Steelers, Big Ben at 'tipping point' (1 Viewer)

[Max Power]

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports that the Steelers may be at their "tipping point" with Ben Roethlisberger.

A tipping point is defined as "the culmination of a buildup of small changes that effects a big change." A source tells Robinson that Steelers ownership is "shaken" by the onslaught of fan discontent with Big Ben. While we don't see a Roethlisberger trade as likely, it's well known that coach Mike Tomlin believes Dennis Dixon has a future as a starting quarterback in the NFL. The Steelers may listen to offers for Big Ben leading up to and during the draft. Apr. 15 - 12:39 am et

Source: Charles Robinson on Twitter

 

[Donsmith753]

Here come the Rams.

 

[cobalt_27]

No way the Rams part wiyh their #1 pick, pass on Bradford for this scumbag. Pitt would be lucky to get a mid-1st Rdr for this guy.

 

[Donsmith753]

No way the Rams part wiyh their #1 pick, pass on Bradford for this scumbag. Pitt would be lucky to get a mid-1st Rdr for this guy.

Holmes for a 5th, Ben for 2 2nds?Take Suh at #1.I personally wouldn't do it either but it's not out of the question.

 

[Banger]

The Steelers won't trade him and this will blow over. He'll be a Steeler for a long time IMO.

 

[3C's]

No way the Rams part wiyh their #1 pick, pass on Bradford for this scumbag. Pitt would be lucky to get a mid-1st Rdr for this guy.

Don't they still have Leonard Little on their roster? A two time SB winner, Pro Bowl qb who just had a 4300 yard season for a guy who may be "catastrophic". I think they just might do it.

 

[Godsbrother]

No way the Rams part wiyh their #1 pick, pass on Bradford for this scumbag. Pitt would be lucky to get a mid-1st Rdr for this guy.

Don't they still have Leonard Little on their roster? A two time SB winner, Pro Bowl qb who just had a 4300 yard season for a guy who may be "catastrophic". I think they just might do it.

But I doubt the Steelers would do it. The last thing they want to do right now is shell out an absurd amount of money for an unproven player, even Suh. I think it would be more likely the Steelers would take a trade involving the Rams #2 this year and maybe their first or second next year.It certainly would make sense for the Rams: get a franchise QB in the prime of his career + keep your #1 and take Suh in the first round. Roethlisberger may have a scumbag reputation but according to the law he has committed no crime. Eventually this is going to cease to be a news story and then it will come down to football. I think a losing team like the Rams could sell this to their fan base as giving the guy a second chance, etc.But all of this is fantasy. Like him or not Roethlisberger is one of the best QBs in the game and he signed through the 2016 season. The Steelers aren't going to trade him for peanuts as they did Holmes, who was in a contract year.

 

[Your Mom]

The Steelers won't trade him and this will blow over. He'll be a Steeler for a long time IMO.

This will blow over till next year when he does the same thing to another woman. What a Scumbag.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

This whole Rams thing was talking head speculation, let it die already

 

[rzrback77]

How many of those considered "problematic" or "thugs" or "scumbags" actually do realize that they are at the breaking point and change thier behaviour? I can think of several recent examples of these type players that did not and are now gone from the league. Can someone name some that changed?

As many have stated, the public attention span is short (Kobe Bryant), but the reaction increases with each subsequent violation, so if this happens again, the consequences for Roethlisberger will be worse.

 

[fatness]

Asked if the organization supports Roethlisberger, Rooney said, "I'm not making any comment on that."

Wednesday night

 

[Godsbrother]

How many of those considered "problematic" or "thugs" or "scumbags" actually do realize that they are at the breaking point and change thier behaviour? I can think of several recent examples of these type players that did not and are now gone from the league. Can someone name some that changed?

Right off the top of my head: Cris Carter was an alcoholic and major drug user. Brett Favre had a drug addiction. Ricky Williams was a pothead. Ray Lewis was a thug. Jamal Lewis pled guilty to being involved in a drug deal. All of these guys seemingly mended their ways and continued their success.

