Well done.J
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Roethlisberger Issues Statement (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Joe Bryant
- Start date
Pictus Cat
Footballguy
Great to see a nice guy get a second chance.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Bbbbbbbbbbooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Couldn't you just let it go? You may be right but I also thought it was good to handle it like a man and say the proper things. Do you have anything against Big Ben as an NFL QB that has a 27-5...27-4 mark as a starting QB in the league? He's good for the game and I am far far far removed from being anything of a Steelers fan...in fact I don't like them at all...but still I respect what ben has done...you have to.
He doesn't. If he wants to think Roethlisberger lets his agents issue statements he knows nothing about there's not much you can do.
J
Capella
Footballguy
wtf :whoosh: You may be looking a little too deep into this. It was a simple comment, guy. Boring, media friendly statements like this that warm the hearts of the simpletons annoy me. Nothing interesting was said here, there's nothing to take from it. Oh, he'll ride his helmet next time? Gee ya don't say, good lesson to learn after he bounced off the windshield.
I have nothing against Ben and I'm happy he's healthy and can play this year. But these things are just ridiculous PR filler.
I doubt he writes like a pro. Sure his agents were involved and maybe wrote it. Just like Joel Segal took out the ad for Reggie Bush and most other moves like this. That's why you have agents and people to help with this. I'm surprised you don't understand that.But to think Roethlisberger "had about as much to do with that statement as I did" is justok, the first thing Ben did after walking out of the hospital was to sit down and pen the letter to the media.
That release was designed by Ben's PR staff and/or the Steelers. I figured you'd understand how these things work a little better than that.
But whatever. Not surprising.J
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Big Score
Footballguy
The statement does seem a little contrived to me...
...and just as an FYI to the big fella...
...and just as an FYI to the big fella...
...it is illegal in every state in the nation, to operate a motorized vehicle on public roads without a license.But he may well have written it, despite being doped to the gills on pain killers and maybe he was just not aware that you are required by law, to have a license when operating a motorized vehicle on public thoroughfares
Winston Smith
Footballguy
I think Ben's a good guy, and this is the message he should want out. That said, I think it's pretty common knowledge that these sorts of statements come from publicists or agents.
Team Legacy
Footballguy
The kid came out and said the things a MAN would say.
What I heard was class:
"I messed up. I won't do it again. Sorry to let you guys down."
I liked the kid in college, hated him against the Colts, but I have respect for how he's handling this.
What I heard was class:
"I messed up. I won't do it again. Sorry to let you guys down."
I liked the kid in college, hated him against the Colts, but I have respect for how he's handling this.
Really?Yeah, I'm not surprised you're eating this up at all.Fairly common knowledge these things are penned by others and released by the team or a rep. Just like statements you hear after arrests. Sorry to burst your bubble.
J
Capella
Footballguy
Yes, really.edit to add:Really?Yeah, I'm not surprised you're eating this up at all.Fairly common knowledge these things are penned by others and released by the team or a rep. Just like statements you hear after arrests. Sorry to burst your bubble.
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Silver & Black
Footballguy
It never ceases to amaze me how people can be such jerks.
Whether he wrote it himself or not is completely besides the point. He spoke the words, and in all likelihood, read over the statement before it was finalized and had some say in the editorial process. Regardless, I just don't understand why people, whether you like or hate him, can't just say that he is handling a bad situation like a man.
I had no opinion about Ben prior to this incident. Now, I respect him.
Whether he wrote it himself or not is completely besides the point. He spoke the words, and in all likelihood, read over the statement before it was finalized and had some say in the editorial process. Regardless, I just don't understand why people, whether you like or hate him, can't just say that he is handling a bad situation like a man.
I had no opinion about Ben prior to this incident. Now, I respect him.
I agree that it is unlikely Ben wrote that himself, but I'd assume he at least signed off on it before it was released.
Nothing wrong with having someone else do it for him though. Happens all the time in all kinds of circumstances.
Nothing wrong with having someone else do it for him though. Happens all the time in all kinds of circumstances.
