Steelers' Holmes 'apologizes' for drug arrest, team brushes it under the rug

When we last checked in with Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver Santonio Holmes he had just been arrested for possession of marijuana after a traffic stop.  He was benched for the team’s 21-14 loss to the New York Giants, after which QB Ben Roethlisberger observed that "Obviously, you miss Santonio and what he brings." Of course Mike Tomlin has an example to set that criminal conduct won’t be tolerated.

Actually, the only message Tomlin sent is that winning is not only the most important thing it’s the only thing.  Following a baleful apology from the reprobate wide receiver all is apparently forgiven:

"I would like to apologize to my teammates, the Steelers organization, my family and the fans for my actions that caused me to miss Sunday's game. I recognize that I made a mistake and understand the significance of my actions and will not make any excuse for my behavior. I look forward to putting this behind me and being accepted by my teammates and the fans as part of this team."

Holmes then said that he wouldn’t address the issue further with the media since he’s “all about team”:

"As this time, I plan to focus all of my efforts on helping our team win on the field and achieve its ultimate goal and will not address this situation publicly in the future.”

Tomlin gave his thoughts with this inspiring, George S. Patton –like speech:

"You know our feelings in regards to that. The 11 on the field represent us and the standard of excellence doesn't change. It is not a cliche; we will never waver in regards to that."

What Tomlin obviously meant to say is that he won’t waver for a few days until the pressure to win at all costs brings even the most idealistic head coach back to reality.  Holmes will start against the Washington Redskins on Monday night and Tomlin was sounding a more measured tone than the “standard of excellence” claptrap:

"As a football team and an organization, in terms of our view of the situation, we've laid it to bed," Satisfactory action has been taken from our standpoint. ... For us, we're moving forward."