Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Big Ben's Suspension

Comissioner Roger Goodell levied a six-game suspension on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and imposed behavioral evaluation and counseling. Depending on how that counseling goes, and Big Ben's behavior prior to the season, that suspension could be reduced to four games, but no lower.

The measures were taken for Roethlisberger's violating the NFL'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.

Goodell was speaking mainly about the issues that arose in his recent incident with a college co-ed in Milledgeville, Ga., in which the co-ed accused him of rape during a drunken encounter. The Georgia district attorney did not press charges.

"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," Goodell said. "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."

He continued, "I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you. My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor. That said, you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans.

"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."

Besides that, a report out of Pittsburgh said the Steelers might entertain a draft-day trade for Roethlisberger if the price is right.

Not a good day to be Big Ben.

EP

15 comments:

  1. The DA said they couldn't collect enough DNA evidence for a conviction, so Ben doesn't go to jail for something that everyone knows he did. So the NFL gives him 6 lashes with a wet noodle.

    What a disgrace. Mike Tyson went to jail for the same thing. Ben will be playing again before Halloween.

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  2. Big Ben = Scumbag

    Spiller = Saint

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  3. Ernie, I will refrain from writing exactly what I think of this guy. It would be filled with expletives. Seriously, "Big Ben", you are a multi-freakin-millionaire and a two time super bowl champ. Show some dang class. Agreed, Lou, the punishment should be worse. I hope karma has it in for Ben at this point.

    And Wayno, I don't think the Saints are gonna trade up for Spiller. Interesting that you now have him going to New Orleans. Did he say something mean to you?

    (dude, totally busting your chops, I know what you meant)

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  4. You're a multi-millionaire, you're famous, you have won at the highest levels of your sports, and you're hanging out in a redneck dive bar getting underage coeds drunk and forcing yourself on them in a bar bathroom. Yeah, four games should make sure he gets the "message". The guy is a sociopath. Four games off just gives him more time to trawl for 19-20 year olds. Amazing what a couple of rings will allow you to get away with.

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  5. in yesterdays pittsburgh post gazzete there is a grea piece about how the police did not take her accusations seriously and did not tell the bar not to clean the bathroom. the janitor cleaned the bathroom and thus any evidence was lost

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  6. I just started a website to lobby Jerry, www.jerryplzdoanythingucan2getCJ.com.

    I hope this works. T-Minus 26 hours!!!!!!!!!!

    Big Ben isn't the sharpest guy either. That mullet made him look like a rapist and nobody around him could tell him that.

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  7. No means .....no

    Hey Ben - I have heard "no" more times from a girl than..... you have completions in a career.


    I didn't beat them when they said no.....I beat myself.

    Seriously, its a sign of the times. Idiot + Money + Posse/protection = trouble. Does not excuse an idiot from idiot-itis.

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  8. I thought the motorcycle incident a few years back was a fluke. Looks like he was an idiot after all. Jezzz he's got millions, two rings and fame...and yet he act's like an idiot. Unfortunately he's not alone, love the game, but there are plenty of idiots in the NFL. And people consider this game a family sport...my ass it is! If I had kids I wouldn't want them worshiping some of these morons.

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  9. The man is but a little, little boy. Ben is a disgrace. Plain and simple. Would he be in jail if he wasn't the QB for the Steelers? That is a question everyone knows the answer to.

    Sickening.

    Chris B.

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  10. 1138sw - It is ironic that time has changed perception in ways. Joe Namath lived the "playboy" flamboyance to the extreme in the late 60's & early 70's in NYC. Joe often talked of getting multiple women on any night he felt like it. Did some say "no"? ...hmm maybe not as many due to Joe's charm and wad of er um cash...but I am sure some did and Joe was a gentlemen. He might have slobbered over Suzy Kolber on live TV (at the time I giggled and said "way to go broadway schmoe")...like a drunk at a MILF go-go bar, but he was not the one to find himself on the bad side of women in the headlines like this creep is constantly doing.

    Fran Tarkenton was the Giants qb when I started paying attention to the game and team. He *along with Ron Johnson, John Mendenhall* were early hero's of mine. They represented everything that was cool and decent to me. Eli Manning is similar for todays children imo....and not just because they both wear/wore #10. :-)

    In closing...he is sabotaging a good career. Thanks Ernie...and Ernie Accorsi!

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  11. How much ya bet ol' Ben was in and out of that bathroom within minutes ... Classy adult male ... Well, I guess some guys take longer to learn about respect than others ... Hey Ben... Find yourself a good teacher ... learn to enjoy an hour or so ... Build a good reputation with the fairer sex ...!!!

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  12. Build a good reputation with the fairer sex ...!!!

    I would hope after two rape charges that that ship has sailed.

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  13. "Build a good reputation with the fairer sex ...!!!
    I would hope after two rape charges that that ship has sailed."

    dweez - putting the adult cap on....there are some that enjoy that type of relationship. I am not advocating btw that Ben start hunting ALT.KINKY adds for his next mate.

    I think it was De Sade that eloquently said... "3rd down and 55 to go and they call a draw?" ....when discussing his favorite football team. *sigh*

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  14. Russ - Sadomasochism and/or role playing and rape are very, very different things. The first two are done with consent. The last is done against another's will. Any woman that goes near Ben needs a psych eval. He's not "playing", he's a sociopath.

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  15. dweez - agreed. I was thinking more along the lines of 'there is someone out there for everyone' kind of thought.

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