Ben Roethlisberger finally faces the music
April 22, 2010
It was quite the event when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell broke the silence.
Let’s just say the announcement of Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension swept the nation faster than Lady Gaga’s latest hit.
Ben Roethlisberger will be sitting out six games during the 2010 NFL season due to violation of the NFL Personal Condict Policy. Image source: http://jerseysandgear.com
See ya, Tiger! You’re old news.
Goodell announced that Roethlisberger will sit out six games next season in violation of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
In part, the rule states: “It is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime. Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct yourself in a way that is responsible, promotes the values upon which the League is based, and is lawful.”
Quite honestly, I believe Big Ben’s punishment is fair. He violated the policy but was not convicted.
Ben has no one to blame but himself, because this is the second time Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault within the past year.
His lack of judgment is pure evidence he is not the brightest star in the sky—that’s for sure!
Whether you agree with the punishment or not, we have to look at the overall impact of the involved parties.
The National Football League and Goodell: Protect the business and preserve its image
As stated in the policy, players are to represent the NFL with class and respectable values.
Goodell may appear like the bad guy in this scenario but someone has to lay down the law. That’s what leaders do.
Like the Bleacher Report stated: “Discipline isn’t an option in the NFL. It’s a must-have.”
"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." NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Image source: http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com
Remember people, Big Ben put himself on the sidelines for six games—Goodell didn’t.
It breaks my heart to see that the game I love is slowly becoming a mockery in the sports world with player after player being accused, convicted or in violation of rules or crimes.
NFL players, who are given a gift, need to respect the game and start being responsible.
I believe Goodell sent out a message to all current and future players through Roethlisberger’s punishment.
All in all, Goodell is trying to preserving the image of the NFL, and ultimately, trying to make these men better people.
The Pittsburgh Steelers: Bon Voyage, Ben!
I really don’t need to say much here, other than the fact that the people of Pittsburgh are not happy campers.
The Steelers, who are part of a respected, rich football tradition, don’t want anyone who is going to rain on their parade. That is the reason why rumors are circulating about trading Big Ben.
The Bills? The Raiders? The Browns? (Gosh, I hope not!)
The Steelers will do whatever it takes to maintain their reputation. If that means kicking Ben to the curb, then so be it.
Ben: Learn from your mistakes and good luck
At this point, Roethlisberger has a lot at stake: his image, career and respect.
Now, all Big Ben can do is move one and in all seriousness, learn from Tiger. He can’t look back now.
Any sports fan knows there are some bad seeds out there that can spoil a good thing. Unfortunately for Roethlisberger, he is that bad seed.
Though it will be an astronomical decision for the Steelers to trade Ben, it may be a blessing in disguise for him. Becoming part of a new franchise will give Roethlisberger a fresh start and could possibly help him build a new image.
All I know is that the next couple of days will be filled with surprises, shocks and thrills in the wonderful world of football. Let’s just hope Ben will learn from his mistakes for the last time and bring something more than controversy to the NFL.
