Well it is now official. The "No Fun League" doesn't believe in the phrase, "innocent before proved guilty." And in this case, the accused was innocent (in the law's eyes) the entire time. I have a big problem with Roger Goodell suspending the Steelers QB for 6 games in this upcoming season. I realize that it is a business to run and you do not want your employees detracting from your business, or in this case, product. But the man was accused of sexual assault, the charges were dropped, and yet he still can't go back to his job. I get sick of the NFL holding itself up to a holier than thou level. Is Roethlisberger a meat head for getting himself in this situation again? Of course he is. But suspending him only brings more light to the situation and more attention. So let the man be and let him do his job.
And I am also sick of the Commish wanting to make an example of the big name stars. If your mantra is that our players will be accountable, then at least be fair with the way they give out fines and/or suspensions. I just read a story about a guy who plays for the Colts who is accused of sexually assaulting an employee of a hotel he stayed at during the week of the AFC Championship Game. So let me get this straight, a guy attacks a woman during the NFL season, and nothing is levied on him. A guy is accused of assaulting a woman during the off season, chargers are dropped and he is suspended for 6 games. What's the difference? The guy getting six games is a quarterback and has two Super Bowl rings. So I think Big Ben is getting a raw deal, much like Michael Vick did.
Vick's deal was so raw, it was worn down to the bone. Vick committed heinous acts against animals and was rightly sentenced to prison. Served nearly 2 years in the big house. But I have watched witness testimony say that Vick and now I'm quoting "10 to 15 other NFL players" were involved in the operation. The NFL did no investigating on who those other guys were, and the names have never been released. So Vick's close friends rolled over on him, ratted out the big dog (bad pun I know) and put him away. And the police and the NFL bought it.
I digress a bit and am not sure if I make many good points, but I am sick of the big name players being the ones who take the fall in these issues. If the NFL ever wants to be taken seriously in how it conducts it's players relations, fairness is key. Everyone is on the same level, from rookie to 10 year Super Bowl winning vet.
I really expected a 2 game suspension. It sets a message, and gives the Steelers a chance to come back if they fall in an 0-2 hole. They could reasonably start 2-4 or 1-5, and if that's the case, in a division with Baltimore and Cincinnati, Pittsburgh is dead. I realize you take accountability if you are Big Ben and say that you were wrong to be in that decision. But when the government decides the only thing you are guilty of is being a dumb ass, it should end there.
My sentiments exactly. The Ginger hammer really needs to keep himself from being Judge, Jury, and executioner. It's a little ridiculous that he just hands out whatever punishment he feels with no checks or balances. DOUCHE..... BAAAAAAAAAAAAG.
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