Ben Roethlisberger

[sonuvabum]

With all the Steeler fans on the boards, how come no one has mentioned this guy lately?

Did I just miss it?

The silence is deafening.

G-

 

[MoeCizlak]

Stupid is as stupid does. Hopefully this will jolt his ass back to the real world and he can turn himself around. If not, the Cowboys have been playing the role of the Raiders lately and we sure could use a quarterback who can handle the pressure of a big game.

 

[jayro75]

Stupid is as stupid does. Hopefully this will jolt his ass back to the real world and he can turn himself around. If not, the Cowboys have been playing the role of the Raiders lately and we sure could use a quarterback who can handle the pressure of a big game.

Talented player with no morals, sounds like a Jerry Jones type of guy.

 

[dataz722]

He isn't going to be in Pittsburgh very long. The rooneys don't screw around when it comes to things like that. I know I will be happy to see him go! :thumbs:

 

[tomthirtysix]

I've heard plenty of stories from people that live down in that area, most to the effect that they weren't surprised someone finally went to the cops. Seems as though he has a pattern of behaving like this. However, I think it sets a pretty dangerous precedent when you start suspending a guy for so much of the season when he hasn't even been charged with a crime.

 

[dataz722]

Goodell really wants to turn the NFL around and is ruling with an iron fist to do so. I don't see anything wrong with that since these people are taking everything for granted. He is making examples out of people left and right and other just keep on doing it. Sooner or later they would hopefully catch on.

 

[gtadroptop]

Despite all of his on-field poise and leadership abilities, Ben has proven he has a lot of maturing left to do. He didn't have the best reputation off the field prior to this or last year's events. 'I did Ben' buttons are a running joke in the city. Ben still doesn't realize who he is - the face of the franchise and Steeler Nation. That's quite a burdon to put on somebody. He's shown he isn't ready for that task.

I thought the near death experience with the bike wreck would wake him up. It didn't. Last years scandle didn't either. Both times he had full support of the organization. This time is different.

Nobody can deny I'm one of the strongest Steeler supports on the board, but even I'm disappointed. The events of that night happened under a cloud of alcohol for all involved. As of this posting, Ben didn't do anything illegal. I know everybody is screaming that he plyed an underage girl with alcohol. The truth is the girl was 20 and of age for everything except drinking. It was the bars responsibility to keep her out. Ben had no reason to suspect she was under the drinking age. It's the pattern of behavior illustrated here that saddens me. I hope this time he wakes up.

One of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history is now tainted on both ends. Both he and Santonio start this year with multiple game suspensions. Santonio will be wearing a different team's uniform. If Ben wasn't who he is, he probably would be too. Even that may not be out of the question. Trading Ben would send a strong message that this type of behavior isn't tolerated no matter who you are.

I'm straddling the fence on this one. The only thing Ben is guilty of is gross stupidity and immaturity. Is that enough reason to get rid of the guy? I wouldn't be overly upset to see him wearing Black and Silver next year.

I will continue to bleed Black & Gold. I may not cheer as hard for my quarterback though.

 

[tomthirtysix]

Goodell really wants to turn the NFL around and is ruling with an iron fist to do so. I don't see anything wrong with that since these people are taking everything for granted. He is making examples out of people left and right and other just keep on doing it. Sooner or later they would hopefully catch on.

So what happens when you come across a situation where a girl just flat-out wrongly accuses someone of something. Goodell going to suspend them, too? And what happens when it's later found out to be nothing but lies?

 

[dataz722]

I'm straddling the fence on this one. The only thing Ben is guilty of is gross stupidity and immaturity. Is that enough reason to get rid of the guy? I wouldn't be overly upset to see him wearing Black and Silver next year.

As much as I hate Ben and the Steelers, I agree with that completely.

 

[davew0670]

rumor going around of 2 cover ups in college now. Sorry, where there is smoke, there is usually fire.

 

[dataz722]

Goodell really wants to turn the NFL around and is ruling with an iron fist to do so. I don't see anything wrong with that since these people are taking everything for granted. He is making examples out of people left and right and other just keep on doing it. Sooner or later they would hopefully catch on.

