ESPN reporter Adam Schefter is reporting via Twitter that Steelers linebacker James Harrison has talked to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger today to explain his comments in the upcoming issue of Men’s Journal. Schefter cites that former Steelers running back Merril Hoge, a close confidant of Roethlisberger\’s, told him that the phone call took place and that Harrison claimed that the article writer, Paul Solotaroff, twisted many of his comments and that it was not the intention of Harrison to criticize Roethlisberger. In addition, Roethlisberger reportedly told Hoge that he is taking Harrison at his word and that their relationship is “fine”.
It will be intersting to find out if Harrison has also called both running back Rashard Mendenhall and safety Troy Polamalu to clarify the comments he made about both of them as well. Mendenhall seems to have gotten his feelings hurt about being called a “fumble machine” as he was quick to tweet a link to his stats last year. One can only conclude that Mendenhall wanted to point out that he only had 2 fumbles during the 2010 regular season. Mendenhall also claimed in that tweet that he does not have a problem with what Harrison said, because he knows him. In should be noted that one tweet earlier in the Twitter timeline of Mendenhall, he claimed he was getting of Twitter too. Coincidence? I will let you decide that.
Harrison was all set to join Sportscenter this evening to discuss the interview and clarify the comments he made, but it has now been announced that Harrison has cancelled that interview.
