That year turned into a wild ride for pro soccer, because two leagues toiled to grab sports fans’ attention and dollars. When the franchise briefly stumbled during the turn of the millennium, missing the playoffs each year from 1998-2000, the Steelers signed Cowher to an extension. Prosecutors in the double-murder trial weren’t allowed to mention his conviction in Lloyd’s case. Rooney brought new employment requirements to his fellow owners and got the measure passed.