Pittsburgh Steelers' Santonio Holmes Trade: An Image-Saving Move for the Team

They had to do something. It was that simple.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always maintained a sterling reputation for having players who not only want to play for Pittsburgh, but also lead the lives of decent role models, or at least quiet ones.

With diva-like Santonio Holmes troubled by drug charges, assault allegations, and a possible drug-related suspension and the seemingly always troubled Ben Roethlisberger facing serious legal problems this spring, the Steelers were faced with having two marquee players sully their reputations.

They did the only thing they could do, what they have always done—they started cutting ties.

Is Roethlisberger next?

As he is likely to be cleared of charges, he seems primed for one last chance. For Holmes, however, he'd already faced his two strikes.

Strike one was the marijuana possession charge he was slapped with during the 2008 season. Holmes was deactivated for the team's following contest as a statement to both him and the fans that this would not be tolerated.

After that, Holmes seemed a reformed man, winning Super Bowl MVP honors and emerging as one of the team's best receivers.

Then, a few weeks ago, Holmes was again in trouble after allegedly throwing a glass at a woman in a night club because she would not give back his seat.

Then, over the weekend, just as it seemed that case was going away (in dubious circumstances), it was revealed that Holmes could be facing a four-game suspension by the NFL for violation of its substance abuse policy.

Accurate or not, that was enough for the Steelers.

Holmes was dealt late last night for a fifth round pick in the upcoming draft and potentially another player. The deal has yet to be announced officially, so terms are not final.

The point is that the organization is not going to play games with malcontented players (see also Plaxico Burress, Bam Morris, etc.).

Holmes also recently tweeted that he did not want to be a Steeler any longer.

His wish has been granted.

A fifth round pick might seem like small compensation for a top wide receiver, but no one was going to give up a high pick for a malcontent with massive legal troubles and a pending suspension.

The Steelers accomplished their goal: They pulled off a puzzling (because of the compensation,) but image-saving move that should restore some of the franchise's credibility.