Hawks don’t get Bus fuss

DETROIT – Nearly an hour before Seattle tight end Jerramy Stevens was scheduled to address the media Thursday, there were 10 cameras surrounding his podium. There were only three cameras in the rest of the hotel ballroom, two at Matt Hasselbeck’s podium and one at Robbie Tobeck’s.

There were so many reporters waiting for Stevens that one of the nearby entry doors was blocked by humanity. Just before Stevens arrived, the swelling crowd spilled onto an adjacent podium, where three-time Pro Bowler Steve Hutchinson would later field questions. The NFL adjusted the seating chart to put Stevens at the podium that was supposed to go to three-time Super Bowl participant Grant Wistrom, who was relegated to a smaller table.

All because of one fairly innocuous comment made by Stevens at Media Day on Tuesday.

To recap, Stevens said Pittsburgh running back Jerome Bettis’ return to his hometown of Detroit was a “heartwarming story but it will be a sad day when he leaves without that trophy.” Outspoken Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter responded by working himself into a lather Wednesday and he continued with the rhetoric Thursday.

“I am out for anybody in blue, but definitely him (Stevens),” said Porter, who called Stevens soft. “I have my chance to go out and I definitely will have my turn.”

Bettis defended his teammate, saying, “They’re entitled to what they believe and I think Joey is getting criticism based on what he said throughout the playoffs.”

Seattle coach Mike Holmgren downplayed the situation. “You won’t hear Jerramy say much about it the rest of the week,” he said.

Nearly all the Seahawks were asked for their opinions.

“Whatever they got going is what they got going,” linebacker D.D. Lewis said. “The game is played on Sunday. That’s all I’ve got to say.”

Stevens said he didn’t regret his comments and wasn’t sure what the fuss was all about.

“I know it’s Super Bowl week,” he said. “It seems to be a lack of stories.”

Get a grip

Hasselbeck has sought advice from past Super Bowl quarterbacks, but instead he keeps hearing warnings about the slick footballs used during the game.

“Typically in a game they use about 22 footballs and you break them in and work them in during the week,” Hasselbeck said. “For some reason in the Super Bowl, they use 108 and they’re locked away somewhere where nobody can touch them. I’m not sure how it works.

“They (past QBs) all said the same thing: ‘The footballs are the worst you’ve ever seen.’ Then you watch NFL films and you’re noticing guys that you know are good passers and they can’t throw a spiral.”

Two Seahawks ball boys and two Steelers counterparts are apparently the only ones with access to the Super Bowl game balls, Hasselbeck said.

“I’ve talked to those guys,” Hasselbeck said. “That’s a lot of work for those guys.

“Funny, they might have a bigger impact on the Super Bowl than some of the guys playing in the game.”

Moon shot

Ex-Seahawks quarterback Warren Moon is one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’ll find out Saturday if he’ll need to prepare a speech for Canton.

“I’m more nervous before this weekend than I was before games,” he said. “You have a little more control over the game. You have some say-so in the plays being called and what happens on the field. This one you’re just waiting by the phone so I’m trying to stay as busy as I can, especially on Saturday.

“If I get the call, great. If I don’t, I’ll keep going on with my day.”

Moon is an analyst on Seahawks radio broadcasts.

Bus stop

The Steelers gathered Wednesday night for dinner at the home of Bettis’ parents. The menu included turkey, ham, a roast, corn bread dressing, macaroni and cheese, yams and potato salad.

“I’ve never been shy about eating,” Bettis said. “They don’t call me ‘the Bus’ because I pass the plate.”

Quick hits

The Seahawks had a couple of minor scraps during practice, according to a pool report. “This happened every year I’ve coached in this game,” Holmgren said. “By Thursday or Friday they get a little cranky.” … Receiver D.J. Hackett tweaked his hamstring and was added to the injury list as probable for Sunday. Cornerback Andre Dyson (quadriceps) practiced after sitting out Wednesday. … Steelers safety Troy Polamalu said he tweaked an ankle during practice and was added to the team’s injury report as probable.