Updated - PIT QB Roethlisberger Suspended 6 games (1 Viewer)

[Saint]

If the whole point of the suspension is to protect the marketability of the NFL, then I'm here now to let Mr. Goodell know that he need not suspend Ben for me to remain an avid viewer of his league's product. I see some others here who have voiced similar sentiments but I'm pretty sure that we're in the minority. I have no problem with that.

I think it is true for some people, but to be honest the NFL demographics are rather surprising. For example, here are a few reports:Dish Network Statistics

Gender Statistics

I remembered researching this a few years back for my graduate program, I mean why not report on the NFL. The interesting stat is that women viewers have been increasing over the last decade. As a matter of fact based on the status approximately 42% of all NFL fans are women. Knowing how keen the NFL is on marketing and publicity and how sensitive this issue, especially around women demographics, I don't see this as surprising from Goodell's perspective at all. Just figured I would share.

 

[Steelfan7]

This is as bad as it's going to get.

You sure about that?

As far as him doing something like this again, I'm highly confident. Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron, and I think he realizes that if this were to occur again, he's either done playing football professionally or he's schlepped off for peanuts to whatever hole in the wall team will take him as a reclamation project. I'm very confident that we see a major lifestyle change here to prevent anything like this from being an issue going forward.

That's an interesting take EG. You're a fan I know so I respect your opinion. But I've not seen anything yet that would make me think Roethlisberger will change. I hope he does, but I've not seen it yet. From the attitude about the no helmet motorcycle to the talking to I'm certain he received after the incident before this last one, he looks like a slow learner there. Again, I truly hope he does a 180. I've just not seen anything yet from him that would make me think that's his style.J

I don't know why his motorcycle accident always comes up. He was legally riding his motorcycle and some woman pulled out in front of him and was at fault. It wasn't like he was pulling a Winslow and doing wheelies. Ben has done plenty to fault him, but this isn't one of them IMHO.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This is as bad as it's going to get.

You sure about that?

As far as him doing something like this again, I'm highly confident. Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron, and I think he realizes that if this were to occur again, he's either done playing football professionally or he's schlepped off for peanuts to whatever hole in the wall team will take him as a reclamation project. I'm very confident that we see a major lifestyle change here to prevent anything like this from being an issue going forward.

That's an interesting take EG. You're a fan I know so I respect your opinion. But I've not seen anything yet that would make me think Roethlisberger will change. I hope he does, but I've not seen it yet. From the attitude about the no helmet motorcycle to the talking to I'm certain he received after the incident before this last one, he looks like a slow learner there. Again, I truly hope he does a 180. I've just not seen anything yet from him that would make me think that's his style.J

I don't know why his motorcycle accident always comes up. He was legally riding his motorcycle and some woman pulled out in front of him and was at fault. It wasn't like he was pulling a Winslow and doing wheelies. Ben has done plenty to fault him, but this isn't one of them IMHO.

I can't vouch for the validity but there is lots of talk about the cavalier no helmet riding attitude after the crash.J

 

[Donnybrook]

It sure didn't take Goodell long to suspend Rothlisberger. Vincient Jackson has plead guilty to two DUIs and to my knowledge has never been suspended.

But V-Jax has not left the NFL with a giant black mark on it for his actions. Jackson having DUIs was not headline news across the country or water cooler fodder for weeks.

Didn't Jared Allen get served with suspensions for his DUIs?

Until Goodell suspends Jackson for the same offense that Jared Allen was suspended for, he will be a hypocrite in my eyes.

 

[Steelfan7]

It sure didn't take Goodell long to suspend Rothlisberger. Vincient Jackson has plead guilty to two DUIs and to my knowledge has never been suspended.

But V-Jax has not left the NFL with a giant black mark on it for his actions. Jackson having DUIs was not headline news across the country or water cooler fodder for weeks.

Didn't Jared Allen get served with suspensions for his DUIs?

Until Goodell suspends Jackson for the same offense that Jared Allen was suspended for, he will be a hypocrite in my eyes.

Why isn't Leroy Hill and Jeff Reed also suspended? They also show a pattern of bad behavior.

 

[Donnybrook]

It sure didn't take Goodell long to suspend Rothlisberger. Vincient Jackson has plead guilty to two DUIs and to my knowledge has never been suspended.

But V-Jax has not left the NFL with a giant black mark on it for his actions. Jackson having DUIs was not headline news across the country or water cooler fodder for weeks.

Didn't Jared Allen get served with suspensions for his DUIs?

Until Goodell suspends Jackson for the same offense that Jared Allen was suspended for, he will be a hypocrite in my eyes.

Why isn't Leroy Hill and Jeff Reed also suspended? They also show a pattern of bad behavior.

I agree. He can't hand out penalties willy nilly and expect people to respect his judgement.

 

[E_Smith]

The guy is pretty decent looking, living in LA as probably the best basketball player alive right now and he had to rape somebody??

Yikes.

1) I'm pretty sure Ben Roethlisberger can get laid without raping anyone either. You may not find him as attractive as Kobe, but if I can do it, certainly he can.