 

[Tau837]

How many of those considered "problematic" or "thugs" or "scumbags" actually do realize that they are at the breaking point and change thier behaviour? I can think of several recent examples of these type players that did not and are now gone from the league. Can someone name some that changed?

Right off the top of my head: Cris Carter was an alcoholic and major drug user. Brett Favre had a drug addiction. Ricky Williams was a pothead. Ray Lewis was a thug. Jamal Lewis pled guilty to being involved in a drug deal. All of these guys seemingly mended their ways and continued their success.

I don't think Favre was considered "problematic" or a "thug" or "scumbag" before overcoming his painkiller addiction, so I don't think he qualifies.

 

[Godsbrother]

How many of those considered "problematic" or "thugs" or "scumbags" actually do realize that they are at the breaking point and change thier behaviour? I can think of several recent examples of these type players that did not and are now gone from the league. Can someone name some that changed?

Right off the top of my head: Cris Carter was an alcoholic and major drug user. Brett Favre had a drug addiction. Ricky Williams was a pothead. Ray Lewis was a thug. Jamal Lewis pled guilty to being involved in a drug deal. All of these guys seemingly mended their ways and continued their success.

I don't think Favre was considered "problematic" or a "thug" or "scumbag" before overcoming his painkiller addiction, so I don't think he qualifies.

True but he is an example of a player that had a serious problem and overcame it. People can change their behavior though many don't. Time will tell whether Roethlisberger does.

 

[ScottyFargo]

How many of those considered "problematic" or "thugs" or "scumbags" actually do realize that they are at the breaking point and change thier behaviour? I can think of several recent examples of these type players that did not and are now gone from the league. Can someone name some that changed?

Right off the top of my head: Cris Carter was an alcoholic and major drug user. Brett Favre had a drug addiction. Ricky Williams was a pothead. Ray Lewis was a thug. Jamal Lewis pled guilty to being involved in a drug deal. All of these guys seemingly mended their ways and continued their success.

I don't think Favre was considered "problematic" or a "thug" or "scumbag" before overcoming his painkiller addiction, so I don't think he qualifies.

Abusing yourself is very different, very different, than what we see with Roethlisberger: abusing vulnerable women.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

How many of those considered "problematic" or "thugs" or "scumbags" actually do realize that they are at the breaking point and change thier behaviour? I can think of several recent examples of these type players that did not and are now gone from the league. Can someone name some that changed?As many have stated, the public attention span is short (Kobe Bryant), but the reaction increases with each subsequent violation, so if this happens again, the consequences for Roethlisberger will be worse.

regarding Kobe and the publc attention span i agree, however, here the steelers fans are actually as angry as the general public at large. Steelers fans may be even more upset than everybody else actually. I don't recall lakers fans doing anything but defending Kobe. So there's a difference from the organization's perspective on bow to handle the situation for the team IMO.

 

[Godsbrother]

How many of those considered "problematic" or "thugs" or "scumbags" actually do realize that they are at the breaking point and change thier behaviour? I can think of several recent examples of these type players that did not and are now gone from the league. Can someone name some that changed?

Right off the top of my head: Cris Carter was an alcoholic and major drug user. Brett Favre had a drug addiction. Ricky Williams was a pothead. Ray Lewis was a thug. Jamal Lewis pled guilty to being involved in a drug deal. All of these guys seemingly mended their ways and continued their success.

I don't think Favre was considered "problematic" or a "thug" or "scumbag" before overcoming his painkiller addiction, so I don't think he qualifies.

Abusing yourself is very different, very different, than what we see with Roethlisberger: abusing vulnerable women.

You completely missed the point. I was not equating the two -- I was just giving examples of players that had a problem, changed their behavior and went on to have successful careers.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

The Steelers won't trade him and this will blow over. He'll be a Steeler for a long time IMO.

