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Monday, April 12, 2010

Statement from Art Rooney II

The investigation process in Georgia has been deliberate and the District Attorney’s decision regarding Ben Roethlisberger speaks for itself.

During the past few weeks I have met with Ben on a number of occasions, not only to discuss this incident, but also to discuss his commitment to making sure something like this never happens again. The Pittsburgh Steelers take the conduct of players and staff very seriously. Ben will now have to work hard to earn back the respect and trust of Steelers fans, and to live up to the leadership responsibilities we all expect of him.

In the coming days Ben will meet with Commissioner Goodell to discuss his resolve to abide by the league’s personal conduct standards. After consultation with the Commissioner, our organization will determine the next steps in this process.

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Here's what Roethlisberger had to say:

“I’d like to begin by expressing gratitude to the thorough investigation process in Georgia. The prosecutor’s decision not to bring charges, I know without a doubt, is the right conclusion. I don’t intend to discuss any details related to the events of Georgia. I’m happy to put this behind me and move forward.

“I’m truly sorry for the disappointment and negative attention I brought to my family, my teammates, coaches, the Rooneys and the NFL. I understand that the opportunities I have been blessed with are a privilege, and much is expected of me as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I absolutely want to be the leader this team deserves, valued in the community and a role model to kids. I have much work to do to earn this trust. And I’m committed to improving and showing everyone my true values.

“I am excited to get back to work with my teammates, and I’m more determined than ever to have a great season. I intend to make my family, friends and Steeler nation proud on all fronts. Thank you. God bless.”

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

So if Goodell doesn't suspend Ben does that mean he is racist?

Collin Williams said...

No. Shut up with those stupid racist comments

Anonymous said...

Doesn't Big Ben statement sound like a record message. He must of made it last year.

Dale Lolley said...

Well, he did read it off a paper.

Anonymous said...

Dale, are you media reporters going to let him get off with out talking about his 28th birthday party?

Chris said...

Collin, really? I think I was in second grade when I realized I sounded immature telling someone to "shut up." Unfortunately, it's a valid issue. Many in the media attempted to make it an issue last time Ben was accused, which could be an added (albeit minimal) factor this time around in regards to whether or not Goodell hands him a suspension.

Dale Lolley said...

When we tried to ask him about the previous incident - after the first day he talked about it - he refused to answer. If we persisted with the questions, he ended the interview. How exactly would you suggest pushing this issue?
The difference between sports figures and elected officials is that elected officials are pretty much required to answer questions from the media because they are public servants and the media is asking the questions for the public.
Sports figures are not public servants. They don't have to answer. Then again, you don't have to like them or support them.

Anonymous said...

His words are meaningless and everyone knows it. If he is stupid enough to do something even remotely close to this again then he'll be cut. Of course the Borwns will pick him up in about 0.5 seconds and then they will beat us everytime we play!! Stay straight Benjamin!

Patrick said...

its seems almost a certainty that Ben is going to miss some games this year, either from the league or the team. They are attached at the hip on this one. I wasn't sure that a suspension would happen before but the reports seem to indicate some punishment.

Hopefully this is the last check for Ben and he starts to make better decisions. He is gone if not, and I'm sure he has been told as such.

And I'll be excited to see Dixon get some action during the regular season again. I think starting the season with him may jumpstart the running game. And we all want that back.

Now that I'm thinking about it, Ihope the opener is at Baltimore and Dixon gets a cahcne for revenge.

Anonymous said...

The personal conduct policy has no guidelines about players who are NOT charged with crimes. It's all about convictions, plea deals, and some about being charged.

Ben was not charged. My guess is if the Steelers keep him they and the league will demand he goes to counseling, and no suspension will take place unless the Steelers do it themselves for a game or two.

Anonymous said...

Where Pacman Jones and Vick charged before they were suspended or were they only under investigation at the time?

Anonymous said...