2) Rape is not about a guy not being able to get girls without force, it's a violent act perpetrated only by those who are mentally ill or inherently evil. Apparently, this is what people now think about Roethlisberger. People throw that term around quite a bit, but I wonder how many people posting the "Rapistberger" comments really understand this.

No offense, but probably about as many who throw out nonsensical terms like "inherently evil" to avoid explaining a complex issue. You don't have to be mentally-ill to rape someone, and "inherently-evil" is a lazy phrase. Rape is about power and control. Whether it's prison or a sorority party, it's about taking what you think already belongs to you, and teaching a lesson to those who you don't think have the right to refuse what you want. Roethlisberger has the kind of personality where, put in the right position, he will consider himself entitled. That "right position" includes a nine-figure contract, public adulation and world championships. Ben is clearly selfish, self-centered and considers himself entitled to whatever he wants. Maybe he was raised poorly, or maybe he's just a plain-old d-bag.

By the way, rape isn't always a violent act. A person in a position of power can force someone to do things against their will without being violent. Let's just say that if an illegal immigrant female was working for Ben Roethlisberger, I wouldn't be surprised if he used that power over her.

Neil, I don't know Ben Roethlisberger so I wouldn't know, I could only make a generalization about his personality based on how I think one would act that has been accused of these things and makes a lot of money. How do you know what kind of personality Ben Roethlisberber has?How do you know he doesn't have a drinking problem and when he drinks too much he gets aggressive and makes very bad decisions. There could be a lot of things, just wondering how you know his personality.

Well, it's pretty clear that he doesn't care enough about others to get help for his problems after the first half-dozen times or so he whipped it out. A decent person would seek help the first time he went too far or put himself in a bad situation that could cost him tens of millions of dollars. Or maybe the second time. As far as "very bad decisions" go, he's made too many of them to blame on alcohol. Was he drunk when he planned to go out? To hit that bar? How about after getting accused once and realizing it could cost him his career? Going down the line we can name dozens of independent, bad decisions that have led to just a couple of the allegations. And not all of them could have been done drunk. Ben doesn't seem to care because he feels entitled.

Even if you have a drinking problem, it isn't up to the world to make excuses for you. If a period of time goes by and you're jeopardizing your future by not getting help...you share blame for that. If you put people in uncomfortable situations, you need to take responsibility for that. And if you don't care enough to do anything until your boss gives you a time-out...you're a selfish d-bag.

And that doesn't involve sexually assaulting anyone, either.

I agree but I would just add that if he is an alcoholic of some variety and can't control his drinking then I could understand the repeat bad behavior when wasted. Also, I'm not sure how many of these hearsay accusations are reliable; we just don't know, and the one in Tahoe sounds very suspect.

 

[malaka]

I don't know why his motorcycle accident always comes up. He was legally riding his motorcycle and some woman pulled out in front of him and was at fault. It wasn't like he was pulling a Winslow and doing wheelies. Ben has done plenty to fault him, but this isn't one of them IMHO.

He wasn't legally riding his motorcycle he did not have a motorcycle license (endorsement) and he legally needed to be wearing a helmet.

 

[Mikey16x]

This is why Tom Brady is so great. The greatest winning QB of our generation and a great and decent person on and off the field.

That sinner has kids out of wedlock. To hell he shall go.

Maybe he has had children out of wedlock... but have you seen the mothers?? Pretty sure God will give him a pass on hotness alone.

 

[Tau837]

Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron

 

[Mr. Retukes]

As far as him doing something like this again, I'm highly confident. Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron, and I think he realizes that if this were to occur again, he's either done playing football professionally or he's schlepped off for peanuts to whatever hole in the wall team will take him as a reclamation project. I'm very confident that we see a major lifestyle change here to prevent anything like this from being an issue going forward.

Lots of smart people do things they know will ruin their lives.

 

[Novice2]

But V-Jax has not left the NFL with a giant black mark on it for his actions. Jackson having DUIs was not headline news across the country or water cooler fodder for weeks.

Didn't Jared Allen get served with suspensions for his DUIs?

Until Goodell suspends Jackson for the same offense that Jared Allen was suspended for, he will be a hypocrite in my eyes.

Why isn't Leroy Hill and Jeff Reed also suspended? They also show a pattern of bad behavior.

I agree. He can't hand out penalties willy nilly and expect people to respect his judgement.

He suspended the white people. He suspended the star player. Goodell and the NFL aren't racist. They are not playing favorites. That is all that matters here so praise Goodell or keep quiet..

