Steelers Avoid Big Disaster In Shocking NFL Collusion Scandal

The Pittsburgh Steelers have avoided a major bullet as a new massive NFL collusion scandal has unfolded. This scandal was uncovered by NFL reporter Pablo Torre, who revealed that the NFL Players Association presented evidence of coordinated efforts dating back to March 2022. Torre reported that NFL owners were encouraged by league officials to collude in order to prevent fully guaranteed contracts from becoming the norm. The controversy focused on contract negotiations involving former Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals, and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.

An arbitrator, Christopher Droney, recently ruled that NFL executives were indeed guilty of collusion. Droney concluded that the league's actions violated the collective bargaining agreement and harmed players by suppressing their market value. Although the NFLPA did not receive financial damages, the ruling confirmed that league officials worked together inappropriately during high-profile quarterback negotiations.

Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the Steelers were not involved in the collusion efforts. Team President Art Rooney II has continued to demonstrate a strong ethical approach in league matters, and the franchise was not mentioned in the 61-page ruling. As the scandal sends shockwaves through the NFL, the Steelers' reputation for integrity remains intact.

"There is little question that the NFL Management Council, with the blessing of the commissioner, encouraged the 32 NFL clubs to reduce guarantees in veterans' contracts at the March 2022 annual owners meeting," Droney wrote.

Droney found that the NFL worked together to try and put a stop to guaranteed contracts. One of the most shocking parts of the ruling involves former Cleveland Browns lineman and NFLPA executive JC Tretter, who has now been exposed for privately criticizing Wilson during his contract negotiations with the Denver Broncos. We all know how that played out.

Tretter’s comments have sparked outrage, with many calling him anti-player for undermining one of the league’s top quarterbacks during a critical negotiation. His actions have raised serious questions about his leadership and loyalty, especially considering he served as NFLPA President from 2020 to 2024.

"JC Tretter in a series of text messages that he sent to then Executive Director of the (NFL Player’s) Union DeMaurice Smith, repeatedly insulted Russell Wilson," Torre said. "At one point he used an expletive that I will not say here. JC Tretter also called Russell Wilson a 'wuss,' and then he said of Wilson: 'Instead of being the guy that made guaranteed contracts the norm, he’s the guy that ruined it for everyone.'"

Tretter was supposed to be working in the best interests of the NFLPA, but instead, he was seemingly helping the owners avoid paying out massive guaranteed contracts. 

That’s a serious breach of trust, and it raises major concerns about where his true loyalties stood during his time as union president. This revelation is just one of many that make this ruling so significant, and it will be interesting to see how the fallout continues to unfold in the coming weeks.

Steelers Cleared Of Any Wrongdoings In Massive NFL Scandal

As for the Steelers, they’ve been fully cleared and were not involved in any part of the collusion effort. That’s a positive outcome for the franchise, especially given their connection to Wilson, who was one of the quarterbacks directly affected. Pittsburgh’s front office, led by Rooney, continues to be seen as one of the more ethical operations in the league.

The bigger issue, however, is that long-held suspicions about owners colluding have now been officially confirmed and documented. What was once speculation is now written. While it’s unlikely that any real punishment will be handed down to those involved, fans across the league will continue to watch closely. The hope is that accountability follows this landmark ruling, but skepticism remains high.

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