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Winston Smith
Footballguy
This may not end wellReally?Yeah, I'm not surprised you're eating this up at all.Fairly common knowledge these things are penned by others and released by the team or a rep. Just like statements you hear after arrests. Sorry to burst your bubble.
fatness
Footballguy
Winston Smith
Footballguy
How else would any rational person handle it?
steviey
Footballguy
I'm as happy as the next guy that he'll be okay. The real problem is that in the end this will be a story about a celebrity/athlete who does something totally stupid, says he's sorry, and then becomes even more of a hero because of the whole incident. Makes no sense to me and doesn't happen in the real world.
Burning Sensation
Footballguy
PR guy: "Ben, do you feel bad this happened?"
Ben: "yes"
PR guy: "Ben, will you wear a helmet next time you ride a bike?"
Ben: "yes"
PR guy: "OK Ben, here is what we got"
Ben: looks at statement below for a few minutes and then says "OK"
"In the past few days, I have gained a new perspective on life. By the grace of God, I am fortunate to be alive, surrounded by loved ones and lifted by the prayers and support of so many. I am sorry for any anxiety and concern my actions have caused others, specifically my family, the Steelers organization, my teammates and our fans.
I recognize that I have a responsibility to safeguard my health in the offseason so I can continue to lead our team effectively. I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws. I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me. If I ever ride again, it certainly will be with a helmet.
My deepest appreciation goes out to the Steelers organization and my teammates for the compassion they have shown me. The physicians and support staff at Mercy Hospital were simply amazing, and I will forever be grateful for their caring treatment.
I want to assure everyone I am committed to a complete and timely recovery. I look forward to being at training camp in Latrobe and to winning football games this season. "
Ben: "yes"
PR guy: "Ben, will you wear a helmet next time you ride a bike?"
Ben: "yes"
PR guy: "OK Ben, here is what we got"
Ben: looks at statement below for a few minutes and then says "OK"
"In the past few days, I have gained a new perspective on life. By the grace of God, I am fortunate to be alive, surrounded by loved ones and lifted by the prayers and support of so many. I am sorry for any anxiety and concern my actions have caused others, specifically my family, the Steelers organization, my teammates and our fans.
I recognize that I have a responsibility to safeguard my health in the offseason so I can continue to lead our team effectively. I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws. I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me. If I ever ride again, it certainly will be with a helmet.
My deepest appreciation goes out to the Steelers organization and my teammates for the compassion they have shown me. The physicians and support staff at Mercy Hospital were simply amazing, and I will forever be grateful for their caring treatment.
I want to assure everyone I am committed to a complete and timely recovery. I look forward to being at training camp in Latrobe and to winning football games this season. "
Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
J
Winston Smith
Footballguy
I guess I should rephrase. How would any rational person with an agent and/or a publicist handle it? Joe, if TO had went over the handlebars, don't you think he would have issued a similar statement?Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
Harrison Stevens
Footballguy
Capella> Have you picked out your new alias yet?
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
I really wanted his statement to say he'd park his bike until he retired...
That's what I'm saying Winston. TO and his people had multiple chances to do statements like this last year with his troubles and never got it remotely as right as what Roethlisberger issued here. PR is not as easy as it looks in my opinion.I guess I should rephrase. How would any rational person with an agent and/or a publicist handle it? Joe, if TO had went over the handlebars, don't you think he would have issued a similar statement?Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
J
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did Kellen Winslow release anything similar after his accident a year ago? I don't recall.