 

[twr]

noone knows the true facts of the case. personally i see this as " girl gets drunk, guy gets laid, girl feels like a slut later... " the whole issue was strung out by her sorority sisters. the detective that night was getting bombbarded by them... while the "victim" was so drunk she didnt realize where she was. drunk or not, if someone asks you if you've been raped 7/10 times you're going to remember, unless there was physical/mental trama.. the next day she claimed he pulled his penis out and tried to have sex with her OUTSIDE of the bathroom... to which eyewitnesses detest... her stories change 3-4 times.

with that being said.. this is a reoccurring issue with ben... when studying criminals youll find that patterns often repeat themselves.. but its possible to change.. there are really only 2 things that could have happend. 1, hes stupid and puts himself in this situation again because he wants to get laid with the easiest person he can find. or 2, hes doing something criminally wrong. there's nothing else it can be.

the victim weeks later refused to give another interview... was she paid off, frightened out of it? unlikely...

ben, like alot of men, realize some women are easy to take advantage of... but doing that often leads to bad situations.. like the one he currently finds himself in... because the only way for that poor girl to save any kind of face is to say "he raped me"... is it cool that he degrades women? not at all... but thats the real world ladies and gentlemen.

maybe some of you choose to believe her... i dont... in this country you're innocent until proven guilty... not the other way around.

 

[delusional]

noone knows the true facts of the case. personally i see this as " girl gets drunk, guy gets laid, girl feels like a slut later... " the whole issue was strung out by her sorority sisters. the detective that night was getting bombbarded by them... while the "victim" was so drunk she didnt realize where she was. drunk or not, if someone asks you if you've been raped 7/10 times you're going to remember, unless there was physical/mental trama.. the next day she claimed he pulled his penis out and tried to have sex with her OUTSIDE of the bathroom... to which eyewitnesses detest... her stories change 3-4 times.with that being said.. this is a reoccurring issue with ben... when studying criminals youll find that patterns often repeat themselves.. but its possible to change.. there are really only 2 things that could have happend. 1, hes stupid and puts himself in this situation again because he wants to get laid with the easiest person he can find. or 2, hes doing something criminally wrong. there's nothing else it can be.the victim weeks later refused to give another interview... was she paid off, frightened out of it? unlikely... ben, like alot of men, realize some women are easy to take advantage of... but doing that often leads to bad situations.. like the one he currently finds himself in... because the only way for that poor girl to save any kind of face is to say "he raped me"... is it cool that he degrades women? not at all... but thats the real world ladies and gentlemen. maybe some of you choose to believe her... i dont... in this country you're innocent until proven guilty... not the other way around.

You also forgot a 3rd option. There may be gold digging wmoen that will come out later on & claim something of this nature happened just go get some type of money. It happens alot. Sadly soon as it is mentioned, it is stuck to the person ( the accused ) forever regardless if he is innocent or not. Its a domino effect basically.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Let me say this. If I didn't do anything wrong and I was just suspended by my boss for 4 games, it would take me about 5 seconds to find a reporter and tell them how outraged I am.

Anyone seen anything like this happen yet? I mean think about it. How much money does suspending him cost him in pay and possibly future endorsement deals?

If it weren't true, would you be all over the league for being treated unfairly? What has been said about being suspended, I'd like to hear it.

Someone say hey Ben, you're being suspended 4 games and it's going to cost you "X" amount of money and who knows how much in other deals, what do you think about it? Tell us about how innocent you are.

At least, at the very least say how you made big mistakes and how sorry you are. What exactly is he saying about all of this?

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

As far as him doing something like this again, I'm highly confident. Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron, and I think he realizes that if this were to occur again, he's either done playing football professionally or he's schlepped off for peanuts to whatever hole in the wall team will take him as a reclamation project. I'm very confident that we see a major lifestyle change here to prevent anything like this from being an issue going forward.

Lots of smart people do things they know will ruin their lives.

Especially when alcohol is involved. I don't know him and how much he drinks but it appears to me that he's partying and making some really bad decisions when doing it. I know when I used to drink, probably the top 5 worst mistakes of my life have involved drinking or occured when I was drinking. I did things that I'd never do or said things I'd never say sober. I see pro athletes getting arrested all over the place for drinking and driving. These are the guys getting caught, there are tons and tons of them doing it and not getting caught, it's just the way it is. It's a huge problem and may be a huge problem for Big Ben.

 

[Hang 10]

Let me say this. If I didn't do anything wrong and I was just suspended by my boss for 4 games, it would take me about 5 seconds to find a reporter and tell them how outraged I am.Anyone seen anything like this happen yet? I mean think about it. How much money does suspending him cost him in pay and possibly future endorsement deals?If it weren't true, would you be all over the league for being treated unfairly? What has been said about being suspended, I'd like to hear it.Someone say hey Ben, you're being suspended 4 games and it's going to cost you "X" amount of money and who knows how much in other deals, what do you think about it? Tell us about how innocent you are. At least, at the very least say how you made big mistakes and how sorry you are. What exactly is he saying about all of this?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I don't have the time nor inclination to do this.

I didn't think so. You don't want to know what happened. It might interfere with your blanket assertions that Roethlisberger is being punished essentially for nothing.

No, I had to go eat and spend time with the family.Also, I don't think he's being punished for nothing. I think he deserves to be punsished, although I also think he's being made an example of to some extent. My only contentions here all day have been :a) I don't think he should be tradedb) People are rushing to convict him of rape, a severe crime he wasn't even charged with.We don't know for a fact what went on, and even reading every word of the police report doesn't change that. It contains statements, not facts.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

The guy is pretty decent looking, living in LA as probably the best basketball player alive right now and he had to rape somebody??

