PITTSBURGH -- Four of the Rooney brothers who collectively own a majority 64 percent of the Pittsburgh Steelers said Wednesday that they've hired a financial adviser "to evaluate alternatives for their ownership stake" in the team.

But the fifth brother -- team chairman Dan Rooney -- told WTAE Channel 4 Action News anchor Sally Wiggin that he's still trying to arrange a deal which keeps him as the Steelers' principal owner.

"Yes, very much so," Rooney said in a one-on-one interview Wednesday.
Podcast: Listen To The Uncut Rooney Interview (Approximately 6 Minutes)

Meanwhile, a relative in the McGinley family said he has not been negotiating to sell his 20 percent stake in the Steelers.

"We really haven't (been approached). We talk among family members but we're not actively involved in any negotiations," Jack McGinley Jr. said.

Speaking by phone from England, McGinley told WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Jake Ploeger that estate taxes make it difficult for generational owners to keep a team in the family over the years.

Dan Rooney owns 16 percent of the Steelers franchise. He's trying to buy out brothers Art Jr., John, Patrick and Timothy, each of whom also owns 16 percent.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. is advising the four brothers on how to sell their shares -- whether that be to Dan or to an outside party.

"I am doing everything that I can to maintain my integrity," Dan Rooney told Wiggin. "They are my brothers. I try to treat them very well. I try to talk to them. I talk to my brother John and Art often. That's the way I am trying to continue."

If the Rooneys go outside the family for a buyer, they could look to New York billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller, who founded Duquesne Capital Management and lived in Pittsburgh for about 30 years. He often attends Steelers games and is a member of the Oakmont Country Club.

Druckenmiller has already been involved in talks with Dan Rooney and his son, Steelers president Art Rooney II, and ex-NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who's representing the league on behalf of current Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"He (Druckenmiller) seemed like a fine guy, seemed like a person who was agreeable. Things like that," Dan Rooney said.

Asked if there's a strong possibility that Druckenmiller will buy the brothers' shares and become the Steelers' majority owner, Dan Rooney said, "That is what there is a lot of talk about, Sally. That remains to be seen. I would say not right now, even though there are some reports that are saying that this is going to be over by the end of the week. There is much, much more to it."

Were the Steelers to become a Druckenmiller-controlled franchise, Dan Rooney doesn't know what his role would be.

"All that remains to be seen," he said. "That is not my wish right now. My wish is that the Rooney family be in control, operate the team the way we have for 76 years."

In a joint statement Wednesday, Dan's brothers did not say which way they were leaning, only that their goal is to "ensure the continued success of the Steelers in Pittsburgh" and they "look forward to the Rooney family's continued involvement in the franchise."

McGinley called Druckenmiller a "quality guy" who has had an interest in the Steelers for many years, but he also said he doesn't know where negotiations stand and he's steering clear of it all.

"We (the McGinleys) have a seat on the Steelers' ship, but we don't sit on the bridge," McGinley said. "John and Pat Rooney are like brothers to me, and I know they have been trying to work things out with Dan."

The Rooney brothers still have a deep affection for the team, McGinley said, but it's just a financial reality today that they have to protect their own futures and those of each of their families.

"It is very difficult, and it is particularly difficult when it is something that has been Dan Rooney's life," McGinley said. "The Steelers are a part of the fabric of who he is."

McGinley thinks that if the Rooneys' father -- longtime Steelers owner Art Rooney Sr. -- were still alive, he would tell the brothers to protect their interest but make sure everyone remains friends afterward.

"I just hope this whole thing is handled appropriately and respectfully. My hope is that nobody gets their nose out of joint," McGinley said.

Fans React

What do fans think about the possibility of new names joining the Steelers' ownership group? Channel 4 Action News went to the streets of downtown Pittsburgh for reaction.

And no surprise, they want the team's power structure to stay local.

"Because the Rooneys got their roots so deep in Pittsburgh, it's like ripping a tree out of the ground," said Michael Goodworth.

"I've seen too many businesses, whenever they're sold, they do change. So it depends on the management and the people they get," said another fan.

"The Rooneys have always been loyal to the Pittsburgh family, to our city, and I think they'll do what's best for each and every one of us," said Deborah Standack.

"Somebody like Druckenmiller who's been around Pittsburgh for a while, I think, would be a better candidate," said another fan. "Other than that, I really don't -- as long as they're from Pittsburgh."

Fans are also sharing their comments online, via thepittsburghchannel.com's Steelers message board.

gulfflex31 wrote on the board, "I grew up in a little town of Ligonier, Pa. John, Pat and Tim: How long are we going to live? Take the money and run. Your family comes first."

Becky_Pgh wrote on the board, "I am APPALLED that the Rooney boys are going to have this very public fight over the ownership of the Steelers. Just HOW greedy are some of them? Doesn't loyalty, respect and dignity count for anything these days? It's not like they are poor and about to be homeless, that they have to shop the Steelers around like at a flea market! I have been a Steeler fan for about 34 years, since I was 15. As all other Steeler fans have done, I sat through one losing season after another, watching all the bad moves and plays, and poor coaching decisions. But I have always felt proud that win or lose, the Steelers had the best damn owners in the entire NFL. Now look at them... Shame on those Rooney boys for tearing the team and city apart for a few more bucks... "

Neicey wrote on the board, "A Steeler fan for 32 years (win, lose, or draw) I bleed Black and Gold!!!! I wish Dan Rooney all the Luck and that this turns around for him and Pittsburgh. Everyone says we're going to keep things the same and the next thing you know the team will be somewhere in New York! I understand this is business but my goodness you are all brothers and the Chief loved Pittsburgh. He gave his sons equal shares of the team, I am sure with the hopes and wishes that the team stays in HIS family and in Pittsburgh. Mr. Rooney Sr. (The Chief) cannot be happy looking down on this situation. Good Luck Mr Dan Rooney I am praying that the rest of your brothers wake up and smell the Cigar!"

jasonb1103 wrote on the board, "Yes, team and family loyalty is all out the door today ..... very sad. It is hard to believe that some of the Rooneys would even think about selling the team outside the family?! Art Rooney has built the most successful and beloved team of all time, it would be sad to see that legacy go away and it would be detrimental to the city of Pittsburgh. Money is more important to some of the Rooneys than the Steelers ..... The Steelers and their legacy are priceless."

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