So what happens when you come across a situation where a girl just flat-out wrongly accuses someone of something. Goodell going to suspend them, too? And what happens when it's later found out to be nothing but lies?

It is strongly believed that is what happened with Ben the first time and nothing happened from it. This time he admitted to being drunk and buying her drinks and whatnot. He didn't admit to doing anything illegal but he did admit to what many would consider immoral.

 

[Q_The_Cop]

Despite all of his on-field poise and leadership abilities, Ben has proven he has a lot of maturing left to do. He didn't have the best reputation off the field prior to this or last year's events. 'I did Ben' buttons are a running joke in the city. Ben still doesn't realize who he is - the face of the franchise and Steeler Nation. That's quite a burdon to put on somebody. He's shown he isn't ready for that task.

I thought the near death experience with the bike wreck would wake him up. It didn't. Last years scandle didn't either. Both times he had full support of the organization. This time is different.

Nobody can deny I'm one of the strongest Steeler supports on the board, but even I'm disappointed. The events of that night happened under a cloud of alcohol for all involved. As of this posting, Ben didn't do anything illegal. I know everybody is screaming that he plyed an underage girl with alcohol. The truth is the girl was 20 and of age for everything except drinking. It was the bars responsibility to keep her out. Ben had no reason to suspect she was under the drinking age. It's the pattern of behavior illustrated here that saddens me. I hope this time he wakes up.

One of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history is now tainted on both ends. Both he and Santonio start this year with multiple game suspensions. Santonio will be wearing a different team's uniform. If Ben wasn't who he is, he probably would be too. Even that may not be out of the question. Trading Ben would send a strong message that this type of behavior isn't tolerated no matter who you are.

I'm straddling the fence on this one. The only thing Ben is guilty of is gross stupidity and immaturity. Is that enough reason to get rid of the guy? I wouldn't be overly upset to see him wearing Black and Silver next year.

I will continue to bleed Black & Gold. I may not cheer as hard for my quarterback though.

Actually the age to get into a bar here is 18. She was OK being in there, so the statement of the bar keeping her out, is not valid. It's what happened when she got in there, that's the problem. But it's VERY easy for anyone to get a drink in a busy night club. Over 21 gets an arm band, under 21 doesn't. Should the bouncers and staff pay more attention? Absolutely! Do they ever pay attention? Nope, that would hurt their bottom line. They're paying customers after all, even if they have to have an "of-age" friend go up to the bar and buy it for them. They'll get that drink regardless, trust me! That was my case, so I have a little more insight into the situation as well.

 

[The Green Monkey]

Goodell really wants to turn the NFL around and is ruling with an iron fist to do so. I don't see anything wrong with that since these people are taking everything for granted. He is making examples out of people left and right and other just keep on doing it. Sooner or later they would hopefully catch on.

So what happens when you come across a situation where a girl just flat-out wrongly accuses someone of something. Goodell going to suspend them, too? And what happens when it's later found out to be nothing but lies?

This is what makes me uncomfortable about Ben's suspension. I have to assume that Goodell, both with respect to Ben and any future rulings, will look at the totality of the circumstances. Everyone understands that athletes can be targets for people looking to make a quick buck off of an out of court settlement, and that he said/she said sorts of issues are often impossible to conclusively resolve. However, this latest fiasco for Ben bears few signs that it was some sort of calculated setup, and taking into consideration his foolishness with the motorcycle (including subsequent declarations that he refuses to give up the bike for the time being and will not wear a helmet) plus the accusations from a while ago, I think it's pretty clear that at best, Ben is a complete imbecile without a modicum of common sense--and a reckless, selfish, entitled narcissist at worst. Either way the guy needs a slap in the face.

The thing that really puzzles me is how little media attention has been paid to the fact that the security tapes for the night in question were mysteriously erased or otherwise destroyed. Why isn't anyone making a stink about that? If I'm Ben and I know I'm innocent of any wrongdoing, the minute this thing develops, I'm spending whatever amount of money it takes to make sure those tapes are preserved. Instead, that evidence is somehow destroyed and the bathroom is bathed in bleach before the police can investigate the scene--even though there were police officers present all night long...

