Can quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Still be Effective in Pittsburgh
He has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl titles but off field problems are threatening to sabotage the career of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He has now been suspended by the National Football League for six games and there has been trade rumors surrounding his future in the “Steel City”. A recent on line news poll of Steelers fans asked if he should be sent packing and 61% said yes.
Roethlisberger is the first to admit that he has some growing up to do and vows to work to make Steelers fans proud of him once again. In a statement released when he announced he would not appeal his suspension, he wrote “the commissioner's decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family."
While Roethlisberger did not face criminal charges in Georgia in an alleged rape case, the commissioner of the NFL says the quarterbacks conduct in the club was unacceptable. Roger Goodel sent a letter to Roethlisberger informing him of the suspension which read, “In your six years in the NFL, you have first thrilled and now disappointed a great many people. I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity to get your life and career back on track."
Roethlisberger’s off field conduct has long been an issue dating back to his college days at Miami University in Oxford. He had a reputation as a “player” who liked to party and chase women. In addition to the allegations of rape in Georgia, Roethlisberger is facing a similar claim in Nevada where he is being sued by a woman who alleges a sexual assault took place there back in 2008. That case could have been settled before the new allegations surfaced with an apology from Roethlisberger and a donation to a battered womans shelter but now the alleged victim has dropped that offer.
There were many football analysts who fully expected Roethlisberger to be traded by Pittsburgh before the NFL draft but while discussions were reported with several clubs, nothing could be worked out. Steelers owner Art Rooney has made it very clear he is disgusted by his quarterback’s conduct but he has also opened the door for his return to the team. A statement from Rooney released by the team says Roethlisberger is being allowed to participate in off season conditioning. “We allowed Ben to do this after being convinced that he was sincerely contrite for his actions as well as having Ben's assurance that he's firmly committed to working every day to regain the trust and respect of this organization and Steelers fans. After imposing an appropriate level of discipline, and outlining the steps we feel will be necessary to be a successful player and person, we intend to allow Ben the opportunity to prove to us that he's the teammate and citizen we all know he's capable of being. And we hope the entire Steelers community will allow Ben the opportunity to prove to them that he deserves their trust and respect."
The suspension of the Pittsburgh quarterback could be cut from 6 days down to 4 if he follows all of the conditions surrounding his return as laid out by the commissioner. Roethlisberger has made it clear he intends to do that which means the earliest you could see him back in yellow and black is October 17th at Heinz Field taking on the Cleveland Browns.
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