburgh fans on Steelers Fever are coming to grips with the idea that the Rooney family may not be the exclusive owners of the team for much longer. News came out Monday that majority owner Dan Rooney is attempting to buy out his four brothers; the five of them make up 80 percent ownership of the team. Another family based in Pittsburgh, the McGinleys, owns the other 20 percent.

The four younger Rooney brothers have racing track ventures in Florida and New York, and the Rooneys stated that they wish to remove themselves from ownership in compliance with NFL rules separating ownership and gambling enterprises.

While information is passing back and forth, it seems Duquesne Capital Management chairman Stanley Druckenmiller could emerge as early as next week as an owner of the Steelers. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Tuesday night that Druckenmiller would have Rooney continue running the team.

It already has at least one poster a bit concerned.

"Has anyone started an over/under on how long it will take for Druckenmiller to cry poverty and that he's headed for bankruptcy if he's forced to stay in Pittsburgh in order to get the team moved into a larger market?"

Change isn't something Steelers fans are used to. After all, Mike Tomlin is just the third coach the team has had in three decades. Dan Rooney has been the owner since Art Rooney, the original owner, gave him control 33 years ago.

One poster:

"As a fan I am always proud to call the Rooneys 'my' owners - will I feel that same pride with Mr. Druckenmiller? (I doubt it)"
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report