‘He’s A Traitor’: Pittsburghers React To Cowher's 'Cane Support

Bill Cowher brought the city a Super Bowl victory as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was born and raised in Crafton. He is a Pittsburgh hero.

But when he cranked the hurricane siren at RBC Center Wednesday night, a pre-game tradition before Carolina Hurricanes home games, in support of the Pittsburgh Penguins opponents, many felt he betrayed his hometown for his new home.

"He's a traitor," said Gino Binkert, who was about to buy a “Benedict Cowher” T-shirt as he was interviewed by Channel 11 News. “I’m buying one to make fun a bit.”

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis also thought Cowher made a mistake in rooting against his hometown.

“I can understand Coach Cowher’s issue, living in Carolina right now, but you also have to remember where you came from,” Bettis said.

He remained neutral when his hometown Detroit Red Wings played the Pens for the Stanley Cup. “Coach Cowher, you are wrong. You are wrong for that.”

Before their Game 4 win on Wednesday, Channel 11 News asked Penguins players what they thought about the ex-coach’s decision to root for the Hurricanes.

“You want to kind of prove him wrong,” said Penguin forward Max Talbot, “that he should be cheering for us instead of them.”

“It doesn’t matter to me, to be honest,” said team captain Sidney Crosby. “But I’m sure it would make people from Pittsburgh a little upset.”