Ben needs to make better decisions on and off the field. I am a life long Steeler fan born and raised in Cleveland. I have found it difficult to root for Ben even before the last 2 off the field issues because of his lack of dicipline on the field. Everyone praises him running and gunning, but the truth is he functions better working quickly and in the timing of the offense (which many bash Ariens for) but when the clock is short and Ben get rid of the ball on time we move up and down the field. Look at Dixson last year agains Baltimore, I don't think he was sacked that game? Also Ben stop with all the "faith" talk until you can back it up with actions, people dont care what you say, they care about what you do. Your not "young" by adult standards anymore, that ended a few years ago. Rant Over....for now..

carync said...

Ben is a big, immature, jerk. Great QB, but boy is he frustrating to root for as a Steelers fan.

We all know guys like him, or have known, don't want to grow up, act like they did in high school. Only difference is Ben has millions, and does really bad things, beyond being a jerk.

Anonymous said...

actually, the personal conduct policy specifically states a player does not have to have charges filed against them or be convicted of a crime to become subject to the policy. instead, actions that disparage the league, teams, and/or players is enough.

rumor is that rooney was furious after watching the D.A.'s press conference. definite suspension by league, team, or both.

emac2 said...

I think a 4 gamer without pay is called for.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully Big Ben[d over] will be the one taking the punishment this time.

Anonymous said...

And what about his hair??? Between him and Jeff Reed...embarrassing!

Todd said...

I think it's obvious that Ben is on thin ice. Keep in mind the Steelers could potential void his contract. If anything else along these lines happens our franchise quarterback will be no more in my opinion. I also think the Rooney's will suspend him for at least 2 games without pay. They have no choice in my opinion.

Very disappointed in Ben's handling/statement. How could his agent not support and advise of more of an apology. Lame, if you ask me.

Anonymous said...

It's time for Ben to go. I am done supporting the Steelers as long as they stand by him.

Anonymous said...

Nobody's gonna miss you

Anonymous said...

I would be very upset and feel it was unjustified if I lost my job with my company because of allegations (that can't be proven) that were made against me and also because someone was suing me in civil court...wouldn't you above anonymous? On the other hand it would be totally justified for me to lose my job if I got arrested 3-4 times since I started with my employer and failed multiple drug tests administered by my employer. Anyone that can't see the difference isn't thinking with their brain.

Anonymous said...

it comes down to your employer's expectations of you. if you are the marketing face of the organization, you better believe they will be close to canning your butt over multiple sexual harrassment allegations. true or not.

Dale Lolley said...

In certain jobs - mine included - you are held to a higher standard than the general public because things of this ilk undermine the public's confidence, or, in this case, paint the team in a bad light.
That's the nature of the beast in some professions where you are in the public eye. Doesn't make it right or wrong. But it is a fact.

Anonymous said...

I'd much prefer to root for a 4-12 Steelers trying to rebuild without Brainlesburger than a 12-4 playoff team with the A hole.

Sorry, the guy's a creep and needs to go - and he doesn't deserve the dignity of being traded, he needs to be cut like the POS he is. There isn't anyway I can follow the Steelers.

And do you think the networks are going to want to put this guy on TV and have to talk about him?

Anonymous said...

Dale,
Are you saying that your employers would not be happy with you if you had two sexual assault accusations in less than a year? And it could possibly cost you your job?
I've been told all around the net there is not an occupation out there that accusations would cost a person their job.

On a serious note though, I've heard other Pittsburgh reporters say that fans have came up to them on the street, e-mailed them and call into the radio shows saying they want Ben gone. Most say that's the majority opinion. Are you getting the same reaction?
I guess the bigger question though, if the team is getting these kind of responses will they pay any attention to it?

BTW, I wasn't sure what I thought until after the PC, now I'm in the camp I want him gone. The lack of evidence the DA described has sent many men to jail. I have a college age daughter that I could not look in the face if I defended or supported Ben after what I heard.

Anonymous said...

Yeah cut Ben and get nothing while he signs another big contract elsewhere.

What about Reed? Harrison? Spaeth? They should all go too right?

Dale Lolley said...

The people I've spoken to or who have approached me want a suspension of some type, probably 75-25. I'd sat that 10 to 20 percent want him gone completely.

I will say this, prosecutors get paid to make the accused sound guilty. It's part of their job to sell a jury on it even if they don't have solid evidence.
In this case, I think Bright fully intended to paint Ben in a bad light, even though he didn't have enough evidence to convict.