Today seems to be the day that all the national NFL writers have their take on the issues surrounding the Steelers and more so QB Ben Roethlisberger after it was announced he would not be charged in Georgia.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sportsline has his take, and it’s one that basically says Ben is a jerk, is way too arrogant, and his teammates think they would have won the Super Bowl last season if he would have been benched.
Really?
Anyway, here is a tidbit on the piece, and you can read the whole thing by clicking HERE
He came into the league an arrogant rookie who didn’t exactly endear himself to his teammates. Then he won two Super Bowls, which had some of his teammates wondering how he fits his helmet on his head.
Anybody have a size 11 for bowling-ball head?
For a brief time after the motorcycle crash, some say Roethlisberger actually seemed humbled. Reflection can do that to a man.
Then he won his second Super Bowl. Big Ben went to his head.
Team insiders say he became surly again. There are reports of him treating people rudely in public. He wasn’t warm and fuzzy with his teammates, even if he did take his linemen to some wrestling night out, making it look like he cared.
True story: In 2008, while the Steelers were en route to another Super Bowl, I actually had some Steelers players saying the team would have been better off with Roethlisberger on the bench.
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DrGeorge
April 13, 2010 at 4:18 pm
The weeks leading up to the NFL draft are a deep and miasmic abyss for sports writers, and Mr. Prisco decided to cook up a little innuendo and speculation to fill the void. There isn’t one quote or direct attribution in his whole story to the facts alleged here. Just his own bare assertions. If it is true and worth printing, Mr. Prisco should at least name names or offer a scrap of proof.
This article isn’t a ‘tidbit,’ it’s a cheap shot. Kicking the mighty when they have fallen is an American pastime of long standing. For the envious, it is great fun. But it isn’t responsible journalism. This article makes me wonder: Does CBS Sportsline exercise any editorial standards at all? Who, if anyone, is minding the store?
George H
April 13, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I would love to see Prisco’s sources. This seems a lot like slander. Last year without Ben the Steelers might have only won 4 games. If anything should be scrutinized it should be on how poor the defense was in the 4th quarter last year. Is it me or does there seem to be a major divide amongst the defense and the offense? Theres no doubt the Steelers have outspoken leaders on both sides of the ball and to me it seems to have a rift between the two. The defense rallies around Harrison and Troy while the Offense centers itself around Ben and Ward. Both sides of the ball seemed to focus on the individual unit instead of the team. The defense is a proud unit used to being the class of the NFL and when they started blowing the games their pride took a major hit. The offense, although not wanting to admit it, appeared to be frustrated with losing the games due to the Defense lack of ability to hold the lead. It certainly is a problem I feel that can lead to major consequences, but for Presco to say that without Ben the Steelers would be a Superbowl team is outright idiotic.
arrow
April 13, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Ok…..
….Is Ben an arrogant jerk?
——-Without doubt.
….Is Ben a good football player?
——-Yes
….Is Ben the best QB on the Steeler’s roster?
——-Definatelly
….Would the Steelers have won the last Superbowl without him?
——-Probably not.
Conclusion: Everyone I know that has talked to Ben has mostly came to the same conclusion…He is an arrogant jerk. From the demeaning comments about women that some have heard him say in local bars to how he has treated wait staff, hotel staff, and photographers at events (He generally is very rude to them and acts like they are beneath him).
It comes as no suprise to me that some people in the Steeler’s locker room don’t like Ben as a person. However, these are all professionals and they recognize that Ben is a good football player, so I find it hard to believe that one of them would make a claim that they may be better off with Ben on the bench. This seems more like Prisco has taken a statement of general dislike for Ben as a person and blown it out of proportion.
Adam
April 13, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Prisco is a Prick-o
mark
April 13, 2010 at 6:40 pm
This story seems to come from the 2008 season where, like many at the time, thought that the team was better off playing Leftwich than an injured and not-practicing Roethlisberger.This talk started during the Giants-Redskins-Colts run of games where Ben played poorly and Leftwich actually relieved him in 1 of those games. Its also the time Tomlin “called Ben out” by saying he needed to practice during the week. The message was sent, Ben started to work harder, the Steelers won their 6th title. As for last season or 2009, anyone who thinks Ben played poorly wasnt watching. Period. He set records and if not for his durability,talent and will to win, the Steelers would have been a horrible team. They did NOT go 9-7 and miss the playoffs because of Ben’s effort, thats for sure! Is he a jerk? well where their is smoke their is fire. I have never met the guy, but enough people seem to think he is arrogant and smug, so I assume they are not all wrong. Lets see if he can clean up his act off the field and become a better person before he becomes an even better QB.
Glenn
April 13, 2010 at 9:17 pm
This is the same guy that wrote an article a few years ago about the lack of african american centers in the nfl. To call him a complete douche bag would be the understatement of the year.