Goodell to meet with Roethlisberger Friday
Friday is the day Steelers fans have been waiting for as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will decide whether he will reduce Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension from six games to four. Goodell initially suspended the quarterback in April after he was accused of sexual assault in a Georgia bar. It was the second time that Roethlisberger had been accused of such a crime. While Roethlisberger was not charged, Goodell declared that he had violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
With the commissioner and Roethlisberger set to meet, word in Pittsburgh is that the suspension will likely be reduced to four games. Goodell has said that he’s been pleased with Roethlisberger’s behaviour this summer and says he has done everything the league asked him to do.
Goodell has not hinted on whether he will reduce the suspension, saying all summer that he would wait until after the final preseason game to make his final decision. If the suspension is reduced to four games, Big Ben will be back on the field for the Steeler’s 17 October game against the Cleveland Browns. If the suspension stays at six games, he will return on 31 October when the Steelers travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints.
It is still not known who the Steelers will insert as their temporary starter in Roethlisberger’s absence. Signs had pointed to the more experienced Byron Leftwich getting the nod but he has not done a lot to lock down the job. Both he and Dennis Dixon have gotten significant playing time in preseason and the job can still go either way.
Goodell will even have the option of bringing Roethlisberger back after two games if he continues to stay out of trouble. He can be back as early as week three but more will be known when the commissioner gives his ruling on Friday.
Tags: