Reading into the responses of the veteran leadership when questioned on their opinion of Ray Rice's assault of his then-fiance, the Steelers continue to show the class that should be expected of professional athletes when dealing with such issues.

"The standard is the standard;" a classic cliche that has become a stigma that defines the expectations of members in the most successful organization in the modern era of the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This standard has often been mentioned in light of the need for younger players and/or replacements on the team to be ready for whenever they may be called up to play with the starting unit and help the team maintain the same success it had with the veteran whom was being replaced. However, there is also a standard expected of each player on the team to uphold off the field as well.

While this does not mean everyone that has ever been on the team has upheld that standard, it is clear that such a standard exists within the organization when one observes the history of its many of its leaders in the public eye. This has been evidenced again, by how the team has responded to the release of the video in which Ray Rice knocked out his then-fiance.

Quarterback and team captain Ben Roethlisberger was asked by Baltimore media for his take on Ray Rice's situation. Despite Rice being a veteran of a team that has had several hard fought games with and harsh words for the Steelers, Roethlisberger kept his words positive.

"We pray for him and his wife and his family," Roethlisberger said. "The biggest focus is the game on Thursday. That's really all that we can afford to deal with right now on such a short week and notice. That's the most important thing for us right now is what we control."

Roethlisberger's statement follows suit with how other veterans of the Steelers responded when asked their opinion about the elevator video.

Despite his mother losing her life to domestic violence, Steelers' cornerback William Gay chose not to attack Rice. He instead talked about praying for Rice and his wife, and getting Rice help in dealing with the many issues that exist here.

Safety and team captain, Troy Polamalu, spoke more-so on how he was in no place to judge the actions of Rice, as everyone deals with their own struggles in life and must each confront their own problems, rather than focus on the judgment of others.

These players are not rushing to publicly judge another person, or athletes taking an opportunity to point the finger at a rival, these are professionals taking the ethical road on the issue rather than publicly chastising Rice as much of the others.

Just a few years ago, Rice was on the other end of such an exchange when long-time Steelers' wide receiver, Hines Ward, was dealing with a DUI charge. He took the opportunity to tweet that Ward's DUI charge was "not a good look," and then lecture about his actions and the impact it can have on those that see him as a role model.

"People look up to you, Hines," Rice said. "You just were on TV with Dancing with the Stars. Ravens fans were upset that you won Dancing with the Stars but they still watched you. That shows your charisma and character. You've got a legacy in the NFL that no one can take away from you. But if you hurt somebody drunk driving, that takes away a lot."

For the record, the DUI charge was dropped against Ward.

Rice's approach to Ward's situation is the opposite of how the Roethlisberger, Gay and Polamalu reacted when asked about their opinions on the tape of Rice knocking out his then-fiance. Growing up a Steelers fan, this is in-line with what I've come to identify as the way of this organization. Instead of judging and talking about what another person needs to do, or should have done, you speak with respect, support, and empathy towards what another person's struggles might be.

It takes a strong sense of humility to abstain from going-along with public opinion and not only make an evaluation from one's own standing, but to also refrain from judgment with that standing and speak with support for a man whose actions have made himself the easiest punching bag for any media pundit who wishes to address domestic violence as an issue.