Seahawks defend Stevens' talk about Steelers' Bettis

Coach Mike Holmgren said that Jerramy Stevens won't say anything more about it.

By TOM WILLIAMS

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

DEARBORN, Mich. — Controversy? What controversy?

So said the Seahawks Thursday, one day after Steelers linebacker Joey Porter took exception to Jerramy Stevens' vow to ruin Jerome Bettis Homecoming Week.

"I don't know much about it," said defensive end Rodney Bailey, a former Steeler. "I didn't know what was said, truthfully. I haven't been paying attention. I haven't seen television or anything."

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said he didn't read into Stevens' comments "the way other people did. Guess what? We're going to try and play our best. We're going to try and win the game.

"And we all feel that," Hasselbeck said. "And I'm sure [the Steelers] feel the same way."

Hasselbeck said Stevens' words were "absolutely blown out of proportion. But then again, it's going to be a great game."

The last of it

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said, "You won't hear Jerramy Stevens say more about it the rest of the week.

"I suppose going through a Super Bowl week without something like that coming up would be unusual," said Holmgren who is making his third Super Bowl appearance as a head coach. "But we all know the game is decided on the field."

After the controversy broke, Holmgren said he addressed the Seahawks.

"The whole idea of our coaching staff is to try and prevent any more distractions than there already are," Holmgren said. "There are things that happen this week that you can't avoid, but there are certain things that you probably should avoid.

"Anything like that is another distraction."

Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, the NFL's MVP, said, "Mike likes all the things to be done on the field so he would prefer no one to say anything and just play the game."

Tobeck in accord

Center Robbie Tobeck agreed.

"He's said it all year — say nice things about your opponent," Tobeck said.

But Alexander said he enjoyed the outburst.

"Take Joey — he likes that, it gets him fired up," Alexander said. "I'm not a smack talker, everybody knows that. But I don't know if I would have played the game if there weren't a couple of smack talkers that I saw.

"I like that, it makes the game exciting, it makes it more fun," Alexander said. "I like that part of the game, I like people who wear their feelings on their sleeves. To me it makes it more fun."

With free agency looming, Alexander said how he performs on Sunday will have no effect on his future.

"After the season, the Seahawks will make me a great offer and I will have a decision to make," Alexander said.

Boulware's view

Safety Michael Boulware had another view on Porter's motives.

"You shouldn't need any extra motivation — it's the Super Bowl," Boulware said. "I think what's being said right now is mostly for the fans and the media.

"If you're looking for something to motivate you, maybe you're already losing."

Stevens said he didn't regret his initial comment.

"I spoke the truth," said the fourth-year tight end who has played well in the postseason. "All I intended to do was answer the question. People are looking for stories.

"I will be ready to play on Sunday."

williams@vindy.com