What happens if in fact Ben Roethlisberger is charged with sexual assault? The league and the Steelers are going to have to take action if the QB ends up getting charged, meaning that the Steelers could start the year without their franchise QB.
Last year’s offseason incident in Las Vegas at the end of the day got pushed under the rug. It might not be so easy this time around. First of all there is the Steeler fans that may turn on the QB, as this team can’t afford to have a QB that can’t stay out of trouble, and the fans know that.
Then there is the distraction that comes along with such a high profile case. This is now the third offseason the team has had to deal with a situation involving Roethlisberger. You had the accident a few years back, and now back to back offseasons with a sexual assault charge thrown at him.
Roethlisberger just got a monster deal last season, he’s a $100 million dollar QB, and you have to wonder the long term future of the club if he’s suspended or flat out not around. Dennis Dixon stepped up and had a nice game in Baltimore when called upon last season, but is he really the future at the QB spot? That remains to be seen.
Bottom line on everything here – if Roethlisberger is charged, the Steelers could be in huge trouble heading into 2010. They very well may have to face a portion of the year without their start QB. Even if he’s allowed to play though, his future has to be in great question following this second incident that has fans, management and probably his own teammates wondering his future.
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DrGeorge
March 10, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Obviously, I agree; I mentioned the same points yesterday in discussing the Randall-El signing. I have no idea if Ben did anything wrong, and the sexual assault complaint has not yet resulted in a charge. So Ben is presumed innocent until proved guilty. We all hope for the best.
However, this situation, like the others before it, illustrate the larger problem of our total dependence on Ben in Arian’s offense. Whenever we are forced to play without Ben, for any reason, the offense suffers disproportionately. That is not a knock on Dixon, who I think has untapped potential. But it is a knock on the offensive scheme that disdains the running game. Arians doesn’t seem to have a workable contingency plan for life without Ben. A solid rushing game and a strong defense would allow a less talented QB to take over in Ben’s absence with a reasonable prospect of winning. Tomlin must improve both areas fast against the day when Ben can’t play, for any reason, including the more prosaic possibilities of concussion or traumatic injury. In other words, the Steelers must be able to win without Ben, and recent events merely illustrate the need to plan for the eventuality.
jay
March 10, 2010 at 3:45 pm
I totally agree, Dr. George. I think the one quarterback in the NFL RIGHT NOW who has the best financial upside for team continuity in terms of balanced attack is Chad Henne. I say this because he was drafted in round two which means he’s not costing much against the cap (yet). Not having a high profile quarterback is the rationale behind Parcells’ desire and need to run the ball. I’m not saying Miami won’t go heavier on the pass as Henne develops (esp if they get Dez Bryant), I’m only pointing out that ALL the high profile, first round quarterbacks in the NFL get BIG, BIG MONEY (i.e., Romo. Ben, both Mannings, Rivers, etc.)….It is very hard for team personnel to justify running the ball (you’re not paying the $100 million quarterbacks that much money to hand it off)…Brady was an economic steal based on where he was drafted (they haven’t won a super bowl since they’ve gone pass heavy). I dunno, man, (silly talk here)…Ben’s worth how many first round draft picks (if Cutler was worth 2…)….I’m just saying…I believe a team in this day and age can win it all with a second or third rounder (see Tom Brady); I mean, hey, Manning lost one. I like Ben and Pittsburgh will never get rid of him but he just made it harder on me to root for him because one of the things I’ve been groomed on by both my parents(growing up) and being a Steelers fan is good character. Without it, it is, quite frankly, hard to get into certain teams and athletes.
MARIE OSHETSKI
March 10, 2010 at 7:13 pm
DID YOU EVER HEAR OF EXTORTION THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING ON HERE WITH BEN AND I THIK IT IS A STINKEN SHAME SOME GIRLS WILL GO SO FAR TO RUIN A FINE YOUNG MANS LIFE. i DON’T BELIEVE IT FOR A MINUTE!
MARIE OSHETSKI
March 10, 2010 at 7:11 pm
I think these girls who claim Ben assaulted them are liars.It is nothing but extortion and must be stopped.They should b e arrested for false arresr if they can’t prove Ben did nything. This fan will never believe he did any of that crap. Ben is a nice youn g man who is being targeted so he can not play football.
jay
March 10, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Suppose you’re right, Marie…Is it wise of him, someone of his caliber and status to be hanging out at a stinking college bar….NFL Network just reported Ben’s side of the story where he admitted to having a non-consummated physical interaction with the girl and the reason she got hurt is because she slipped and fell. This coming from Ben himself.
George H
March 11, 2010 at 12:02 am
No way Ben goes anywhere. Heres a few examples: Ray Lewis in Balt. Kobe in LA. Ladies and Gentlemen, theres two things these men have in common. They both have had some major controversies in their past and their both winners. Winning sweeps everything under the rug. No one remembers that Kobe allegedly raped a girl and Lewis was accused of MURDER. Once the Steelers win this year, everyone will forget.
I have been saying this for a few days now; instead of Ben having a number 7 on his jersey, he should have a dollar sign because that is what girls see in him now. Its a shame that it has come to this. Yea, Ben can be a bit of a douche around the city, but theres no way he would assault a young woman.
Matt Loede
March 11, 2010 at 10:38 am
I am not saying the Steelers would release or get rid of Ben, trust me, but I think the team is probably looking at a real shaky future if he is suspended, which the league has to do without a doubt if he is convicted.
I have covered these players (all sports) for 16 years, and they are all dogs, no doubt. But the girls that hang around them are even worse, which is why at the end of the day it’ll be a simple case of his word against her’s, and he’ll get off.
This had REALLY better be a wakeup call for him to grow up and stay out of these stupid places.
mark
March 11, 2010 at 11:21 am
Does this change the Steeler course of action in the draft? How thin is the ice that Ben is walking on right now? We all talk about the “Steeler way”, but does that include a $100 million QB that has delivered 2 championships after a drought of 26 years? I would like to believe Ben has no more influence on decisions than anyone in our organization, but is todays spoiled, overpaid athlete-in-charge, tail wagging the dog society,is this going to get downplaid? Can you imagine the repurcussions or the outpouring of venom if Tomlin and the Steelers cut or traded Ben? I actually have no idea what is going to happen when the dust clears. Truthfully, I am worried as a fan of the team and as a fan of Big Ben.
Thomas crowley
March 11, 2010 at 11:48 am
Big ben at the very least is guilty of just really bad judgement. when you have a high profile like he does you need to extra careful then a normal person, your don’t see tom brady and peyton manning in the news for this type of shit.
Matt Loede
March 11, 2010 at 12:00 pm
I will agree with the judgement call, but I wouldn’t just assume that Manning and Brady are angels. They party and grab chicks too, they just don’t go overboard like Ben evidently has been. Like the accident three years ago though, I still think this could be the wakeup call Roethlisberger needs.