Big Score
Footballguy
I doubt that either Ben's personal, or team appointed PR guys, would allow that type of response to get to the press. Right now the Ben is pretty well insulated and I'm sure everything is going through the proper channels for now.But even once he's able to talk for himself, the guy is pretty much a pro at handling the press. He's been doing it for years now, lots of practice in both College & the Pros.Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
We'll get the usual, "I'd like to thank the lord, my teamates Mom & apple pie for sticking by me in this time of need"...yadda...yadda...yadda
Yes he did Aaron. And it was well done and well received like this one. J
Not really. He was roundly criticized last year after the Winslow accident for his defiant stance pretty much like what is above. I'm sure people were wondering if he'd learned anything or if he was still in the "you won't tell me to wear a helmet" camp. People were wondering if he'd changed his public stance about acknowledging his importance to the team and that it wasn't all about him. This statement was a radical departure from his previous statements.I doubt that either Ben's personal, or team appointed PR guys, would allow that type of response to get to the press. Right now the Ben is pretty well insulated and I'm sure everything is going through the proper channels for now.But even once he's able to talk for himself, the guy is pretty much a pro at handling the press. He's been doing it for years now, lots of practice in both College & the Pros.Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
We'll get the usual, "I'd like to thank the lord, my teamates Mom & apple pie for sticking by me in this time of need"...yadda...yadda...yadda
J
It's a good first step. If I were him, I would still dread the forthcoming "I told you so" press conferences and interviews, all of which are still richly deserved. But issuing a statement like this is the best thing to do to defuse the situation in advance and remove a potential distraction as the team prepares for training camp. Sure, there's substantial self-interest in it, but there's also the grain of truth given that his releasing the statement now will take some of the pressure off the team, which helps further his stated goal of providing leadership through his actions.
I did kinda roll my eyes at the "I never meant to break any laws" bit but overall, I think he's on the right track here. What I see as the heart of the statement -- "I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me" is unquestionably 100% true. Overall, I like the move and give the statement itself a .
I did kinda roll my eyes at the "I never meant to break any laws" bit but overall, I think he's on the right track here. What I see as the heart of the statement -- "I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me" is unquestionably 100% true. Overall, I like the move and give the statement itself a
.
Big Score
Footballguy
Actually that statement did not come until quite some time had passed. The Winslow family cited the Hipaa act of medical confidentiality and virtually nothing was forthcoming on KW II's injuries for weeks.When that statement finally came out it was roundly derided as too little too late
Winston Smith
Footballguy
Fair enough. Though I disagree with you a bit, I agree the message was goodThat's what I'm saying Winston. TO and his people had multiple chances to do statements like this last year with his troubles and never got it remotely as right as what Roethlisberger issued here. PR is not as easy as it looks in my opinion.I guess I should rephrase. How would any rational person with an agent and/or a publicist handle it? Joe, if TO had went over the handlebars, don't you think he would have issued a similar statement?Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
J
Yes, it was a good bit later. I think it was well received but I don't think it was as effective as what Roethlisberger did. And part of that it is timing. That would fall under the first answer in Winston's post when he asked how else a person could handle it: "Don't release a statement this quickly"This is not as easy as it looks.
J
Thanks Winston. You're an attorney, right? You guys make a living wordsmithing messages and knowing how to manage them. It's money well earned.JFair enough. Though I disagree with you a bit, I agree the message was goodThat's what I'm saying Winston. TO and his people had multiple chances to do statements like this last year with his troubles and never got it remotely as right as what Roethlisberger issued here. PR is not as easy as it looks in my opinion.I guess I should rephrase. How would any rational person with an agent and/or a publicist handle it? Joe, if TO had went over the handlebars, don't you think he would have issued a similar statement?Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
J
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Big Score
Footballguy
Plowing face first into a car was a rather radical change in riding patterns for him too I would think.Unlike TO, he is not a complete buffon and when he is finally able to face the press for himself, I think he'll have what he wants to say nailed to a T.Not really. He was roundly criticized last year after the Winslow accident for his defiant stance pretty much like what is above. I'm sure people were wondering if he'd learned anything or if he was still in the "you won't tell me to wear a helmet" camp. People were wondering if he'd changed his public stance about acknowledging his importance to the team and that it wasn't all about him. This statement was a radical departure from his previous statements.I doubt that either Ben's personal, or team appointed PR guys, would allow that type of response to get to the press. Right now the Ben is pretty well insulated and I'm sure everything is going through the proper channels for now.But even once he's able to talk for himself, the guy is pretty much a pro at handling the press. He's been doing it for years now, lots of practice in both College & the Pros.Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
We'll get the usual, "I'd like to thank the lord, my teamates Mom & apple pie for sticking by me in this time of need"...yadda...yadda...yadda
J
In the meantime, his both his persoanl PR guys and the team appointed PR guys, are handling it for him beautifully.