Yikes.

1) I'm pretty sure Ben Roethlisberger can get laid without raping anyone either. You may not find him as attractive as Kobe, but if I can do it, certainly he can.

2) Rape is not about a guy not being able to get girls without force, it's a violent act perpetrated only by those who are mentally ill or inherently evil. Apparently, this is what people now think about Roethlisberger. People throw that term around quite a bit, but I wonder how many people posting the "Rapistberger" comments really understand this.

No offense, but probably about as many who throw out nonsensical terms like "inherently evil" to avoid explaining a complex issue. You don't have to be mentally-ill to rape someone, and "inherently-evil" is a lazy phrase. Rape is about power and control. Whether it's prison or a sorority party, it's about taking what you think already belongs to you, and teaching a lesson to those who you don't think have the right to refuse what you want. Roethlisberger has the kind of personality where, put in the right position, he will consider himself entitled. That "right position" includes a nine-figure contract, public adulation and world championships. Ben is clearly selfish, self-centered and considers himself entitled to whatever he wants. Maybe he was raised poorly, or maybe he's just a plain-old d-bag.

By the way, rape isn't always a violent act. A person in a position of power can force someone to do things against their will without being violent. Let's just say that if an illegal immigrant female was working for Ben Roethlisberger, I wouldn't be surprised if he used that power over her.

If the sex is complicit, or at the very least doesn't involve the use of physical force or some other type of extreme duress, I don't consider it rape. Maybe we have different definitions, but I think calling Ben "a rapist" based on nothing more than one story, which has already changed a number of times, is somewhat lazy and irresponsible.

I wonder what you consider it, then. The person is making someone have sex against their will. As far as calling Ben a rapist, I do agree with you. But "mentally ill" and "inherently evil" don't belong in an adult discussion of rape, unless it's a politician's speech and they're trying to raise money without really saying much of anything. For purposes of the message board, I think people are using the term because the court of public opinion has found him guilty and it's an easy (if possibly incorrect) term to use.

I do agree with you. I was certainly encapsualting or expurgating if you will, for the sake of brevity. My primary point was to the OP that rape has nothing to do with the perpetrators looks or ability to get women. Your points are well-taken.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

This is as bad as it's going to get.

You sure about that?

As far as him doing something like this again, I'm highly confident. Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron, and I think he realizes that if this were to occur again, he's either done playing football professionally or he's schlepped off for peanuts to whatever hole in the wall team will take him as a reclamation project. I'm very confident that we see a major lifestyle change here to prevent anything like this from being an issue going forward.

That's an interesting take EG. You're a fan I know so I respect your opinion. But I've not seen anything yet that would make me think Roethlisberger will change. I hope he does, but I've not seen it yet. From the attitude about the no helmet motorcycle to the talking to I'm certain he received after the incident before this last one, he looks like a slow learner there. Again, I truly hope he does a 180. I've just not seen anything yet from him that would make me think that's his style.J

Could be, but he strikes me as a guy who's always thought he was "above the law" to some extent. I think that he's bright enough to realize this may be his last chance and uses this sobering experience to make some lifestyle changes that will keep him playing. He did give up the bike after the accident, so despite his track record for being a knucklehead, there is some precedent that a serious, life-altering occurrence is sufficient to help him see the light on some matters.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron

I know a lot of very bright alcoholics and drug addicts. Intelligence doesn't always overcome self-destructive behavior. Often, though, when an intelligent person is faced with rock bottom, he/she makes changes to avoid the abyss. That's my hope here.

 

[drfeelgood]

Let me say this. If I didn't do anything wrong and I was just suspended by my boss for 4 games, it would take me about 5 seconds to find a reporter and tell them how outraged I am.Anyone seen anything like this happen yet? I mean think about it. How much money does suspending him cost him in pay and possibly future endorsement deals?If it weren't true, would you be all over the league for being treated unfairly? What has been said about being suspended, I'd like to hear it.Someone say hey Ben, you're being suspended 4 games and it's going to cost you "X" amount of money and who knows how much in other deals, what do you think about it? Tell us about how innocent you are. At least, at the very least say how you made big mistakes and how sorry you are. What exactly is he saying about all of this?

Goodell isn't suspending him for sexually assaulting the girl. He is suspending him for his conduct in Milledgeville. Ben can't say he didn't do anything wrong, because he did a lot of things wrong in Milledgeville. He wasn't responsible, he used terrible judgement, and it led to a woman (once again) saying he did something criminal to them. His lawyer already said some time ago that Ben admitted to having contact with the girl, but not sex. Ben already apologized for his behavior. If he didn't sexually assault the girl, he still did a lot of things wrong. He is lucky that they only found a small amount of DNA on the girl that was so small it couldn't be identified. He should never have been buying her more shots of alcohol, he shouldn't be exposing his privates to women, he shouldn't have followed the girl to the bathroom and had his body guards block the door, and he should never have made sexual advances on a girl that was obviously intoxicated to the point to where she was too incapacitated to have rational judgement. At this point, the best thing for him to do is to keep his mouth shut, accept the punishment, and get the counseling that he needs.