 

[Q_The_Cop]

Goodell really wants to turn the NFL around and is ruling with an iron fist to do so. I don't see anything wrong with that since these people are taking everything for granted. He is making examples out of people left and right and other just keep on doing it. Sooner or later they would hopefully catch on.

So what happens when you come across a situation where a girl just flat-out wrongly accuses someone of something. Goodell going to suspend them, too? And what happens when it's later found out to be nothing but lies?

This is what makes me uncomfortable about Ben's suspension. I have to assume that Goodell, both with respect to Ben and any future rulings, will look at the totality of the circumstances. Everyone understands that athletes can be targets for people looking to make a quick buck off of an out of court settlement, and that he said/she said sorts of issues are often impossible to conclusively resolve. However, this latest fiasco for Ben bears few signs that it was some sort of calculated setup, and taking into consideration his foolishness with the motorcycle (including subsequent declarations that he refuses to give up the bike for the time being and will not wear a helmet) plus the accusations from a while ago, I think it's pretty clear that at best, Ben is a complete imbecile without a modicum of common sense--and a reckless, selfish, entitled narcissist at worst. Either way the guy needs a slap in the face.

The thing that really puzzles me is how little media attention has been paid to the fact that the security tapes for the night in question were mysteriously erased or otherwise destroyed. Why isn't anyone making a stink about that? If I'm Ben and I know I'm innocent of any wrongdoing, the minute this thing develops, I'm spending whatever amount of money it takes to make sure those tapes are preserved. Instead, that evidence is somehow destroyed and the bathroom is bathed in bleach before the police can investigate the scene--even though there were police officers present all night long...

The video wouldn't have mattered anyway, had it been there. There aren't any cameras back in the VIP room where they were at anyway. That was brought out in several news articles. Also there weren't police officers present all night long. They went into the bar talked with his group and left the scene. Never heard of the bleach story.

 

[cookie_1978]

Goodell really wants to turn the NFL around and is ruling with an iron fist to do so. I don't see anything wrong with that since these people are taking everything for granted. He is making examples out of people left and right and other just keep on doing it. Sooner or later they would hopefully catch on.

So what happens when you come across a situation where a girl just flat-out wrongly accuses someone of something. Goodell going to suspend them, too? And what happens when it's later found out to be nothing but lies?

This is what makes me uncomfortable about Ben's suspension. I have to assume that Goodell, both with respect to Ben and any future rulings, will look at the totality of the circumstances. Everyone understands that athletes can be targets for people looking to make a quick buck off of an out of court settlement, and that he said/she said sorts of issues are often impossible to conclusively resolve. However, this latest fiasco for Ben bears few signs that it was some sort of calculated setup, and taking into consideration his foolishness with the motorcycle (including subsequent declarations that he refuses to give up the bike for the time being and will not wear a helmet) plus the accusations from a while ago, I think it's pretty clear that at best, Ben is a complete imbecile without a modicum of common sense--and a reckless, selfish, entitled narcissist at worst. Either way the guy needs a slap in the face.

The thing that really puzzles me is how little media attention has been paid to the fact that the security tapes for the night in question were mysteriously erased or otherwise destroyed. Why isn't anyone making a stink about that? If I'm Ben and I know I'm innocent of any wrongdoing, the minute this thing develops, I'm spending whatever amount of money it takes to make sure those tapes are preserved. Instead, that evidence is somehow destroyed and the bathroom is bathed in bleach before the police can investigate the scene--even though there were police officers present all night long...

My gut tells me he was guilty as hell. He is a POS. I would love to know what the guys in the locker room think of Big Ben. Normally, if a guy is a POS in one area, he is a POS everywhere. I would love to see him traded today before the draft. I would keep my ears open, but I would not give him away like they did with Holmes.

 

[TubalCain]

The video wouldn't have mattered anyway, had it been there. There aren't any cameras back in the VIP room where they were at anyway. That was brought out in several news articles. Also there weren't police officers present all night long. They went into the bar talked with his group and left the scene. Never heard of the bleach story.

