Roethlisberger suspended six games
Ben Roethlisberger could miss up to six games in 2010 after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell disciplined the Steelers quarterback today for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
The league announced today that Roethlisberger, who has been accused of sexual assault twice since July, has been suspended six games and ordered to undergo a behavorial evaluation by Goodell.
Goodell suspended Roethlisberger immediately, meaning the two-time Super Bowl winner is not allowed to participate in any offseason workouts or practices. Goodell said Roethlisberger would be allowed to attend training camp, which starts in late July, only if Goodell gets confirmation from "evaluating professionals" that Roethlisberger is ready to continue football-related activities.
Goodell could reduce the suspension to four games if Roethlisberger meets all of the conditions attached to his punishment.
NFL.com and ESPN.com are reporting that the Steelers are actively shopping Roethlisberger.
The team reportedly had a brief conversation over the weekend with the St. Louis Rams, but the Rams were not interested, according to NFL.com. The Steelers also have called the 49ers, Raiders, Bills, Jaguars, Seahawks and Browns, ESPN.com reports, and the Bills aren't interested either.
Here is what Goodell wrote to Roethlisberger in a letter:
"The Personal Conduct Policy makes clear that I may impose discipline 'even where the conduct does not result in conviction of a crime' as, for example, where the conduct 'imposes inherent danger to the safety and well being of another person'," Goodell wrote. "As the District Attorney concluded, the extensive investigatory record shows that you contributed to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol by purchasing (or facilitating the purchase of) alcoholic beverages for underage college students, at least some of whom were likely already intoxicated. There is no question that the excessive consumption of alcohol that evening put the students and yourself at risk. The Personal Conduct Policy also states that discipline is appropriate for conduct that 'undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players.' By any measure, your conduct satisfies that standard."
The Steelers, bracing for a lengthy suspension Tuesday, traded for veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich, who backed up Roethlisberger in 2008.
Roethlisberger was not charged following an accusation by a 20-year-old college student that he sexually assaulted her in Milledgeville, Ga., on March 5. The allegations and details that have emerged from the Milledgeville incident led to Goodell taking unprecedented action against Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger is the first player to receive a major suspension for violating the personal conduct policy even though his off-the-field incidents have never resulted in an arrest.
Steelers president Art Rooney II condemned Roethlisberger's off-the-field behavior last week and said the two-time Super Bowl has to regain the trust of the Steelers and their fans.
"We support the level of discipline and the plan for personal evaluation," Rooney said today on a conference call. "I know (Roethlisberger's) intent here is to follow the program that the commissioner sets out and it's our hope and our expectations is what we're going to do."
Roethlisberger practiced with the Steelers Monday and Tuesday. He did not speak to reporters after either practice.
If Roethlisberger is re-instated by Goodell after four games, he will miss games against the Falcons (Sept. 12) and Ravens (Oct. 3) at home and against the Titans (Sept. 19) and Buccaneers (Sept. 26) on the road.
If Roethlisberger serves the entire suspension, he will also be out for a home game against the Browns (Oct. 17) and a road contest against the Dolphins (Oct. 24).
Roethlisberger has only missed nine games since becoming the Steelers' starting quarterback as a rookie in 2004.
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Originally Posted by PAULYPOKER