 

[gianmarco]

Goodell isn't suspending him for sexually assaulting the girl. He is suspending him for his conduct in Milledgeville.

No he's not. He's suspending him for his conduct in the Milledgeville bar. And for his conduct against another women in Milledgeville. And for his conduct in Tahoe. And for his conduct in Las Vegas. And for his conduct on the motorcycle. And for his conduct with fans.In other words, it's the PATTERN of behavior that Ben is being suspended for, not the isolated incident. If the only thing we ever heard about was this incident in Milledgeville, even with the 500 page police report that goes into sordid detail, he never gets 6 games. Never.It's that police report combined with the numerous other accusations (all eerily familiar with common elements) and combined with his reported bad attitude toward his teammates (not very well liked in the locker room) and toward fans (numerous anecdotes of his demeanor with fans) and his attitude surrounding the motorcycle incident. And there may be other things we aren't even aware of.

 

[fatness]

In a compelling and comprehensive interview on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike in the Morning, lawyer David Cornwell was asked to identify the specific wrongdoing in which his client, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, engaged.

In a word (actually, two), Cornwell described it as "poor judgment." Though he seemed to take issue with Commissioner Roger Goodell's assessment that Roethlisberger "contributed to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol by purchasing (or facilitating the purchase of) alcoholic beverages for underage college students," Cornwell acknowledged that Roethlisberger's error was placing himself in a situation where excessive alcohol was being consumed, regardless of whether he was buying it or furnishing it to persons who were legally too young to be drinking.

Regarding the rampant trade rumors and reports, Cornwell said that Roethlisberger wants to stay in Pittsburgh. Cornwell also believes that Roethlisberger will not be traded.

Cornwell said that both he and Roethlisberger were "disappointed" by the length of the suspension, and Cornwell said that Roethlisberger views the six-game conditional suspension as a four-game suspension, since he fully intends to overcomply with the requirements for a reduction. Cornwell added that it could have been worse; over the weekend, Goodell told Cornwell that an "indefinite" suspension was possible.

link

 

[fatness]

Lots of detail about all the drinking at the bar in Milledgeville the night of the bathroom episode; worth reading.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Student Victoria Garofalo told the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that at one bar called The Brick she told Mr. Colon she was underage -- something confirmed by the player during his own interview.

"Colon stated that he was flirting with Garofalo until he found out that she was 19 years old," the report said.

She also said she told him that two friends -- the accuser and a woman named Ann Marie Lubatti -- who later drank at the Capital City nightclub, the site of the alleged assault, were 20.

"According to Garofalo, Roethlisberger was standing next to the group while this conversation took place. Someone else in the group, who Garofalo could not identify, stated, 'I'm 15' in a joking manner, which Roethlisberger responded [to] with a comment.

"Garofalo was not certain exactly what Roethlisberger said, however, knew that he commented on that statement. As a result, Garofalo was certain that Roethlisberger heard the conversation regarding their ages and that both he and Colon were clear on how old the girls were."

At one point during the evening, a bartender at The Brick said a student and co-worker named Aliesha Scholten asked Mr. Roethlisberger if he wanted to go back to their sorority house.

"Hell no," Mr. Roethlisberger is said to have responded. "That's a lawsuit waiting to happen."

A friend of the accuser, Nicole Biancofiore -- underage herself and with a fake ID -- told investigators that "she does know that Ben Roethlisberger bought her friend, [the alleged victim], drinks all night but does not know what kind of drinks they were.

"Biancofiore stated that she knows that Roethlisberger purchased drinks for many underage girls at all three bars in downtown Milledgeville."

Even as women crowded around Mr. Roethlisberger, the quarterback's entourage -- including Trooper Joyner and off-duty Coraopolis police Officer Anthony J. Barravecchio -- tried to ensure that no one snapped photos of Mr. Roethlisberger with alcohol.

"Joyner stated that he made sure that none of the girls taking a photograph with Roethlisberger had any alcohol in the photos. He stated that alcohol in the photographs would not look good for Roethlisberger's image."

Ms. Garofalo said "the bodyguards were deleting photos from people's phones that depicted Roethlisberger drinking."

 

[drfeelgood]

Goodell isn't suspending him for sexually assaulting the girl. He is suspending him for his conduct in Milledgeville.

No he's not. He's suspending him for his conduct in the Milledgeville bar. And for his conduct against another women in Milledgeville. And for his conduct in Tahoe. And for his conduct in Las Vegas. And for his conduct on the motorcycle. And for his conduct with fans.

“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,” Goodell wrote in a letter to Roethlisberger on Wednesday. “That said, you are held to a higher standard as an N.F.L. 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.”

 

[ScottyFargo]

Goodell isn't suspending him for sexually assaulting the girl. He is suspending him for his conduct in Milledgeville.

