Steelers

Dan Rooney: Family Has "Difference Of Opinions"

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Amid rumblings of a family dispute and reports that his legendary football franchise could be changing hands, Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney told KDKA today that they're trying to work things out, but "we have some difference of opinions."

At Heinz Field today, Rooney said he hopes he can continue to maintain majority ownership in the years ahead.

Rooney says the NFL requires that at least 20-percent of shares be owned by one person; but right now each of the five Rooney brothers owns 16-percent.

As Dan Rooney's brothers shop their shares around, KDKA Money Editor Jon Delano asked if the ownership issue has become a family dispute.

"Well, let me say this to you, Jon," Rooney added. "I am doing everything I can to maintain my integrity, and I think that is the important thing."

"We are working to keep things on a high level, and one that we can do. We have some differences of opinion, no question about that, but I don't think it's to the point where there's major troubles right now."

Nonetheless, Rooney acknowledges the uncertain future.

"There are so many things that have to be worked out – and how you would do it," he added. "We're just in those early stages right now.  I would like to see the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to be owned by the Rooneys and that we would stay in Pittsburgh as my father always wanted, that we all do everything possible to accomplish that, and that we all get along the way we should."

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