THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

     To paraphrase the great English poets, the Rolling Stones, it's only Black-N-Gold but I like it. Yes, Black-N-Gold Nation, it's once again time for that internet sensation. Mrs. Black-N-Gold is back to bring you the newest edition of The Black-N-Gold News. She has everything Steelers, Pens & Pirates, for you.


                             THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS 

STEELERS

Our Steelers shook of their loss to the Philly Iggles in grand fashion. They crushed the KC Chiefs in front of the home crowd, last week, 43-14. QB Ben Roethlisberger was rewarded for his fine play in the win by receiving AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors Congrats, Big Ben! Not everyone received accolades for their play in the game. WR Antonio Brown received a fine to the tune of $24,309 from the game. AB worked another twerk into his touchdown routine and will be lighter in the wallet because of it. Mrs. Black-N-Gold is all for having fun but these celebrations are also worth 15-yard penalties on the field. If this ends up effecting the outcome of a game, it could cost more than some chump change to AB. 

The injuries continue to wreak havoc with the Steelers roster. They placed T Ryan Harris (shin) and CB Senquez Golson (foot) on injured reserve. Because of that, they promoted T Matt Feiler and CB Al-Hajj Shabazz from the practice squad. 

Even with the injuries piling up, our Favorite Black-N-Gold Football Team continued to collect Ws. On Sunday they shellacked the Jets 31-13 at Heinz Field. This Sunday they're going to Miami to face the 'Phins. They may do so without DL Cam Heyward who left Sunday's win with a hammy. Cam the man is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Get better soon, Cam! Let's Go Steelers!!!!!! 

PENGUINS

Our Penguins continued to get ready for the regular season by playing out the exhibition schedule. Last week, they blanked the Blue Jackets 2-0. That gave them a string of 3 consecutive shutouts. In the penultimate preseason game, our Favorite Black-N-Gold Hockey Team fell to the Red Wings 5-2. They closed out the exhibition schedule with a loss to Columbus 5-3. They finished with a 3-3 mark. 

The Pens received some bad news yesterday when it was announced that C Sidney Crosby has a concussion. Supposedly, Sid suffered the injury in practice on Friday. He's not expected to be in the lineup for the opener and there is no timeline for a return. Remember, Sid missed a considerable amount of time before due to a concussion. Let's hope that it's not as severe. Get well soon, Sid!

Now it's time for the games to REALLY count. This Thursday, the banner is lifted and the puck drops on the Pens 50th anniversary season. The Pens look to defend their championship at home against the Washington Capitals. Tomorrow, Mrs. Black-N-Gold will give you her Pens season preview. Here's a hint: Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, pass me the brandy. Again. Let's Go Pens!!!!

PIRATES

Our Pirates closed out their season with a whimper as they raised the white flag all weekend long last week in St Louie. They lost last Saturday when they were clipped by the Cards 4-3. And they were decked again on Sunday in a 10-4 loss. 

In what appeared to be a quizzical paper move, our Favorite Black-N-Gold Baseball Team placed LF Starling Marte on the 15-day DL on the final weekend of the season. There is speculation that this move was made in an attempt to 1)embarrass Marte for basically taking the final month of the season off due to a questionable back injury and 2)to try to prevent Marte from playing winter ball in an effort to make the Domincan team in the World Baseball Classic. Sounds like the party may be over for the Bucs and Marte Partay. 

Some more moves were made even after the regular season ended. LH Phil Coke was designated for assignment. That move was necessitated by the acquisition of RH Brady Dragmire (who?) from Toronto for cash considerations. It looks like the dumpster diving is starting early for the Buccos. 

There was also an announcement made by GM Neal Huntington this week that could spell disaster for the 2017 Pittsburgh Baseball Club. NH made mention that the team will be on a tight budget next year. Perhaps he's trying to brace everyone for a repeat of this season. Or, maybe, Bottom Dollar Bob is tightening the pursestrings further to offset the 250,000 dip in attendance the team suffered this season. 

Even though the team limped to the finish with a 78-83 record, lowering the Jolly Roger more than raising it this season, Mrs. Black-N-Gold still bleeds Black-N-Gold. She wants the Pirates to win a World Series in spite of the cheapskate owner. She's keeping her fingers crossed for 2017. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!