Exactly. This statement shows a radical change. That makes people take notice and strikes a chord with the people wondering if he'd change. He didn't change anything after watching Winslow crash. I've known lots of people who don't change even when confronted with a harsh reality. The fact he is issuing statements reflecting he has, will cause people to take notice.JPlowing face first into a car was a rather radical change in riding patterns for him too I would think.Unlike TO, he is not a complete buffon and when he is finally able to face the press for himself, I think he'll have what he wants to say nailed to a T.Not really. He was roundly criticized last year after the Winslow accident for his defiant stance pretty much like what is above. I'm sure people were wondering if he'd learned anything or if he was still in the "you won't tell me to wear a helmet" camp. People were wondering if he'd changed his public stance about acknowledging his importance to the team and that it wasn't all about him. This statement was a radical departure from his previous statements.I doubt that either Ben's personal, or team appointed PR guys, would allow that type of response to get to the press. Right now the Ben is pretty well insulated and I'm sure everything is going through the proper channels for now.But even once he's able to talk for himself, the guy is pretty much a pro at handling the press. He's been doing it for years now, lots of practice in both College & the Pros.Don't release a statement this quickly. Don't talk about wearing a helmet. Act defiant about a helmet like he did last year. Don't acknowledge the role you play with your team and accept the fact it's not just about you, don't write it well and wind up sounding like T.O.... That would be for starters that lots of people might do in this situation that wouldn't earn a "well done".
We'll get the usual, "I'd like to thank the lord, my teamates Mom & apple pie for sticking by me in this time of need"...yadda...yadda...yadda
J
In the meantime, his both his persoanl PR guys and the team appointed PR guys, are handling it for him beautifully.
Don't disagree. But Roethlisberger didn't appear to learn anything from Winslow until now. In fact, he got worse saying Winslow rode a sport bike and he didn't. Then moved to a Hiyabusa.J
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Big Score
Footballguy
While it may have taken a face full of windsheild for Ben to learn, Ben's PR people have certainly learned from the Winslow famaly's bungled handling of the press after his accident.The Hiyabusa was given to Ben for promotional considerations. He did not actively go out and seek that particular bike.
He still has his Hogs. Just happened to be riding the rice burner when the little old lady pulled out in front of him.
He accepted it as payment for a promotion. If he didn't want it, he could have worked something else out. But that's not important. He went from definitively saying he rode just cruisers in a group and making a point to say that he did not ride sport bikes. Next thing most people see is Roethlisberger crashing after riding solo on his sport bike. So he's moved a good bit. The latest is a brand new position for him. And thus people are taking notice.While it may have taken a face full of windsheild for Ben to learn, Ben's PR people have certainly learned from the Winslow famaly's bungled handling of the press after his accident.The Hiyabusa was given to Ben for promotional considerations. He did not actively go out and seek that particular bike.
He still has his Hogs. Just happened to be riding the rice burner when the little old lady pulled out in front of him.
J
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Big Score
Footballguy
Check the dates of when he spoke to riding Hogs vs the date that he recieved the rice burner.I think you'll find that when he said he rode a hog, he did not have the rice burner.He accepted it as payment for a promotion. If he didn't want it, he could have worked something else out. But that's not important. He went from definitively saying he rode just cruisers in a group and making a point to say that he did not ride sport bikes. Next thing most people see is Roethlisberger crashing after riding solo on his sport bike. So he's moved a good bit. The latest is a brand new position for him. And thus people are taking notice.While it may have taken a face full of windsheild for Ben to learn, Ben's PR people have certainly learned from the Winslow famaly's bungled handling of the press after his accident.The Hiyabusa was given to Ben for promotional considerations. He did not actively go out and seek that particular bike.
He still has his Hogs. Just happened to be riding the rice burner when the little old lady pulled out in front of him.
J
Regardless, if he'd plowed into the little old lady on a Hog or rice burner, the results would have been the same.