No he's not. He's suspending him for his conduct in the Milledgeville bar. And for his conduct against another women in Milledgeville. And for his conduct in Tahoe. And for his conduct in Las Vegas. And for his conduct on the motorcycle. And for his conduct with fans.

“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,” Goodell wrote in a letter to Roethlisberger on Wednesday. “That said, you are held to a higher standard as an N.F.L. 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.”

Conduct =/ "violating Georgia law"; e.g. "you are held to a higher standard as an N.F.L. player"

 

[Idiot Boxer]

A friend of the accuser, Nicole Biancofiore -- underage herself and with a fake ID which she had for the sole purpose of being able to rent cars at a reduced rate and was, in fact only at the bar as the designated driver of all of her legal-age friends -- told investigators that "she does know that Ben Roethlisberger bought her friend, [the alleged victim], drinks all night but does not know what kind of drinks they were.

"Biancofiore stated that she knows that Roethlisberger purchased drinks for many underage girls at all three bars in downtown Milledgeville."

"I mean, yeah. I was at the bar and I had a fake ID...but there is no way I would have consumed alcohol if it weren't for the pressure applied to me by the professional football players. On any other night in Milledgeville, we'd have just had Shirley Temples."

 

[Evilgrin 72]

A friend of the accuser, Nicole Biancofiore -- underage herself and with a fake ID which she had for the sole purpose of being able to rent cars at a reduced rate and was, in fact only at the bar as the designated driver of all of her legal-age friends -- told investigators that "she does know that Ben Roethlisberger bought her friend, [the alleged victim], drinks all night but does not know what kind of drinks they were.

"Biancofiore stated that she knows that Roethlisberger purchased drinks for many underage girls at all three bars in downtown Milledgeville."

"I mean, yeah. I was at the bar and I had a fake ID...but there is no way I would have consumed alcohol if it weren't for the pressure applied to me by the professional football players. On any other night in Milledgeville, we'd have just had Shirley Temples."

These are the people making the statements that people are using to "convict" this guy of rape in their minds.

This is all I've really been trying to point out... that police report that people are using to base their opinions on doesn't always contain FACTS, it contains STATEMENTS, which may or may not be truthful.

 

[treat88]

Can't see Pittsburgh wanting that #1 pick and the cash attached to it and can't see Tampa pulling the cord on all the money they spent on Freeman yet either.

Seattle or Buffalo makes the most sense to me. The Raiders clearly SHOULD have an interest, but I will believe that Al Davis would have dealings with Pittsburgh the very second that his domain in the Underworld freezes over. Unless he was totally boning them in the deal I couldn't see him even entertaining the idea.

So true.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron

I know a lot of very bright alcoholics and drug addicts. Intelligence doesn't always overcome self-destructive behavior. Often, though, when an intelligent person is faced with rock bottom, he/she makes changes to avoid the abyss. That's my hope here.

He's a professional athlete who majored in physical education. Factor in the rapes and haircuts and he has over a 100% chance to be a moron.

 

[Godsbrother]

Conduct =/ "violating Georgia law"; e.g. "you are held to a higher standard as an N.F.L. player"

I applaud Mr. Goodell's efforts to uphold the reputation of the league and I hope that he disciplines other players with equal vigor. Here is what I expect:6 game suspension if you are accused of a crime, regardless if charges are actually filed.12 game suspension if you are charged with a crime.18 game suspension if you plead guilty or are found guilty of a crime.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron

I know a lot of very bright alcoholics and drug addicts. Intelligence doesn't always overcome self-destructive behavior. Often, though, when an intelligent person is faced with rock bottom, he/she makes changes to avoid the abyss. That's my hope here.

He's a professional athlete who majored in physical education. Factor in the rapes and haircuts and he has over a 100% chance to be a moron.

OVER a 100% chance? What would you put it at 102%? 104%?You say "I'm going to give this 110%" a lot, don't you?

 

[treat88]

Conduct =/ "violating Georgia law"; e.g. "you are held to a higher standard as an N.F.L. player"

I applaud Mr. Goodell's efforts to uphold the reputation of the league and I hope that he disciplines other players with equal vigor. Here is what I expect:6 game suspension if you are accused of a crime, regardless if charges are actually filed.12 game suspension if you are charged with a crime.18 game suspension if you plead guilty or are found guilty of a crime.

Yep.Precedent has been now set.Accusation = Suspension.Goodell is a complete #######. The next CBA better clearly spell out the situations in which he can mete out punishment, because he certainly doesn't have the consistency or judgement on his won.

 

[treat88]

Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron

I know a lot of very bright alcoholics and drug addicts. Intelligence doesn't always overcome self-destructive behavior. Often, though, when an intelligent person is faced with rock bottom, he/she makes changes to avoid the abyss. That's my hope here.

He's a professional athlete who majored in physical education. Factor in the rapes and haircuts and he has over a 100% chance to be a moron.

