On Friday, ESPN.com blogger James Walker reported that Steelers rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall had sent a swagger-rific text to his friend Ray Rice, who also happens to be a rookie running back for the Ravens, Pittsburgh's opponent on Monday night.
That's all linebacker Bart Scott, attempted murderer, needed to get adequately motivated for the big game. Funny story: Mendenhall didn't actually send the text. From SteelCityInsider.com's Jim Wexell:
On Friday, James Walker ... reported that ... Mendenhall had texted ... Rice and that Mendenhall boasted he would have "a big day" in his first career start against a Ravens defense that hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 games, the NFL's longest current streak. ...Steelers backup offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton, college teammate of Rice, said, "I talked to (Rice) the other day. He's talking his regular smack. He's confident in himself and confident in his team." Which prompted Wexell to write: "Of course, Stapleton didn't feel the need to type up Rice's comment and post it on the bulletin board."
The maneuver surprised those who've dealt with the quiet and humble Mendenhall this year. So it was no surprise when Walker updated his story on Saturday that Mendenhall denied doing it.
"That was news to me," Mendenhall said. "Everybody that knows me knows that's not my style."
I imagine the latest revelation won't change how Scott prepares for Monday night. Not so much because he needs "bulletin-board material" to get inspired, but because I don't think players put too much stock in pregame media reports. Which is probably advice we should all follow.
