Former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes was shown the door by the Pittsburgh Steelers late Sunday night.

Holmes is one of two Steelers (we are all familiar with the other) whose names have been paraded in the news for inappropriate conduct.  In addition to a 4-game substance abuse suspension to begin the 2010 NFL season, Holmes was recently accused of assaulting a woman.

After a season of 79 catches and over 1,200 yards receiving, Santonio was dealt to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick.  That’s right…a fifth-round pick…

Many are claiming that Pittsburgh was sending a message to its players, particularly troubled QB Ben Roethlisberger.  Roethlisberger, upon learning that charges will not be pressed against him in the assault case, issues a public apology.  In a taped statement with the superstar resembling Steven Segal, he said:

“I’d like to begin by expressing gratitude for the thorough investigation process in Georgia and the Prosecutor’s decision not to bring charges. I know without a doubt it is the right conclusion. I don’t intend to discuss any details related to the events in Georgia. I am happy to put this behind me and move forward. I am truly sorry for the disappointment and negative attention I have brought to my family, my teammates and coaches, the Rooneys and the NFL.

Roethlisberger will have to excel without one of his proven deep threats.

“I understand that the opportunities I have been blessed with are a privilege, and that much is expected of me as the quarterback of Pittsburgh Steelers. I absolutely want to be the leader this team deserves, valued in the community and a role model to kids. I have much work to do to earn this trust, and I am committed to improving and showing everyone my true values. I am excited to get back to work with my teammates, and I am more determined than ever to have a great season. I intend to make my family, friends and the Steeler Nation proud on all fronts.”

But if the Steelers were indeed trying to make a point, I think they may have been unsuccessful.  The party life is always an option for athletes, and those who can’t properly navigate it early in their careers usually never do.  We can only hope that he doesn’t eventually harm someone, but a “message” like this one won’t be enough to really change him. 

From a business standpoint, the decision was borderline dumb.  Pittsburgh got nowhere near equal compensation for a standout wide receiver.  It was obvious that they were trying to make an impactful move to prove a point, because if they would have shopped Holmes around they would have definitely received better offers.

Kudos to the Jets for realizing that there’s only limited risk here – and even that small risk is more than worth the loss of a fifth-round pick.

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