Mendenhall's bin Laden tweets vex Steelers

Rashard Mendenhall (34) of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after running for an eight yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. / Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - Rashard Mendenhall has created a stir with comments made on his official Twitter page regarding Osama bin Laden's death.

The Pittsburgh Steelers running back on Monday tweeted: "What kind of person celebrates death? It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side..."

Mendenhall didn't hold back, even making a reference to the Sept. 11 attacks.

"We'll never know what really happened. I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style."

The Steelers felt compelled to act. On Tuesday, team president Art Rooney II released a statement.

"I have not spoken with Rashard, so it is hard to explain or even comprehend what he meant with his recent Twitter comments. The entire Steelers organization is very proud of the job our military personnel have done and we can only hope this leads to our troops coming home soon."

Mendenhall, who profiles himself as a "conversationalist and professional athlete" on his Twitter page, turned some heads in March, as well, when he supported a comment by Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson comparing the NFL to "modern-day slavery."

"Anyone with knowledge of the slave trade and the NFL could say that these two parallel eachother," Mendenhall posted at the time.

Mendenhall is coming off a tremendous season, as he led the AFC champions in carries (324), rushing yards (1,273) and rushing touchdowns (13). He has 2,439 yards in three seasons since being drafted in the 2008 first round out of Illinois.

Among his other bin Laden tweets:

"I believe in God. I believe we're ALL his children. And I believe HE is the ONE and ONLY judge."

"Those who judge others, will also be judged themselves."

"For those of you who said you want to see Bin Laden burn ... I ask how would God feel about your heart?"

"There is not an ignorant bone in my body. I just encourage you to think."

[tcyb]

When I remember the vision of a man with blue trousers, white button down shirt, with a tie, with his arms stiff straight by his side, feet first, plunging to his death from one of those towers, I can fking celebrate the death of the monster bin Laden.

We have heard bin Laden many times on tape threatening the US, dude.

Did you graduate from kindergaten to get that spot with the Steelers? Is that all it takes?

[catwoman1952]

one word "ASS" describes him pretty good.

[AngryOldWhiteGuy]

Well I have fought long and hard for people to have free speech so I won't deny Rashard's right to say whatever he pleases. He even makes a good point. But I did listen to Bin Laden's narratives and his post 911 becomes far different than his pre 911...at first he gloated over it...posting video's taking credit..but then he verbiage changed...basically saying you stay on your side we will stay on ours. But what he promotes is Old Testament Patriarchal living if I could chat up Rashard I would ask him his view of women? For it is in the sexism of Islam that most of the harm occurs! And stick to losing Super Bowls!

[Bisk1]

Well, someone like myself - I've never heard the POS speak or whatever OBL's ideologies are but still fight the urge to outright Hate. Can't say am not happy that this POS was put down tho.

[rainbowroosie]

What a dumb a**

Steelers, please release this idiot when legally possible. Unless, of course, your organization backs his comments?????