With public opinion against him building by the day, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finally got whacked with a six-game suspension from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today.
Will Roethlisberger's suspension satisfy fans?
The Steelers have put Big Ben on the block. They should think twice and hope that their franchise QB can rebuild his image after sitting for six games.
April 21, 2010 at 6:36PM
Goodell told Roethlisberger that the suspension could be reduced to four games if he adheres to any counseling and treatment plans and then passes a comprehensive behavioral evaluation by medical experts prior to the 2010 season.
There wasn't enough evidence to charge Roethlisberger criminally in a sexual assault accusation in Milledgeville, Ga. But that didn't matter to Goodell from acting. After reviewing all documents and interviews in the case, Goodell determined Roethlisberger violated the league's personal conduct policy.
"The personal conduct policy makes clear that I may impose discipline 'even where the conduct does not result in conviction of a crime' as, for example, where the conduct 'imposes inherent danger to the safety and well being of another person'," Goodell stated in his letter to Roethlisberger. "As the District Attorney concluded, the extensive investigatory record shows that you contributed to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol by purchasing (or facilitating the purchase of) alcoholic beverages for underage college students, at least some of whom were likely already intoxicated. There is no question that the excessive consumption of alcohol that evening put the students and yourself at risk. The personal-conduct policy also states that discipline is appropriate for conduct that 'undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players.' By any measure, your conduct satisfies that standard."
Although accusations couldn't be proven in court, Roethlisberger behaved poorly enough that he never had a shot in the court of public opinion. I suppose that's the price a celebrity must pay. Hopefully, after he's done paying the price, people will let up and give him another chance.
The Steelers reportedly want to part with him and have put him on the trading block. That seems like an extreme measure. Why not let the league slap him around a little, say "The Pittsburgh Steelers support the league in this matter" and give Roethlisberger a fresh start and a short leash after the suspension?
That's what I'd do if I had a two-time Super Bowl-winning QB who's still a couple of years short of his 30th birthday. If the Steelers do trade him because of fan discontent, then those same fans should give them a free pass if they miss the playoffs the next three or four years.
Teams that need a QB shouldn't dismiss trading for Roethlisberger because of bad PR. Bad PR blows over. It blew over for Michael Vick. It'll blow over for Roethlisberger, assuming he changes his behavior, of course.
The Food Network host is in town filming episodes of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
