I believe that. And I think I heard the same as you did. I'm assuming the money was hush money actually. Yeah, you're right. There was a report he was fired with cause. If he didn't get any money, and kept his mouth shut, he's a bitch AFAIC. I have no doubt he was absolutely ABUSED by Scott Pioli.

He didn't exactly keep his mouth shut (see also "Arrowhead Anxiety") but I think a big part of the quiet after him being fired had to do with him trying to get another job.

The NFL is a good old boys club - he would have had a hard time getting employed by anyone had he started popping off to the media.

That's a good point. I'm sure he did plenty of talking, just not publicly. He certainly wouldn't have been hired by The Steelers if he'd gone around running his mouth. I'd love to spend a half hour with that guy "off the record".

why does this matter?

Pioli has a "lifetime" contract. Scary.

Hard to say... depends what the language in his contract says. Also, there is alot of speculation that he might have a new contract.

One thing is for sure. If he gets fired, it will be because of the fans. I believe he has a new contract and Clark doesn't want to fire him partly because of it.