Written by Dave Kolonich

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Call it progress if you will – or perhaps just a sterile sense of apathy – but in terms of offseason drama, our beloved Browns are doing quite well at the moment…or not, depending on your perspective or current level of non-football boredom.

Of course, this particular moment is occurring in mid-June, where practically every NFL team is on the rise and/or far removed from the sting of last season.  Plus, there’s still an entire summer that could potentially be filled with club incidents, civil suits and arrest warrants.

However, in the Browns’ case, with the exception of a few restricted free agents, there is very little of the swirling negativity that is soaking the likes of our neighbor teams.

How boring.   

In the Cavaliers’ case, it is completely fascinating to watch the clash of egos involved as the franchise tries to find its’ post-LeBron or pre-post, or future LeBron footing.  Talk about some tip toes, as neither the dynamic team owner or franchise player will admit to anything.

What’s particularly interesting about the Dan Gilbert/LeBron pseudo-gestures is that each seems to be involved in a sort of hypothetical poker game – only neither party will ever acknowledge that they are actually playing.  For all the recent press conferences, front office shakeups and Larry King interviews, no one knows anymore today than they did after last month’s Game 6.

On one hand, Gilbert seems to be pressing forth the idea that his Cavalier franchise, which is no doubt among the league’s more valuable commodities, can remain as such with or without LeBron.  If you take Gilbert at his word regarding LeBron’s lack of input into the current coaching search, then the Cavalier franchise would indeed seem to be structurally sound. 

Of course, if you truly believe that the franchise’s allure is independent of LeBron, then you must also be convinced that the likes of Tom Izzo would leave a great college job to coach Mo Williams and Jamario Moon.

Although you certainly can’t blame Gilbert for his recent comments, it’s almost surreal how he has to disconnect LeBron from his franchise, while still clinging to the idea that without LeBron, the franchise loses an incredible amount of value. 

Speaking of value, certainly LeBron realizes this.  Of course, for any player in his unbelievably unique position, he would essentially bring this same value to whichever franchise he ends up joining.

Although he’s not going to reveal anything – and rightfully so.

As for some value of another kind – which has revealed almost too much, the other bit of regional drama found in Pittsburgh is almost as fascinating – or even more so on a degrading type of level.

In Ben Roethlisberger’s case, the Steelers suddenly find themselves the meek owners of a tarnished superstar. 

While much has been speculated regarding Roethlisberger’s off-field behavior and generally juvenile disposition – meaning before the past year – no concrete evidence has ever surfaced to truly villify the two-time Super Bowl winner. 

However, the recently released tapes and evidence regarding Roethlisberger’s Georgia escapades could prove to be completely devastating for a franchise that has always alluded to its sense of decency and family values.  While I’ve never been one to jump on the contemporary media bandwagon that crucifies athletes for their transgressions, this same evidence paints Roethlisberger as nothing short of a sexual thug.

Obviously, most of us deal in reality and while we never truly know the entire story, I would think none of us are naive enough to believe that a famous athlete doesn’t feel entitled to whatever desire they seek.  However, in Roethlisberger’s case, his transgressions have taken on a much more sinister and downright creepy tone. 

In short, what Roethlisberger did – at least the latest example – proves that the Steelers’ face of the franchise is equal parts brazen and buffoon. 

Certainly, the makeup of most professional athletes includes a high degree of invincibility.  To engage in such a brutal sport – and succeed at its highest levels – more than proves this.  However, Roethlisberger’s actions suggest that like a modern day Atilla the Hun, everything is for the taking.

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger’s on-field value diminishes his off-field behavior.

Although the Rooney family is certainly disgusted with Roethlisberger, the prospects of fielding a team without him would prove disasterous.  With the exception of Peyton Manning in Indianapolis or maybe Drew Brees in New Orleans, I can’t think of another NFL team that is more reliant on their QB than Pittsburgh.

The fact that the Steelers have completely re-made their offensive identity to reflect Roethlisberger’s playmaking abilities proves this much.  However, what the Steelers are now finding out is that removing one entity from another will be nearly impossible.

Much like the overall stain Roethlisberger has left on his team.

Similar to LeBron and Dan Gilbert’s current dance, the Steelers can make all the public statements they want, but in the end they have to realize that the only true path forward is with Roethlisberger under center.

Which brings us back to our drama-free Browns.

Besides Shaun Rogers’ tenuous legal status – and isn’t it amazing how his actions pale in comparison to Roethlisberger? – the only real drama occurring in Berea involves the status of the Browns’ five restricted free agents.

However, in terms of real drama – this is nothing but a blip on a slow June news day.  Already during OTA’s, both Jerome Harrison and Lawrence Vickers have been spotted in Berea.  It’s not a stretch to think that once the restricted free agent signing deadline draws nearer, all five players will suddenly realize their complete lack of leverage. 

Once training camp hits, all of this alleged Browns drama will likely be quickly forgotten – unlike the ongoing saga that will the Summer of LeBron and Big Ben’s Road to Redemption.

Boring?  Yes.

However, compared to what else is going on – I’ll take a boring offseason anyday.