 

[Jackal King]

No way the Rams part wiyh their #1 pick, pass on Bradford for this scumbag. Pitt would be lucky to get a mid-1st Rdr for this guy.

Don't they still have Leonard Little on their roster? A two time SB winner, Pro Bowl qb who just had a 4300 yard season for a guy who may be "catastrophic". I think they just might do it.

You know you've hit bottom when taking a player who's killed someone while driving impaired is considered an improvement.

 

[phthalatemagic]

How many of those considered "problematic" or "thugs" or "scumbags" actually do realize that they are at the breaking point and change thier behaviour? I can think of several recent examples of these type players that did not and are now gone from the league. Can someone name some that changed?

Right off the top of my head: Cris Carter was an alcoholic and major drug user. Brett Favre had a drug addiction. Ricky Williams was a pothead. Ray Lewis was a thug. Jamal Lewis pled guilty to being involved in a drug deal. All of these guys seemingly mended their ways and continued their success.

I don't think Favre was considered "problematic" or a "thug" or "scumbag" before overcoming his painkiller addiction, so I don't think he qualifies.

Abusing yourself is very different, very different, than what we see with Roethlisberger: abusing vulnerable women.

You completely missed the point. I was not equating the two -- I was just giving examples of players that had a problem, changed their behavior and went on to have successful careers.

You answered a question that was never asked. You may as well talk about the Super Bowls.

 

[TitusIII]

The Steelers can't come out and say "We support Ben"...that would be a terrible PR move, because BR is poison at this point in time. I don't think they have any intentions of trading him, however, if Ben is involved in another media-fueled off the field incident that forces him to break out the wallet and pay off another chick, that may change...but then again, it may not...

 

[fatness]

"Steelers president Art Rooney, II will be available at 2:30 p.m. today to provide an update on the Ben Roethlisberger matter at Steelers headquarters at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex."

link

 

[Godsbrother]

Art Rooney II has called a press conference for 2:30 PM.

DOH! fatness beat me to it! Most likely will announce the suspension...

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Art Rooney II has called a press conference for 2:30 PM.

DOH! fatness beat me to it! Most likely will announce the suspension...

Was about to post the same thing

 

[gianmarco]

"Steelers president Art Rooney, II will be available at 2:30 p.m. today to provide an update on the Ben Roethlisberger matter at Steelers headquarters at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex."

link

 

[Fiddles]

Art Rooney II has called a press conference for 2:30 PM.

DOH! fatness beat me to it! Most likely will announce the suspension...

Was about to post the same thing

schefter disputing that on twittersaying it wont be a suspension

 

[identikit]

Art Rooney II has called a press conference for 2:30 PM.

DOH! fatness beat me to it! Most likely will announce the suspension...

Was about to post the same thing

schefter disputing that on twittersaying it wont be a suspension

Actually, Schefter and others are saying any suspension won't be announced today, not that there won't be one.

 

[ScottyFargo]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mp;confirm=true

Pittsburgh's front office has talked internally about possible trade scenarios that could be feasible and what makes sense for them moving forward, and, according to a source, if other teams called about Roethlisberger they would listen intently.

 

[Fiddles]

Art Rooney II has called a press conference for 2:30 PM.

DOH! fatness beat me to it! Most likely will announce the suspension...

Was about to post the same thing

schefter disputing that on twittersaying it wont be a suspension

Actually, Schefter and others are saying any suspension won't be announced today, not that there won't be one.

right i was referring to the press conference not to the entire issue

 

[massraider]

I would be shocked if they would seriously consider a trade. I think they know they need their QB, and I think they will wait until he is actually indicted for something.

 

[Tau837]

I would be shocked if they would seriously consider a trade. I think they know they need their QB, and I think they will wait until he is actually indicted for something.

