Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward says he will not have a problem being candid and impartial as he transitions from the football field to television. Some players have struggled criticizing their former team and one-time teammates once they were in the booth or in studio, but Ward insists he's ready for the job. Ward was sometimes controversial with blunt comments made during his playing career, and that's not going to change now that he's being paid to speak his opinion. Via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly:
"It won't be hard (to criticize)," Ward said. "One thing about playing football and doing interviews, I was always opinionated, and sometimes people didn't like what I said. I am sure there are going to be games where somebody goes into the locker room and says to them that Hines didn't pick you. I can't pick (the Steelers) every week."
Ward also stated that he won't be malicious, but simply state what sees when he doesn't think someone is performing as well as they should.
For more on Hines Ward's transition to the studio, head over to Behind The Steel Curtain.