ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi Kinkhabwala – Aditi joined the show. The guys asked Aditi about what goes on during OTAs, which begin tomorrow for the Steelers. She said it’s a display to show what guys really like to work. Aditi said the Ravens practice differently than everyone else in terms of intensity, but after the rash of injuries last season, John Harbaugh may tone it down. Aditi said it will be interesting to see the Steelers QB dynamic with Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. The guys asked Aditi if Stephon Tuitt will show up tomorrow or if the Steelers should have a plan in place if he’s absent.

As of Sunday night, Donny Football is now Uncle Donny. 

Peter King doesn’t think much of the Steelers going into the season. He has them ranked 23rd on his preseason power rankings. The guys are surprised he has the Steelers that low with the defense showing much promise. He has Baltimore 8th and Poni does not think the Ravens are that much better of a team. Cleveland is 18th because Deshaun Watson is a total question mark. 

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff was live from the Ron Hextall press conference. Jeff recapped what was covered by the Penguins GM. He said it appears they want to have Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin back, but after signing Bryan Rust, he’s not sure how possible it is. Jeff said the team likely wants Letang back more than Malkin if they had to pick one player. Chris feared if they continue to bring back Letang and Malkin, it will turn into what the Blackhawks have endured over the last few years.

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff was live from the Ron Hextall press conference. Jeff recapped what was covered by the Penguins GM. He said it appears they want to have Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin back, but after signing Bryan Rust, he’s not sure how possible it is. Jeff said the team likely wants Letang back more than Malkin if they had to pick one player. Chris feared if they continue to bring back Letang and Malkin, it will turn into what the Blackhawks have endured over the last few years.

One day away from OTAs and the guys are on Tuitt Watch. Will Stephon Tuitt show up? The guys discussed what the Steelers should do if he doesn’t and how well they have handled the situation so far. Donny teased an announcement for later in the show. 

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason shared his thoughts on what Ben Cherington said before the game yesterday and it doesn’t have anyone, including the diehards, very happy. Jason said the team is as bad as they appear and it wasn’t a time for the GM to say he’s seeing signs of progress. He said members of the coaching staff could be in trouble because of how poorly some veteran players have performed while with the Pirates to only see them play well elsewhere. Even with the status of their roster, the performance isn’t good enough. Jason said the team should be up front with the fans and explain there is a process before the team is good again. He referenced what the Texas Rangers have done. The guys asked Jason about David Bednar and if he will be on the roster after this year’s trade deadline. On Bryan Reynolds, Jason doesn’t think his stock is high enough to trade right now based on what he’s done so far.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason shared his thoughts on what Ben Cherington said before the game yesterday and it doesn’t have anyone, including the diehards, very happy. Jason said the team is as bad as they appear and it wasn’t a time for the GM to say he’s seeing signs of progress. He said members of the coaching staff could be in trouble because of how poorly some veteran players have performed while with the Pirates to only see them play well elsewhere. Even with the status of their roster, the performance isn’t good enough. Jason said the team should be up front with the fans and explain there is a process before the team is good again. He referenced what the Texas Rangers have done. The guys asked Jason about David Bednar and if he will be on the roster after this year’s trade deadline. On Bryan Reynolds, Jason doesn’t think his stock is high enough to trade right now based on what he’s done so far.

Cook & Joe had two great interviews today with Mike Munchak and Jack Ham. Poni broke down the chat with Munchak and is very intrigued by the comments from the former Steelers offensive line coach. He said even if he doesn’t want to live in Pittsburgh, the Steelers could make something work. Ham wanted to give his comments on Doug Whaley saying he couldn’t’ hack it in today’s NFL. Ham said he would have adapted and been just find in modern day football. 

Former Steeler Arthur Moats joined the show. Poni asked Arthur about Michael Vick returning to football in the fan-controlled league. He has no doubt Vick can play in the league. Arthur said if he was offered $1 million by another school after his junior year of college, he would leave in a heartbeat. He said the Jordan Addison situation sucks for Pitt, but unfortunately it’s how the game is going. Arthur said NIL is an official thing now, but it’s obviously been around for a long time. Poni asked Arthur about the future for Stephon Tuitt if he isn’t present at OTAs next week. Even though the workouts are optional, but it would certainly be worrisome. He said players that want to be there will show up to OTAs, referencing players like Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu. He said the Steelers have to be prepared in case Tuitt doesn’t show up. Arthur said he doesn’t plan on attending the Antonio Brown concert.

Former Steeler Arthur Moats joined the show. Poni asked Arthur about Michael Vick returning to football in the fan-controlled league. He has no doubt Vick can play in the league. Arthur said if he was offered $1 million by another school after his junior year of college, he would leave in a heartbeat. He said the Jordan Addison situation sucks for Pitt, but unfortunately it’s how the game is going. Arthur said NIL is an official thing now, but it’s obviously been around for a long time. Poni asked Arthur about the future for Stephon Tuitt if he isn’t present at OTAs next week. Even though the workouts are optional, but it would certainly be worrisome. He said players that want to be there will show up to OTAs, referencing players like Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu. He said the Steelers have to be prepared in case Tuitt doesn’t show up. Arthur said he doesn’t plan on attending the Antonio Brown concert.

Aditi asked if any athlete ever took over a sport like Tiger Woods. Aditi gave her thoughts on NIL and Jordan Addison making the move to USC. She approves of college athletes getting paid, but doesn’t love that Addison will be making more than an NFL rookie like George Pickens. Aditi still believes Mike Tomlin would be a great college coach because of recruiting ability, but Tomlin has no interest in making the move. Aditi commented on the Diontae Johnson contract situation and said the two new receivers are likely insurance policies for the future.  

Former Steeler Robin Cole joined the show. Robin talked about the differences between rookie camp in 1977 and 2022. He talked about overcoming a bad first impression with Chuck Noll, which he said had to do with him being a Raiders fan growing up. Robin gave his thoughts on Doug Whaley’s comments regarding Jack Ham playing in today’s game – Robin said Ham would still be a Hall of Famer and that he’s one of the smartest players he ever played with. Robin said there’s no way players today could handle what happened in practice in the 70’s and 80’s. Robin did not sound optimistic about Devin Bush.

Former Steeler Robin Cole joined the show. Robin talked about the differences between rookie camp in 1977 and 2022. He talked about overcoming a bad first impression with Chuck Noll, which he said had to do with him being a Raiders fan growing up. Robin gave his thoughts on Doug Whaley’s comments regarding Jack Ham playing in today’s game – Robin said Ham would still be a Hall of Famer and that he’s one of the smartest players he ever played with. Robin said there’s no way players today could handle what happened in practice in the 70’s and 80’s. Robin did not sound optimistic about Devin Bush.

Aditi asked if any athlete ever took over a sport like Tiger Woods. Aditi gave her thoughts on NIL and Jordan Addison making the move to USC. She approves of college athletes getting paid, but doesn’t love that Addison will be making more than an NFL rookie like George Pickens. Aditi still believes Mike Tomlin would be a great college coach because of recruiting ability, but Tomlin has no interest in making the move. Aditi commented on the Diontae Johnson contract situation and said the two new receivers are likely insurance policies for the future.