The thing is, if they wait until he is actually indicted, they will get far less in return, if anything. If they think it is likely that he will get in trouble again at some point, now would be a good time to trade him. If they think he will change his behavior and stay out of trouble, I agree they should not trade him.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

If Big Ben is available the following teams should be calling immediately if they have any brains.

St Louis

Buffalo

Oakland

Carolina

Denver

Cleveland

Jacksonville

Seattle

Kansas City

Arizona

San Francisco

Minnesota

Miami

Tennessee

Cincinnati

I would say Tampa Bay too but there are so bad even Ben won't help them. Just develop Freeman. Maybe the Jets too since Sanchez's development is the biggest thing from being a playoff team to Super Bowl favorites.

 

[JohnnyU]

I would be shocked if they would seriously consider a trade. I think they know they need their QB, and I think they will wait until he is actually indicted for something.

It would send a hell of a message to everyone playing for the Steelers, both now and in the future.

 

[CrossEyed]

Do we really need to start a new thread every time there is a new development in this drama?

 

[massraider]

I would be shocked if they would seriously consider a trade. I think they know they need their QB, and I think they will wait until he is actually indicted for something.

It would send a hell of a message to everyone playing for the Steelers, both now and in the future.

That's an expensive message.I like the cheaper message: If you ain't our QB, or best defender, you better behave!

 

[Steeler]

I would be shocked if they would seriously consider a trade. I think they know they need their QB, and I think they will wait until he is actually indicted for something.

It would send a hell of a message to everyone playing for the Steelers, both now and in the future.

That's an expensive message.I like the cheaper message: If you ain't our QB, or best defender, you better behave!

 

[John 14:6]

Do we really need to start a new thread every time there is a new development in this drama?

Yep!

 

[One]

They should send him to The Raiders as punishment.

(I wish)

 

[Jeremy]

I really doubt they would trade him, but if they did I think the Steelers would become my 2nd favorite team.

 

[moondog]

just in - not good - http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10105/1050765-100.stm

 

[Copeman]

just in - not good - http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10105/1050765-100.stm

The accuser's statement says:"I met Ben Rotheseburgehergh [sic] at Velvet. He went to the Brick because he was [unreadable] to not be bombarded by fans. He then met us at the Brick and called me 'a tease.' Eventually we saw him at the Capital City & saw him there."

I hope she still has a few years of schooling left.

 

[ScottyFargo]

One of the woman's friends, Nicole Biancofiore, said the woman "was dragged by a bodyguard to the back room in Capital. She was extremely intoxicated and not aware of what was happening."

Ms. Biancofiore said she saw another friend, Aliesha Scholten, try to open the locked bathroom door, but "she was taken away by a bodyguard of Ben's."

A third friend, Ann Marie Lubatti, told police, that she "approached the other security guard and told him that she [the accuser] was in no shape to be back there with Ben Roethlisberger. He couldn't look me in the eye, and told me he didn't know what was going on. My friend went to open the door, and it was locked."

Pretty disgusting.

 

[phthalatemagic]

One of the woman's friends, Nicole Biancofiore, said the woman "was dragged by a bodyguard to the back room in Capital. She was extremely intoxicated and not aware of what was happening."

Ms. Biancofiore said she saw another friend, Aliesha Scholten, try to open the locked bathroom door, but "she was taken away by a bodyguard of Ben's."

A third friend, Ann Marie Lubatti, told police, that she "approached the other security guard and told him that she [the accuser] was in no shape to be back there with Ben Roethlisberger. He couldn't look me in the eye, and told me he didn't know what was going on. My friend went to open the door, and it was locked."

Pretty disgusting.

Is it true that the bodyguards were off duty Pittsburgh police officers? Horrible.

 

[Jeremy]

One of the woman's friends, Nicole Biancofiore, said the woman "was dragged by a bodyguard to the back room in Capital. She was extremely intoxicated and not aware of what was happening."