It's actually kind of ironic you are calling someone a moron and making this statement at the same time.Not picking a fight, I just found that humorous.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Whatever you want to say about Ben, he's not a moron

I know a lot of very bright alcoholics and drug addicts. Intelligence doesn't always overcome self-destructive behavior. Often, though, when an intelligent person is faced with rock bottom, he/she makes changes to avoid the abyss. That's my hope here.

He's a professional athlete who majored in physical education. Factor in the rapes and haircuts and he has over a 100% chance to be a moron.

OVER a 100% chance? What would you put it at 102%? 104%?You say "I'm going to give this 110%" a lot, don't you?

My numbers say 168% chance Ben is a moron. That you got so excited about that is pretty funny.treat - it isn't ironic. It's a poor joke. I don't expect Steeler fans wouldn't appreciate it, of course. But if you really want to question my understanding of %s, then we can talk via pm.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

Conduct =/ "violating Georgia law"; e.g. "you are held to a higher standard as an N.F.L. player"

I applaud Mr. Goodell's efforts to uphold the reputation of the league and I hope that he disciplines other players with equal vigor. Here is what I expect:6 game suspension if you are accused of a crime, regardless if charges are actually filed.12 game suspension if you are charged with a crime.18 game suspension if you plead guilty or are found guilty of a crime.

100% disagree.All crimes are not created equal.Killing of dogs and raping of women are very high on the scale of activities that the NFL frowns upon. More severe than fist fights, illegal drug use (non steroids), drunk driving and floating bad checks.Pittsburgh fans are delusional if you think that Goodell because of this ugly Ben situation will start suspending players left and right every time one of them has a brush with the law.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

He's a professional athlete who majored in physical education. Factor in the rapes and haircuts and he has over a 100% chance to be a moron.

OVER a 100% chance? What would you put it at 102%? 104%?You say "I'm going to give this 110%" a lot, don't you?

My numbers say 168% chance Ben is a moron. That you got so excited about that is pretty funny.treat - it isn't ironic. It's a poor joke. I don't expect Steeler fans wouldn't appreciate it, of course. But if you really want to question my understanding of %s, then we can talk via pm.

Of course Steeler fans don't appreciate it, you just said it was a poor joke. We prefer good ones. at excited about it... I was just poking fun back at you. You're not so thin-skinned as to take umbrage at that are you?

 

[Godsbrother]

Conduct =/ "violating Georgia law"; e.g. "you are held to a higher standard as an N.F.L. player"

I applaud Mr. Goodell's efforts to uphold the reputation of the league and I hope that he disciplines other players with equal vigor. Here is what I expect:6 game suspension if you are accused of a crime, regardless if charges are actually filed.12 game suspension if you are charged with a crime.18 game suspension if you plead guilty or are found guilty of a crime.

100% disagree.All crimes are not created equal.Killing of dogs and raping of women are very high on the scale of activities that the NFL frowns upon. More severe than fist fights, illegal drug use (non steroids), drunk driving and floating bad checks.Pittsburgh fans are delusional if you think that Goodell because of this ugly Ben situation will start suspending players left and right every time one of them has a brush with the law.

The commissioner did not suspend Roethlisberger for rape, he was suspended for conduct which doesn't meet the NFL standards.

 

[phthalatemagic]

He's a professional athlete who majored in physical education. Factor in the rapes and haircuts and he has over a 100% chance to be a moron.

OVER a 100% chance? What would you put it at 102%? 104%?You say "I'm going to give this 110%" a lot, don't you?

My numbers say 168% chance Ben is a moron. That you got so excited about that is pretty funny.treat - it isn't ironic. It's a poor joke. I don't expect Steeler fans wouldn't appreciate it, of course. But if you really want to question my understanding of %s, then we can talk via pm.

Of course Steeler fans don't appreciate it, you just said it was a poor joke. We prefer good ones. at excited about it... I was just poking fun back at you. You're not so thin-skinned as to take umbrage at that are you?

Well, I've spent time in Pittsburgh. I know people from Pittsburgh. The only jokes you folks tend to get are banjo, incest and dental jokes. I don't have any of them But let's not start throwing around the thin skinned comments, I mean have you seen your posts in this message board? You've been defending Rapistberger's honor quite fervently.

 

[Black Box]

Well, I've spent time in Pittsburgh. I know people from Pittsburgh. The only jokes you folks tend to get are banjo, incest and dental jokes. I don't have any of them But let's not start throwing around the thin skinned comments, I mean have you seen your posts in this message board? You've been defending Rapistberger's honor quite fervently.

A female, five string banjoist shouts to her boyfriend in a crowded shopping mall: "Don't forget, sweetheart, I need a new G string!"

 

[Happy Ragnarok]

Well, I've spent time in Pittsburgh. I know people from Pittsburgh. The only jokes you folks tend to get are banjo, incest and dental jokes. I don't have any of them But let's not start throwing around the thin skinned comments, I mean have you seen your posts in this message board? You've been defending Rapistberger's honor quite fervently.

A female, five string banjoist shouts to her boyfriend in a crowded shopping mall: "Don't forget, sweetheart, I need a new G string!"

