Steelers Owner Responds to Angry letter

Following Super Bowl XL an angry Seahawks fan wrote a 5 page letter to then Commissioner Paul Tagliabue in response to what he felt was a horrible officiating job done by Bill Leavy’s officiating crew, citing bad calls, imaginary penalties, and non-calls for Steelers' penalties.

A few weeks later this disgruntled fan recieved a written response from Steelers owner Dan Rooney himself. Now this disgruntled fan has decided to sell his letter on Ebay to the highest bidder.

The full text of the letter appears below, the Steelers have not confirmed if the letter is legit or not.

22 February 2006

Dear Mr. [omitted]

You are something special — you watch a TV broadcast of Super Bowl XL, with all the interruptions, camera locations, replays and now know more than anyone else in America on what was wrong with the officiating. You review the plays from your own prejudice. Did you look at what was happening? I could go over the game and point out things that were just not perfect for the Steelers officiating, but why? The Seahawks held Casey Hampton, a great Pro Bowl player, on every play. But it’s over — let it go.

You say the best team didn’t win. The best team did win. They gave their all to gain the victory. The Steelers defense was outstanding from the kickoff to the final play. The offense made the plays to win. The only thing I will say — the Seahawks are a good football team — they kept it close — but the Steelers were the best.

I am pleased you are from [omitted], PA because I would be disappointed if you were from Washington. They are fine people. The Seahawks are a class team. I have much respect and high regard for Paul Allen and the Seahawk organization.
Attached are a list of 20 reasons the Steelers won.

Thank you for your interest,

/s/ Dan Rooney

cc: Commissioner Tagliabue

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