Steelers’ Antonio Brown says locker room divided in 2012
By Matt Shetler
There were many things that went wrong for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012, but rarely when you think of the black-and-gold do you think of locker room problems.
But that has become the norm as of late and according to Steelers’ wide receiver Antonio Brown; things were as bad as ever last season.
December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a pass reception against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The third-year pro said today on SportsCenter that the Steelers locker room was fractured in the 2012 season, in a way he hadn’t seen it since being drafted by the Steelers in 2010.
"“It was definitely different — guys weren’t really together,” Brown said."
He also said that safety Troy Polamalu was among the veterans who spoke out and tried to explain to the team that selfish behavior wouldn’t be tolerated. But even his words were not enough.
“That’s when you know you’ve got issues and you’ve got to come together as a team. Because the reality of a team game is everyone on the same page, committed to the same thing, dedicated for one goal, and that’s winning,” Brown said.
He didn’t name any names on ESPN, but Brown said he thought he had teammates last year who cared more about their individual goals than about the team’s record. He added that going 8-8 left “a bitter taste” that he hopes will motivate all of his teammates to act differently in 2013.
The locker rooms problems the Steelers had is something that just didn’t build up overnight, but leadership was called into question this season and judging by the statements of Brown, several guys have to look in the mirror this season for the Steelers to have success in 2013.