The Facts: HC Mike Tomlin has confirmed many of the details regarding the Brown situation. It’s clear that Tomlin is focused on it now, and that he’s upset. He called the situation “something that’s very significant and will be handled appropriately so,” and it’s clear there will be some sort of discipline. But Tomlin stopped short of suggesting Brown won’t be back with the team in 2019. “I’m not going to speculate on trades,” Tomlin said, adding that the Steelers haven’t received a request for a trade.

Diehards Line:Regardless, Tomlin said the situation will be addressed and needs to be addressed, especially since Brown went AWOL at a time when the team was in its “darkest hour,” with a “significant game” looming and Brown disappearing in the hours leading up to it. Moving forward, Tomlin made it clear that he’ll be more inclined to be strict with players in the future, acknowledging his own responsibility for the mess that he now must clean up, as another season of high expectations and championship potential ended with a failure to make it to the playoffs.