Bettis won't be shy with his words

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2006 | by Michael Hiestand

Jerome Bettis, debuting on NBC's NFL coverage Sunday, knows the trick for TV rookies is to be candid about ex-compatriots.

With his take on his old team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the studio analyst seems promising: "The Ben Roethlisberger (injury) issue I'm not concerned about. I'm concerned about coach (Bill) Cowher and his ability to stay focused. Is this a lame-duck year? He's the glue. If he's not motivated the same type of way, it will be difficult for this team to stay together."

If you can question whether the coach who led you to a Super Bowl win can "stay focused," put on the TV pancake makeup. "I talked to (ESPN's) Stephen A. Smith, and he said don't be afraid to call it like it like you see it," Bettis says. "If a guy's playing bad, he's playing bad."...