Roethlisberger banned 6 games

[Taryn]

NEW YORK (AP)—Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games without pay Wednesday for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and ordered to undergo behavioral evaluation.

Commissioner Roger Goodell handed down the punishment a week after prosecutors decided not to charge Roethlisberger in a case involving a 20-year-old college student who accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Georgia nightclub in March.

Goodell said the league’s conduct policy gave him the right to impose discipline regardless of whether he broke the law.

“I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you,” he said in his letter to the two-time Super Bowl winner, a six-year veteran.

“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.”

Roethlisberger must undergo a “comprehensive behavioral evaluation by medical professionals” and may not attend any team offseason activities until that evaluation is completed.

The suspension could be reduced to four games for good behavior. Sitting out all six games would cost him an estimated $2.8 million.

Before acting, Goodell said he interviewed Roethlisberger on April 13 and talked to current and former players and the players’ union. He also reviewed information from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Milledgeville police and talked privately with Georgia district attorney Fred Bright. In addition, Goodell said he listened to recommendations from the quarterback’s representatives and took into account information learned by the NFL office regarding the alleged assault.

“Your conduct raises sufficient concerns that I believe effective intervention now is the best step for your personal and professional welfare,” Goodell said in the letter. “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.”

Roethlisberger also is being sued by a woman who accused him of raping her at a Lake Tahoe hotel-casino in 2008. He denied the allegation and wasn’t charged.

Goodell has aggressively dealt with players who violated the personal conduct policy throughout his 3 1/2 years as commissioner. He banned Adam “Pacman” Jones for one year, and suspended Tank Johnson and Chris Henry eight games each in 2007.

Last year, Michael Vick(notes) was suspended for six games, later shortened to two games, for his role in a dogfighting ring. Vick also spent 18 months in jail.

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Only thing I will say right now, is this is BULLSHIT! He wasn't convicted, and the woman probably did this because of who Roethlisberger is and saw money in this whole thing... Will say more later when I am not so livid...

[Fishy!]

I dunno... according to what I saw about it, she couldnt really press charges because she was slightly intoxicated....

do i believe he raped her? not at all... but I do believe that he did some stupid shit and deserves to be penalized for it...

didnt your mother ever ground you for bad behavior? the nfl is just playing mommy right now

[Medi]

I think that I may have to modify my 'system' for next years football pool, and not vote for the Steelers for the first six games.  Not out of protest, mind you, but because a Quarterback does make or break a team.  He should keep that in mind.

Like the girl who is trying to escape responsibility because she was 'drunk', Roethlisberger can't escape because, well, because, he is THE Steeler Quarterback.  He should also know better, and keep in mind that he is a Public Figure, and respect his teammates and not do anything to jeopardize their season.  Their careers and contracts are tied to his performance, his life is just not all about him, his actions affect others.  If he wants a fling, then he should pick up a 'Professional Girl', he can afford it, and she would probably be a lot more skilled, a lot prettier, would give him a better time, and would keep her mouth shut.  I mean, give me a break!  I am sorry if I am offending anyone, but, I do believe that Politicians and Athletes should be role models for our youth.

[Ariakas]

I think that I may have to modify my 'system' for next years football pool, and not vote for the Steelers for the first six games.  Not out of protest, mind you, but because a Quarterback does make or break a team.  He should keep that in mind.

Like the girl who is trying to escape responsibility because she was 'drunk', Roethlisberger can't escape because, well, because, he is THE Steeler Quarterback.  He should also know better, and keep in mind that he is a Public Figure, and respect his teammates and not do anything to jeopardize their season.  Their careers and contracts are tied to his performance, his life is just not all about him, his actions affect others.  If he wants a fling, then he should pick up a 'Professional Girl', he can afford it, and she would probably be a lot more skilled, a lot prettier, would give him a better time, and would keep her mouth shut.  I mean, give me a break!  I am sorry if I am offending anyone, but, I do believe that Politicians and Athletes should be role models for our youth.

*reading.... then re-reading...* First off, good because I hate the Steelers *grin*.. but the second half of you post is interesting to me... so role models should visit hookers?

[Medi]

I think that I may have to modify my 'system' for next years football pool, and not vote for the Steelers for the first six games.  Not out of protest, mind you, but because a Quarterback does make or break a team.  He should keep that in mind.

Like the girl who is trying to escape responsibility because she was 'drunk', Roethlisberger can't escape because, well, because, he is THE Steeler Quarterback.  He should also know better, and keep in mind that he is a Public Figure, and respect his teammates and not do anything to jeopardize their season.  Their careers and contracts are tied to his performance, his life is just not all about him, his actions affect others.  If he wants a fling, then he should pick up a 'Professional Girl', he can afford it, and she would probably be a lot more skilled, a lot prettier, would give him a better time, and would keep her mouth shut.  I mean, give me a break!  I am sorry if I am offending anyone, but, I do believe that Politicians and Athletes should be role models for our youth.

*reading.... then re-reading...* First off, good because I hate the Steelers *grin*.. but the second half of you post is interesting to me... so role models should visit hookers?

Well, yes...if they need to get their rocks off, a 'professional' would be more discrete, and the 'oldest profession' didn't arise by accident.  (Sighs)  I am not certainly condoning such behavior, but I also know that that is what the state of humanity has always been about.  Men need their needs met, and none of them walk on water, they are all guided by something we women will never understand.  And, how much per game will he lose, and how much will his teammates lose if his absence costs them a Super Bowl shot?  Those 'amateurs' must have been pretty good, or he really showed bad judgement.  IMHO.  In the past, people were more discrete, it wasn't so much 'in your face' as it is now.  Just look at Tiger Woods, and many Politicians.

Just my thoughts...

[RAGNAR]

Seems all it takes anymore is an accusation.

Maybe Women who are football fans could all accuse Goodell of rape or at least flashing... then we could be rid of him.

If Ben is guilty... then by all means throw the book at him and be done with it. If not... Goodell... step the fuck off.

This is just Goodell's way of trying to play god and altering the face of the entire NFL for the 2010 season.

[Taryn]

Seems all it takes anymore is an accusation.

Maybe Women who are football fans could all accuse Goodell of rape or at least flashing... then we could be rid of him.

If Ben is guilty... then by all means throw the book at him and be done with it. If not... Goodell... step the fuck off.

This is just Goodell's way of trying to play god and altering the face of the entire NFL for the 2010 season.

I couldn't have said this better... Thank you!

[Amber]

Uhm.  I can see Goodells point.  Like he said in his letter, it's not because of the sexual assault charge, but because of his actions in the public.  If anyone had read any previous stories about this sexual assault charge, he was calling women bitches (All you bitches drink my shots) after ordering rounds for the girls.  Then had his "bodyguards" escort this particular woman to the bathroom.  Personally I don't see that as professional conduct for anyone who is a rolemodel to anybody.  Certainly he could have at least invited the girl to his hotel room for a round of tickle my pickle instead of taking her into a cruddy bathroom.  And what the hell.. Is the drinking age lower in Georgia?  She's 20 years old?!?  Uhm.  Illegal right there but really besides the point.

Yes I think she was just after money, like the woman in Tahoe who didn't report it to the police but is filing civil charges against him and that's months after the incident where there is no longer any proof of any sexual conduct at all.

I'm just saying is all.. that NFL players tend to get a bit of a god complex and do things that are irresponsible and not socially acceptable when they are in the public eye, and should be punished for it.  Their Mothers would have, so why shouldn't the NFL?

And this being said with LIKING the Steelers and Ben.