Technically I guess you could say the police were there all night long; I was reading that his bodyguards were off duty policemen.

 

[The Green Monkey]

The video wouldn't have mattered anyway, had it been there. There aren't any cameras back in the VIP room where they were at anyway. That was brought out in several news articles. Also there weren't police officers present all night long. They went into the bar talked with his group and left the scene. Never heard of the bleach story.

Technically I guess you could say the police were there all night long; I was reading that his bodyguards were off duty policemen.

That's exactly what I was getting at.

Bleach story excerpt (click HERE for full article):

[GBI Agent Tom] Davis was concerned about the Capital City restroom being compromised. The door was locked but Milledgeville officers never marked it with crime scene tape, so a janitor who didn't know about the incident mopped it with Clorox bleach and Pine-Sol, potentially destroying valuable evidence.

"Naturally, we would have liked to have been in there and had a good look at the scene before that happened," said Davis.

The rape kit taken at the hospital determined that male DNA was present, but the sample was too small to determine identity, leading GBI investigators to tell Roethlisberger's attorney, Ed Garland, that it would be "futile" to ask for his client's genetic material for comparison. Garland declined to comment until he read the investigative material.

Attorney Lee Parks said the accuser, who has quit school, is seeking therapy because of the incident.

As first reported by the Trib, Jerry Blash, the patrolman who first investigated the matter, resigned Wednesday, just before the public records were released. GBI agents learned that Blash used salty language to describe the young accuser. He also had his photo taken with Roethlisberger and several other officers earlier in the evening of March 4, before she claimed she had been assaulted.

"He no longer is an employee here," said Chief Blue, who insists that Blash's role in didn't compromise the investigation because the case was handed off quickly to detectives within the department and GBI.

 

[Q_The_Cop]

The video wouldn't have mattered anyway, had it been there. There aren't any cameras back in the VIP room where they were at anyway. That was brought out in several news articles. Also there weren't police officers present all night long. They went into the bar talked with his group and left the scene. Never heard of the bleach story.

Technically I guess you could say the police were there all night long; I was reading that his bodyguards were off duty policemen.

That's exactly what I was getting at.

Bleach story excerpt (click HERE for full article):

[GBI Agent Tom] Davis was concerned about the Capital City restroom being compromised. The door was locked but Milledgeville officers never marked it with crime scene tape, so a janitor who didn't know about the incident mopped it with Clorox bleach and Pine-Sol, potentially destroying valuable evidence.

"Naturally, we would have liked to have been in there and had a good look at the scene before that happened," said Davis.

The rape kit taken at the hospital determined that male DNA was present, but the sample was too small to determine identity, leading GBI investigators to tell Roethlisberger's attorney, Ed Garland, that it would be "futile" to ask for his client's genetic material for comparison. Garland declined to comment until he read the investigative material.

Attorney Lee Parks said the accuser, who has quit school, is seeking therapy because of the incident.

As first reported by the Trib, Jerry Blash, the patrolman who first investigated the matter, resigned Wednesday, just before the public records were released. GBI agents learned that Blash used salty language to describe the young accuser. He also had his photo taken with Roethlisberger and several other officers earlier in the evening of March 4, before she claimed she had been assaulted.

"He no longer is an employee here," said Chief Blue, who insists that Blash's role in didn't compromise the investigation because the case was handed off quickly to detectives within the department and GBI.

Yeah OK. I didn't interview the bar staff, so I didn't hear about the bleach thing. There were officers there, granted, but they were out of state police and his best friends. So technically no there weren't police officers there all night long.

Edited for horrible sentence structure.

 

[punk_lawyer]

The rape kit taken at the hospital determined that male DNA was present, but the sample was too small to determine identity...

Is this small DNA sample typical of Steelers and their fans?

 

[Rural Guy]

I was just shocked a star athelete would drink, party, think he could have sex with any women he wants and just have a general sense of entitlement. Who knew?

But seriously who among us hasn't gotten drunk and exposed ourselves to a girl in a mens room? Thank goodness that's not a crime in Canada!