Ms. Biancofiore said she saw another friend, Aliesha Scholten, try to open the locked bathroom door, but "she was taken away by a bodyguard of Ben's."

A third friend, Ann Marie Lubatti, told police, that she "approached the other security guard and told him that she [the accuser] was in no shape to be back there with Ben Roethlisberger. He couldn't look me in the eye, and told me he didn't know what was going on. My friend went to open the door, and it was locked."

Pretty disgusting.

 

[Godsbrother]

One of the woman's friends, Nicole Biancofiore, said the woman "was dragged by a bodyguard to the back room in Capital. She was extremely intoxicated and not aware of what was happening."

Ms. Biancofiore said she saw another friend, Aliesha Scholten, try to open the locked bathroom door, but "she was taken away by a bodyguard of Ben's."

A third friend, Ann Marie Lubatti, told police, that she "approached the other security guard and told him that she [the accuser] was in no shape to be back there with Ben Roethlisberger. He couldn't look me in the eye, and told me he didn't know what was going on. My friend went to open the door, and it was locked."

Pretty disgusting.

If it is true she was dragged by a bodyguard against her will then it is hard to believe the DA could not find anything to charge Roethlisberger with.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

The accuser's statement says:...Rotheseburgehergh...

I know this whole thing sucks, and is horrible, but I have to admit this made me laugh.

 

[brewer]

One of the woman's friends, Nicole Biancofiore, said the woman "was dragged by a bodyguard to the back room in Capital. She was extremely intoxicated and not aware of what was happening."

Ms. Biancofiore said she saw another friend, Aliesha Scholten, try to open the locked bathroom door, but "she was taken away by a bodyguard of Ben's."

A third friend, Ann Marie Lubatti, told police, that she "approached the other security guard and told him that she [the accuser] was in no shape to be back there with Ben Roethlisberger. He couldn't look me in the eye, and told me he didn't know what was going on. My friend went to open the door, and it was locked."

Pretty disgusting.

If it is true she was dragged by a bodyguard against her will then it is hard to believe the DA could not find anything to charge Roethlisberger with.

Or perhaps, the woman refused to press charges because she was paid to keep quiet.There seems to be too much smoke around this story for there not to be at least a little fire.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

just in - not good - http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10105/1050765-100.stm

The accuser's statement says:"I met Ben Rotheseburgehergh [sic] at Velvet. He went to the Brick because he was [unreadable] to not be bombarded by fans. He then met us at the Brick and called me 'a tease.' Eventually we saw him at the Capital City & saw him there."

I hope she still has a few years of schooling left.

It also says she was completely hammered when she wrote that. I'm guessing not many here would be much better above a .2 BAC.

 

[ScottyFargo]

just in - not good - http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10105/1050765-100.stm

The accuser's statement says:"I met Ben Rotheseburgehergh [sic] at Velvet. He went to the Brick because he was [unreadable] to not be bombarded by fans. He then met us at the Brick and called me 'a tease.' Eventually we saw him at the Capital City & saw him there."

I hope she still has a few years of schooling left.

It also says she was completely hammered when she wrote that. I'm guessing not many here would be much better above a .2 BAC.

Hopefully that should also erase any last thoughts that she started this as an idea to blackmail B.R., boldly proclaiming to a cop "a man who was 6'5 and weighs exactly 241 pounds attacked me!" :eyeroll:

 

[fatness]

In a Thursday afternoon press conference regarding the status of quarterback Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, president Art Rooney II said the Steelers are prepared to impose discipline against Roethlisberger "at this point."

Rooney added that the punishment would come the week after the draft, and that it would be coordinated with the league. As a result, there would be only one punishment.

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team may impose a maximum sanction of four games without pay. Rooney said that Roethlisberger has indicated a willingness to accept whatever punishment is imposed.

This development means that the league will not be disciplining Roethlisberger under the Personal Conduct Policy, which means that the NFL won't have to create a new precedent based on suspending players who has never been arrested nor charged.

Link