Nothing seems to have dominated the sports news as much as Mike Tomlin's inadvertent (I believe) interference on Jacoby Jones' kick return in the game with the Ravens on Thanksgiving night.
Tomlin has apologized - and it was not the typical jock apology written by some PR hack - profusely and sincerely and has said he will accept without protest or appeal any discipline that the NFL metes out. So, let it happen and let it be done. Unfortunately, this is something that will follow Tomlin forever. That may not be fair, but that is the world in which we live these days.
My own opinion is that I simply do not believe that this was done intentionally by Tomlin. As Michael Wilbon pointed out on PTI on Monday, there is nothing in Tomlin's history to suggest any pattern of behaviour that would lead one to think he would intentionally interfere with the game in progress. As to the actual interference, in continued viewings of the play, nothing suggests to me that Tomlin's actions caused Jones to NOT go all the way with that return. It appears to me that Jones would have been tackled, regardless of where Tomlin was on the sideline. Still, Tomlin was wrong and deserves some punishment, which he has acknowledged.
Also, in one perspective, it's a good thing that Baltimore actually won this game, for had they not, the actions of Tomlin would have no doubt led to his being drawn and quartered by the NFL. suits on Park Avenue.
What is more disturbing to me is the extremely negative reaction to Tomlin by Steelers fans themselves. If you read some of the online comments being made by these purported fans, well, one can only draw one conclusion as to why there is so much negativity towards Tomlin. I would also refer you to Ron Cook today, who makes an excellent case for Mike Tomlin.
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/2013/12/04/Finest-moment-for-coach/stories/201312040049
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