Firing Line
KidSports Magazine
By Ellis G. Cannon
Publisher, Pittsburgh Sports Report
ESPN Radio 1250 Talk Show Host

Actually, the introduction on Page 3 of KidSports Magazine says it all. However, enough is never really enough.

As you can see, Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc. has moved forward with the premier issue of KidSports Magazine, a publication unique to parents with emerging young athletes. Although a departure from the editorial mission of PSR, the scope and objectives remain as lofty: excellence in all facets of the publishing process. After being founded in 1996, PSR has created market credibility and visibility consistent with a publication committed to journalistic excellence. Our commitment to KidSports is identical.

Much has gone into our decision to publish KidSports. As you would expect, such a commitment is neither made lightly nor without considerable effort. At the essence is our belief that no responsibility is greater than those parents have to their children. To the extent KidSports Magazine is helpful toward that end, it will be successful. We look forward to serving you and welcome all feedback to ensure our objectives and your needs are satisfied.

Thank you.

Those thoughts aside, here are some random thoughts on last month's NFL Draft:

- The Steelers' 2004 draft haul will be evaluated in time by the performance of their first four selections. That's not to say a sleeper among the other four can't emerge, or that Ben Roethlisberger won't largely define its success or failure, but the top four will tell the story.

- Taking Roethlisberger was a no-brainer. He fell to the Steelers. To their credit, they didn't panic and trade up, over think it and pass, or run from the obvious and trade down. The draft broke the Steelers' way and they did the right thing.

- Roethlisberger was the right choice even if he fails. If, in five years, he's universally panned as a washout, he was still the pick. Many experts evaluated him as the best quarterback prospect in the draft. Very few people will be able to credibly say five years from now, in case of a washout, that he was the wrong pick.

- Thank goodness the Steelers also avoided the deeply imbedded hysteria that drafting a quarterback with the top pick was to be avoided at all costs - because of failures other teams experienced over the years drafting a quarterback. Teams that draft out of fear fail in this league.

- Rams' coach Mike Martz told a national TV audience Roethlisberger stood alone among the available quarterbacks. Something about him being the total package.

- Do you really believe the Steelers committed in such absolute terms to Maddox they would take an offensive tackle, no matter how the draft worked out? Seriously?

- Can you imagine having to deal with Kellen Winslow II, his camp, his agent or anyone associated with him when it comes to playing football and negotiating contracts? He gives being a 'Cane a bad name.

- Seeing St. Louis and Detroit get Stephen Jackson and Kevin Jones at such great value - meaning as late as they were drafted - was one of the big surprises of the draft. It's hard to believe every general manager went into brain lock, but it's also hard to believe quality running backs all of sudden weren't high priority.

- Is the guy named Tom Donahoe in Buffalo the same guy who worked in Pittsburgh for awhile?

"Ellis Cannon's Sportsline Pittsburgh" airs weeknights, 6-8 p.m. on FM NewsTalk 104.7. Ellis is also a regular contributor on the "#1 Cochran Sports Showdown", aired Sundays at 11:35 on KDKA-TV.