First Call: Steelers' Devin Bush says he is being monitored, 'fined' for Twitter activity; Benny Snell welcomes roster challenges

Thursday’s “First Call” gives us more odd Twitter ramblings from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush. Benny Snell discusses the crowded Steelers running back room. We look at a potential oversight of the Steelers in the new Kurt Warner movie.

And there are some interesting numbers heading into this weekend’s Pirates-Mets series in New York.

Bush back at it

Devin Bush’s social media silence lasted less than two days. He came back Wednesday claiming his online activity is being monitored.

After a tweet-storm over the Fourth of July weekend — which featured a lot of controversy over a disturbing cat video he subtweeted — Bush went dark Tuesday, only to resurface Wednesday.

He insisted that the media swirl surrounding his posts was the fault of those who commented back to him, rather than his own content.

Man see y’all done got me in trouble

— Devin Bush ll (@_Dbush11) July 7, 2021

Then Bush went on to claim he was being limited to just two tweets per day.

I get 2 tweets a day now so I gotta make it count or else

— Devin Bush ll (@_Dbush11) July 7, 2021

Naturally, Bush ended up blowing right through that alleged “limit,” posting 14 times Wednesday. As a result, Bush claimed he got fined.

I went over my limits today. Them boys sent me a fine

— Devin Bush ll (@_Dbush11) July 7, 2021

Although Bush never said who is setting these guidelines or fining him. So, let’s just say I’m dubious of his statements.

Even if Bush was fined by the Steelers, the league, a kangaroo court of players or his own imagination, he doesn’t seem too concerned about the penalty.

I invested in Bitcoin, so I got it covered

— Devin Bush ll (@_Dbush11) July 7, 2021

For those wondering if Bush had been going through some sort of emotional, mental or behavioral breakdown like Antonio Brown did after the 2019 season, Bush addressed that conversation, too.

FYI my mental health is at it’s all time high. I took my tests yesterday and my test results were SUPERIOR. Thank you for your concern

— Devin Bush ll (@_Dbush11) July 7, 2021

Said my brain capacity was that of Albert Einstein , Isaac Newton & Elon Musk

— Devin Bush ll (@_Dbush11) July 7, 2021

OK, now that one I definitely don’t believe. No one has ever said that to Devin Bush. Never. Not even close.

Wanna know how I know that? Here’s how.

How do you know if you were born on a leap year ? And what does it mean ?

— Devin Bush ll (@_Dbush11) July 7, 2021

I’m pretty sure ol’ Albert and Isaac could figure that one out without soliciting the help of their Twitter followers.

Snell soundbites

ESPN recently suggested that third-year Steelers running back Benny Snell could become a training camp cut, largely because the franchise drafted Alabama running back Najee Harris in the first round. The team also signed free agent Kalen Ballage at the position.

But Snell isn’t shrinking from the challenge. Speaking on Kentucky Sports Radio, Snell told Brad White and Vince Marrow that he is ready for the competition.

“I’m taking it as a part of my journey,” Snell said. “I never have settled and been comfortable. This is my job now. Another thing I keep in mind was the Steelers picked me. I didn’t pick the Steelers. So I’m riding and dying about where I’m at. When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. I feel like, even on top of us having Najee, you can’t just do one back for the whole season. Impossible. I definitely know that roads and big-time moments are going to come up and I’m going to make sure I’m ready for them. I’m just keeping my head down and working.”

Snell is back in Kentucky hosting some youth camps at Georgetown College.

Casting call

There is a new movie coming out about the career of former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.

It is called “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story.” The film is slated to debut Dec. 10. It stars Zachary Levi as Warner. Dennis Quaid portrays coach Dick Vermeil. Anna Paquin has been cast as Warner’s wife, Brenda.

Chase your dream. Watch an exclusive behind-the-scenes look of American Underdog – in theaters this December. pic.twitter.com/IQbjwLTsgO

— American Underdog (@AmericanUnderdg) July 7, 2021

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Lots of footage of Warner as a St. Louis Rams quarterback. Plenty of him with the Iowa Barnstormers before he broke into the NFL.

But where are the Arizona Cardinals highlights? Specifically, those from Super Bowl XLIII when his Cards lost to the Steelers.

I want to know who is going to play James Harrison during the 100-yard interception return.

No. 7: James Harrison’s “Immaculate Interception” in @SuperBowl XLIII (Feb. 1, 2009) @Steelers #NFL100

: NFL 100 Greatest Plays on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/l7N6Rf206T

— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2019

I mean, Harrison was nicknamed “Deebo” by his teammates after the character from the movie “Friday.” Sadly, though, Tommy Lister Jr. died in December. He would’ve been the obvious choice.

So, I guess, based on Harrison’s magnificent work in those FanDuel commercials, he’ll just have to star as himself.

Silver lining

Despite losing 14-3 Wednesday, the Pirates got some good news.

The New York Mets didn’t get rained out. So that means ace pitcher Jacob deGrom made his scheduled start against the Milwaukee Brewers during a double-header.

And by his lofty standards, deGrom had a rough outing. He pitched seven innings, tallied 10 strikeouts, and issued no walks during a 4-3 win. But deGrom did yield a pair of solo home runs during his no decision, thus allowing his ERA to rise above 1.00 for the first time. It’s now a whopping 1.08.

At any rate, now the Pirates won’t have to face the Cy Young favorite during their four-game series at Citi Field from Thursday through Sunday.

New York is a weird team. The Mets lead the National League East with a 45-38 record. But their 303 runs scored are the second-lowest total in the National League.

The only team with fewer is, you guessed it, the Pirates at 301. However, the club has yielded a National league-low 300.

So don’t expect the scoreboard to light up in Queens this weekend.