Aaron Smith personal issue

[Finnegans Wake]

Just read a rumor post at SCI that Aaron's personal issue is that his son was diagnosed with leukemia and was receiving treatments.  Don't know if it's true; implication was that the local media respectfully sat on the story.  It would certainly have the gravity that the media silence and Tomlin and Keisel's comments would convey (Keisel tearing up over Smith even playing).  In the same thread, someone posted that it has a 95% recovery rate, which, if this is true, offers some hope.

Love 91 as a player, and he deserves every ounce of praise he's getting from the team right now.  Unbelievable commitment to his game to even show up at a time like this.  Man, I hope Holmes understands the sacrifice Smith had to make to play.

Thoughts and prayers to the Smith family.  It must be an incredibly difficult time, just unimaginable.

[vinman3]

Unbelievable. My prayers to his family. I can't imagine trying to work, let alone play at the level he plays at with that weighing on my mind.

[jonzr]

That's too bad.  Wonder if it was cathartic to knock the shit out of people for a few hours?

Prognosis sounds very promising, so that's good.

[steelerfaninCO]

He is a man among  boys. If his son is anything like his father, he will beat it.

[aj_law]

If his son is anything like his father, he will beat it.

Amen to that.

Several heartbreaking kid related stories around the league this year.  Smith, Matt Bryant losing his child...there was another, I think, but I can't remember exactly who...

Fucking devastating to say the least.  I wouldn't wish that on...a Browns/Bengals/Ravens fan.

[leighclay]

Wow.  I hadn't heard.  My thoughts and prayers are with Aaron and his family.

I know I say this about all the guys, but I love 91.  He plays his ass off and makes me happy to be a Steeler fan.  Even if his helmet always looks 2 sizes too small.

God Bless, Aaron.  Hugs to your kid.