HAH! Joke's on you! We don't have any crowded shopping malls.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

He's a professional athlete who majored in physical education. Factor in the rapes and haircuts and he has over a 100% chance to be a moron.

OVER a 100% chance? What would you put it at 102%? 104%?You say "I'm going to give this 110%" a lot, don't you?

My numbers say 168% chance Ben is a moron. That you got so excited about that is pretty funny.treat - it isn't ironic. It's a poor joke. I don't expect Steeler fans wouldn't appreciate it, of course. But if you really want to question my understanding of %s, then we can talk via pm.

Of course Steeler fans don't appreciate it, you just said it was a poor joke. We prefer good ones. at excited about it... I was just poking fun back at you. You're not so thin-skinned as to take umbrage at that are you?

Well, I've spent time in Pittsburgh. I know people from Pittsburgh. The only jokes you folks tend to get are banjo, incest and dental jokes. I don't have any of them But let's not start throwing around the thin skinned comments, I mean have you seen your posts in this message board? You've been defending Rapistberger's honor quite fervently.

I'm not from Pittsburgh. Got any NJ jokes? What exit, or any of that stuff?Just seems like you're getting awfully worked up here. With the amount of time you've spent in Steelers/Roethlisberger threads and the nature of many of those posts, I'd have sworn you were hoping for SOME kind of response, no? You've joined the BGP/NorrisB level of Steeler-stalking and white noise content in your posting, you have to be looking for some kind of retort, right? Or do you prefer we go back to just ignoring you?

 

[Black Box]

Well, I've spent time in Pittsburgh. I know people from Pittsburgh. The only jokes you folks tend to get are banjo, incest and dental jokes. I don't have any of them But let's not start throwing around the thin skinned comments, I mean have you seen your posts in this message board? You've been defending Rapistberger's honor quite fervently.

A female, five string banjoist shouts to her boyfriend in a crowded shopping mall: "Don't forget, sweetheart, I need a new G string!"

HAH! Joke's on you! We don't have any crowded shopping malls.

 

[treat88]

treat - it isn't ironic. It's a poor joke. I don't expect Steeler fans wouldn't appreciate it, of course. But if you really want to question my understanding of %s, then we can talk via pm.

No, no. Not questioning your intelligence at all. I've read enough of your stuff to know you are a bright guy/gal.Like i said, just found the juxtaposition humorous.Besides, I'd never seriously knock any poster who tells the truth about the Pats like you do.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

treat - it isn't ironic. It's a poor joke. I don't expect Steeler fans wouldn't appreciate it, of course. But if you really want to question my understanding of %s, then we can talk via pm.

No, no. Not questioning your intelligence at all. I've read enough of your stuff to know you are a bright guy/gal.Like i said, just found the juxtaposition humorous.Besides, I'd never seriously knock any poster who tells the truth about the Pats like you do.

I just wish he'd bring some real insight or thoughtful posting to the discussion rather than being incendiary just for the sake of doing so. An intelligent person with NFL knowledge could actually add something to the discussion rather than simply denigrating Pittsburgh natives or coming up with pithy bon mots like "Rapistberger." That's just verbal masturbation.

 

[treat88]

treat - it isn't ironic. It's a poor joke. I don't expect Steeler fans wouldn't appreciate it, of course. But if you really want to question my understanding of %s, then we can talk via pm.

No, no. Not questioning your intelligence at all. I've read enough of your stuff to know you are a bright guy/gal.Like i said, just found the juxtaposition humorous.

Besides, I'd never seriously knock any poster who tells the truth about the Pats like you do.

I just wish he'd bring some real insight or thoughtful posting to the discussion rather than being incendiary just for the sake of doing so. An intelligent person with NFL knowledge could actually add something to the discussion rather than simply denigrating Pittsburgh natives or coming up with pithy bon mots like "Rapistberger." That's just verbal masturbation.

To be fair, there's been a LOT o that on both sides of the issue.

 

[Ghost Rider]

An intelligent person with NFL knowledge could actually add something to the discussion rather than simply denigrating Pittsburgh natives or coming up with pithy bon mots like "Rapistberger." That's just verbal masturbation.

I would never use the Rapistberger moniker, but I am sure some people probably think it is similar to having called Belichick Belicheat a few years back. Apples and oranges, yeah, but just offering a bit of perspective here.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

An intelligent person with NFL knowledge could actually add something to the discussion rather than simply denigrating Pittsburgh natives or coming up with pithy bon mots like "Rapistberger." That's just verbal masturbation.

I would never use the Rapistberger moniker, but I am sure some people probably think it is similar to having called Belichick Belicheat a few years back. Apples and oranges, yeah, but just offering a bit of perspective here.

I hope you're not inferring that I ever said that....that's moronic and lazy too. If you're not, and are simply implying that he heard a dopey manufactured nickname so much that he applied one to someone else, well.... as a Pats fan, I'd have thought he'd avoid that.

 

[Sheriff66]

I am just shocked that the players union sits by an allows the league to suspend players that haven't been arrested/charged with anything without putting up a fight, seems unreal to me.