Homepage > Sports

Art Rooney Jr. Wants To Do Right By Family

Dan Rooney Gives Steelers Sale Update; McGinley Not Selling

POSTED: 11:29 pm EDT July 9, 2008
UPDATED: 11:33 pm EDT July 9, 2008

All parties with a stake in the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers' ownership seek to do right, specifically for the Rooneys, for their families.

Art Rooney Jr. -- one of the five Rooney brothers looking to sell their 16 percent share of the team -- told WTAE Channel 4's Shannon Perrine that he wants to do what's right for his family, which owns a majority 64 percent in the team.

Podcast: Listen To The Uncut Rooney Interview With Action News (Approximately 6 Minutes)
  • Share your comments on ThePittsburghChannel.com's Steelers message board
  • Each of the Rooney brothers owns 16 percent of the Steelers franchise. Dan Rooney is trying to buy out brothers Art Jr., John, Patrick and Timothy. More From Dan Rooney's Interview with WTAE Channel 4 Action News anchor Sally Wiggin.

    Rooney Jr. had a book signing at a local book store Wednesday night. He told Action News the issue is about taking care of future generations, which may mean getting as much as he can for his share -- even if it's not from his brother.

    "Unfortunately, take a look at me, I look like an old guy, and you think that's all for someone else?" Art Rooney Jr. said. "I mean, estate planning and tax planning and things like that, and finally, it comes down to 'it's in your lap.'"

    When asked if the whole deal might be resolved in a matter of days, Art Rooney Jr. said that was wishful thinking.

    It's Not All In The Family

    Stanley Druckenmiller, a Pittsburgh billionaire and Rooney family friend, could buy a majority stake in the team and allow Dan Rooney and his son, Art II, to continue to run the team.

    Then, there is the McGinley family, which owns 20 percent of the team. Jack McGinley Jr. was asked if his family has been asked to sell.

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

    Fans have not expressed great concern.

    "I wish I was a Rooney and had 16 percent of something as valuable as the team, and that's wonderful for them and I hope that they'll do the right thing, and according to their track record, they will and the team, as Mr. Rooney said, will be in Pittsburgh for the next 75 years and hopefully longer," said J.R. McGrath, a fan.

    Links We Like

    If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

    Most sellers think they know at least a ballpark figure for their house, but most are way off. Get a true gauge on just what your home is worth. More

    You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

    Whether or not to get your child vaccinated has caused some debate. Learn more about immunization to help your decision. More

    Sponsored Links