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Rooney Bros. Split Over Steelers Selloff

4 of founder's 5 sons want out of football biz

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2008 2:10 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A change of ownership could be in the playbook for one of the NFL's most historic franchises, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the Rooney family since the team was forged in 1933—but four of the founder's five sons are now seriously considering getting out of the football business to concentrate on their gambling interests.

Eldest brother and Steelers chairman Dan Rooney wants to keep the Steelers in family hands and is working on a deal to buy out his siblings, but some of them are looking to see if a more lucrative deal can be made elsewhere. Insiders say local billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller is interested in buying the team.

In this March 3, 2008 file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney announces the signing of Ben Roethlisberger to an eight year contract extension in Pittsburgh.
In this March 3, 2008 file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney announces the signing of Ben Roethlisberger to an eight year contract extension in Pittsburgh.   (AP Photo/Don Wright, File)
A new mascot, the brainchild of Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II, is shown with his fake steel beam made of plastic foam and a Terrible Towel at Heinz Field.
A new mascot, the brainchild of Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II, is shown with his fake steel beam made of plastic foam and a Terrible Towel at Heinz Field.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
The Pittsburgh Steelers run a play in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL football gameat Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, in this Dec. 16, 2007 file photo.
The Pittsburgh Steelers run a play in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL football gameat Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, in this Dec. 16, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Heinz Field grounds crew paint the goal line before the NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007.
Heinz Field grounds crew paint the goal line before the NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007.   (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans Mike Brothers, left and Bill Atkins watch the big screen at Heinz Field during the team's annual fan blitz on NFL draft day in Pittsburgh, Saturday, April 28, 2007.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans Mike Brothers, left and Bill Atkins watch the big screen at Heinz Field during the team's annual fan blitz on NFL draft day in Pittsburgh, Saturday, April 28, 2007.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
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Rooney brothers considers Steelers sale
New York Times

Turmoil hits Rooney clan
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Statement from Dan Rooney
steelers.com

 
NFL • football • Pittsburgh Steelers • Pittsburgh • Heinz Field

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