Goodell Claims Roethlisberger is Doing What’s Asked of Him
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback (QB) Ben Roethlisberger was suspended in April for six games by Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Roethlisberger was accused of rape/sexual assault of a Georgia student. It was the second time that Roethlisberger was accused of such an act. Though charges were never filed, nor was he convicted of any such act, he still violated the league’s rules and faces the consequences. Goodell said to Roethlisberger that he would reduce the suspension to four games if he did what was asked of him by the league. By the same token, Goodell said the suspension would reach up to eight games if he got himself into more trouble.
So far, according to Goodell, Roethlisberger has not only done what is required of him, but more: "He is doing what he's been asked to do and frankly more. He understands the seriousness of this and the fact he has to change the way he's doing things. I'm encouraged by that."
Goodell will meet with Roethlisberger in September shortly before the regular season starts, when he’ll decide if he’ll reduce the suspension to four games. With the way things have gone so far, it appears that a reduction is a distinct possibility. If the suspension remains at six games, Roethlisberger would return for the Steelers Halloween showdown with the defending Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints in week 8. If the suspension is reduced, then he’ll return following the Steelers bye week to play the Cleveland Browns on October 17th.
Goodell is also visiting the Steelers’ training camp shortly, as part of his seven-team tour. He plans to meet with Roethlisberger in the visit. Big Ben says he feels good about the meeting: "I feel like I've done everything asked and then some," Roethlisberger told a Pittsburgh newspaper. "I want him to know -- and I think he does know some of the things -- I want him to know I have done everything he's asked and tried to go above and beyond."
The Steelers need Roethlisberger back in the line-up as quickly as possible. Without him, the Steelers face a possibility of an early-season slump and falling behind the Bengals and the Ravens, both of whom appear to be strong contenders for the AFC North crown.
While Roethlisberger sits, Byron Leftwhich will likely be the starter and does not bring nearly the talent that Roethlisberger can bring.
Tags: