Shallow uproar?

Regarding Dan Simpson's April 21 column ("Get Rid of Ben"): Buried under all of the arguments for releasing Mr. Roethlisberger may lie the real reason why so many fans are calling for his being dumped and are assuring us that they have consigned their No. 7 jerseys and Terrible Towels to the ash heap and the bonfire.

The reasons may lie in six words in Mr. Simpson's column regarding Ben's value to the team: "I say that in full awareness of the importance of Mr. Roethlisberger to the performance of the Steelers, at least some of the time" (emphasis mine).

I have a distinct feeling that there would not be such an outcry if the Steelers had gone 10-6, 11-5 or at least made the playoffs last season.

BILL TADLER

Ben Avon