Tim Benz stories, Page 145

In Wednesday’s “First Call,” Le’Veon Bell talks about his future and Antonio Brown. Trade rumors for a Penguins goalie. And Super Bowl celebration hilarity. Whatever you say, Le’V Remember when New York Jets coach Adam Gase refused to directly answer a question about whether the team would be keeping Le’Veon...

“Football Morning in America’s” Peter King admitted that he didn’t vote for Troy Polamalu for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, even though he felt Polamalu was worthy of being in the top five. His rationale? King felt Polamalu had the votes to get in anyway (which proved true), so...

Is Patrick Mahomes about to become the NFL’s version of Sidney Crosby? I can see it happening. How about you? A well-adjusted, mature-beyond-his-years, media-poised, marketing-friendly star who plays in front of a maniacal local fan base and has national appeal. He puts up points. He’s exciting to watch. And he’s...

My bad, Troy. You deserved better for this. I dropped the ball. I was so busy being concerned about Steelers guard Alan Faneca getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — and mad when I found out that it didn’t happen — that I barely acknowledged your candidacy and...

In Monday’s “First Call,” Antonio Brown speaks. President Donald Trump tweets. And Troy Polamalu burns the New England Patriots over cheating allegations. Hall of Fame comeback Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday night. He also had a Hall of Fame comeback to...

“Madden Monday” this week is jam-packed with Super Bowl reaction, Hall of Fame fallout, the Penguins’ celebration after a win in Washington, and…. …Shakira? Mark Madden and I start by recapping the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers. I consider it a tribute to Kansas...

Pirates first baseman Josh Bell has an interesting philosophy on his swing. It’ll be worth tracking as this season progresses for him in Pittsburgh. Well, unless he gets traded for two prospects that are barely old enough to shave, as was the case for Starling Marte last week. Bell is...

Penguins owner Mario Lemieux may have been more upset about how Jaromir Jagr spurned his franchise to go to Philadelphia in the summer of 2011 than we thought. And Lemieux may have carried that grudge longer than assumed, as well. Former Penguins player and current team radio broadcaster Phil Bourque...

The Penguins’ 10-day break ends Friday night when they host the Philadelphia Flyers at 7 p.m. It begins a 32-game stretch to the end of the regular season. They start it in second place of the Metropolitan Division with 67 points, six points back of the division-leading Washington Capitals. They...

In Friday’s “First Call” JuJu Smith-Schuster speaks about Antonio Brown, Tom Brady sets the internet ablaze with a mysterious photo and there is potential for a local weekend sweep in college basketball. Taking the high road A frequent target of scorn for Antonio Brown in recent months has been former...

Thursday’s “First Call” features a new venture for Terry Bradshaw, updates on the Myles Garrett and the New England Patriots video-taping controversies, and trade talk surrounding the Penguins. Here’s some irony Over the last few decades, I think many Steelers fans have questioned Terry Bradshaw’s views on reality. Now, in...

The Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs is Sunday. So let’s get an educated breakdown from my “ESPN Pittsburgh” radio colleague Matt Williamson. He joined me on “105.9 the X” Monday, when I filled in for Mark Madden. As a former NFL scout, Matt has...

This week’s “U mad, bro?” was easy. Everybody was mad about the Pirates trading Starling Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two 19-year-old prospects, who are years away from making their big-league debuts. You are either mad about the trade. Or you are mad at those being critical of it....

In Wednesday’s “First Call,” Mike Krzyzewski explains his odd outburst at his own student section during a win over Pitt Tuesday. Pitt football loses a legend. Shaquille O’Neal discusses the loss of Kobe Bryant. Ray Lewis and Rod Woodson endorse both Troy Polamalu and Alan Faneca for the Hall of...

If former Steelers All-Pro Alan Faneca is feeling good about his chances of election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, he’s hiding it. “I feel about it like I do every time,” Faneca told me Monday on 105.9 the X .“You are excited. You never know which...

In Tuesday’s “First Call,” Arizona is celebrating the Starling Marte trade in a way we might not like. Joe Montana has advice for Tom Brady. LeSean McCoy talks about his reduced role. Jeff Capel’s return to Duke. And stunning numbers for Duquesne’s big game Wednesday. Hey! You can’t do that!...

A week off for the Penguins doesn’t mean a week off for Brian Metzer of the Penguins Radio Network. He joins us for his weekly hockey chat even though the Penguins are continuing their break until Friday. Brian gives us his thoughts on the All-Star weekend and breakout media star...

Ask someone more social media savvy than me. You know, one of “these kids today.” But I think now that Ben Cherington has made his first significant trade as Pirates general manager, this would be an appropriate time to go with the Spider-Man meme that I see on Twitter all...

This week’s “Madden Monday” starts on a somber note as we address the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Mark Madden and I discuss his legacy, his place in NBA history, what made him unique, and the sad memories Pittsburghers may have of Roberto Clemente’s passing as a result. After...

A judge has ordered former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown to seek a mental health evaluation within 10 days of his release from jail. ESPN reported the former All-Pro’s bond was set at $110,000 for charges including felony burglary with battery. Brown made an appearance in front of a judge...