PITTSBURGH -- The executive director of the city's Women's Center and Shelter had strong words for Steelers first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes.

Shirl Regan wrote a letter to the editor asking the Steelers to consider not signing Holmes to a big money contract.

"I really wanted to say something that would gather attention to this issue. I wanted people to start having a discussion," Regan said.

Regan did just that.

During a Monday appearance on ESPN Radio 1250, she said, "I would suggest the Steelers slow down and look at the whole issue before they sign the guy, allowing for due process to take place."

Regan's letter called for the Steelers to consider not signing the troubled rookie receiver, saying "What kind of example will Bill Cohwer, the Rooney family and the Steelers set if they invite Santonio Holmes to sign a contract?"

"I don't know this young man. He may have a lot of good traits in him. But if this is indeed the case, he needs to be called on it," Regan said.

Regan may not know Holmes well, but she knows other Steelers players like running back Duce Staley, whose foundation has formed an alliance with the women's shelter.

"I watched the young men who came with Duce and I was so impressed with their generosity and their compassion, their interaction with the mothers and the kids. And I realized what power they have," Regan said.

So what should happen to Holmes?

If found guilty, Regan believes there should be repercussions.

If not, she said Holmes still needs to take a stand.

"For him to take stand as a father is one thing, and for him to take a stand as a No. 1 draft pick that everyone is so excited about and to say, 'No I did not do this,' and 'I don't condone it in anybody's home,'" Regan said.

Regan is not alone in her stance on Holmes.

In a recent Pittsburgh Channel nonscientific survey, 71 percent of respondents said Holmes should be released.

The Steelers had no comment on Tuesday.