U mad, bro?: Pittsburgh fans angry after Day 1 of Pirates spring training, annoyed with Kenny Pickett's Super Bowl ring

Kenny Pickett winning a Super Bowl has certainly touched a nerve within Steeler Nation. So has the state of Pittsburgh’s current quarterback situation.

It took one whole day for some bad news to come out of spring training for the Pirates. And some people didn’t appreciate my gambling advice.

That gives us plenty to go with in this week’s “U mad, bro?”

Let’s begin with “Steve C.” regarding Spencer Horwitz showing up to spring training with a wrist injury.

“I guess he was trying to spare us fans when he goes on the I.R. after opening day when he realizes he has ‘Chronic symptoms’ in his right wrist. It’s ‘our’ fault for thinking this organization will ever change.”

Indeed, Steve. Agreed. On all fronts.

He shall henceforth, now and forever, be known as Spencer Hor “wrist.”

Here’s another Pirates email from David. The subject heading is “You have to stop.”

“We all have to stop criticizing Bob Nutting. The more we criticize him, the more he says, probably out loud to himself, ‘Really? Well, stand back and watch how much worse I can do.’ Just leave the man be and maybe he’ll get bored and sell the team.”

Well, Dave, if he hasn’t been bored to death by the results of his ownership so far, that’s probably not going to be the reason he sells the team at this point.

So, I’m going to quote the great English poet John Michael Osbourne and emphatically state: “I don’t wanna stop!”

Douglas had to get a shot in on me because I picked the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl when I posted my gambling advice column.

“As an avid follower of your column I have learned over the years to take your advice and do the opposite. Thanks for picking the Chiefs because I won big on the Eagles.”

Did you follow my advice on the Chiefs covering the second half, where I told you to bet big money? Or either of the two-point conversion props that I hit? Or Jalen Hurts for scoring a touchdown? Or Hurts to be the MVP over Saquon Barkley if Philly won?

If so, glad I could help.

“PGHCommenter” replied to Bill Cowher’s belief that the Steelers will at least entertain discussions about bringing Aaron Rodgers in to be the franchise’s quarterback next year.

Here we go, thrift shopping for a QB at the Red and White on Rt. 51. This town is so bizarre. They love old washed up players.

— PGHCommenter (@rs41dmb) February 11, 2025

“They” meaning the team? Or “they” meaning “this town,” as you said?

I don’t think it is as much the same thing as you might. I don’t sense the enthusiasm within the town as much as I get the willingness of the front office to go in that direction.

Or, at the very least, perhaps keep Russell Wilson.

Which, come to think of it, is probably why the town isn’t as enthusiastic of the Rodgers idea.

Here’s an email from “sb2000.” He’s not thrilled that I was writing about Kenny Pickett’s comments in advance of the Super Bowl last week.

“Really Tim? Who cares about Kenny’s anti-Steeler lukewarm comments. He’s not wrong. He’s not wrong. 60 year old Steeler fan here. This franchise stinks from the head down. I wish nothing but the best for Kenny. Get that ring Kenny.”

For a guy who started their email with, “Who cares,” you sure seem to care a lot. Maybe even more than Kenny.

And if that’s the case, then why are you upset that I brought it up?

More sports

• Sidney Crosby stars as Canada beats Sweden in overtime in 4 Nations Face-Off opener
• With Spencer Horwitz out after wrist surgery, Pirates explore internal options at 1st base
• After losing 4 games in a row, Pitt confronts injuries, issues on offense

Finally, this is an email from a woman who agrees with the previous emailer on the Pickett topic. Her name is Karen.

No, not “a Karen.” Just Karen.

But, honestly, when you read the email, I bet you’ll think that the shoe fits.

“Don’t you have anything better to write about? You just keep harping on your dead old boring sports opinion. You don’t have any new fresh ideas or comments on new fresh subjects. What kind of writer is that? Not old uninspiring issues from a year ago.

Stop trying to reopen the barn door on the horse that ran away a year ago. You should concentrate on the Pittsburgh area sports figures. Not someone that no longer wanted to be here. You need to let go.

Pittsburghers are tired of hearing about should of, would of, could of. Since you like to blast people with your condescending negative attitude, it only promotes more negativity. It is a real downer.

How does it feel to get a taste of your own treatment? Why don’t you try to be positive and inspiring for once… as an armchair quarterback.”

What do I think … Karen?

I think you “should have, would have, could have” picked a different writer to email. That’s what I think.

Maybe a writer who is under the impression that it’s their job to tell you what you want to hear all the time (as your first name more or less suggests).

By the way, I write about current Pittsburgh athletes daily. I’d love to write about current Steelers who actually made it to the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened for 14 years.

Like, you know, roughly that last time you walked into a party and picked up the mood of the room.