We know we’re stating the obvious, but Ben Roethlisberger is a world class JERK!
He beat the rap for sexual assault from a recent episode at an Atlanta nightclub. How quickly the apologists respond the sports-talk media that follow the refrain: “How can the league punish him when he didn’t break any laws?” or the ultimate copout, “Who are we to judge?”
The point is, a player doesn’t need to break the law to deserve punishment by the league or his team. Every person who has a job except for perhaps a union job as a government employee knows there are plenty of things one can do that will result in quick termination that are far from breaking the law. If nothing else, there are the “conduct detrimental to the organization” rules that will get one spanked every time.
The bottom line is Ben Roethlisberger behaved badly in Atlanta. He was drunk out of his gourd and there was some bathroom incident with a young lady. He also was found in a bad situation in Las Vegas. This is the same fellow who had a motorcycle accident not wearing a helmet.
There’s something about life in the real world and accepting the responsibilities that go with being an NFL quarterback this fellow does not understand. He doesn’t help himself any acting like a rap star wannabe when interviewed after a game sounding like a bad impression of Eminem.
While sports stars are not required to be roll models, we have seen far too many episodes of behavior that’s way over the line of acceptable civility. High profile athletes must be aware they are on stage every moment they are out in public, and perception is everything. The public is very quick to judge and there’s always some opportunist who will attempt to cash in on an embarrassing story or some juicy photos of a big shot being naughty.
While some have accused former Steelers star quarterback, Terry Bradshaw, of not being the brightest guy in the world, he sure sets the record straight on today’s Steelers’ field general. We also believe perceptions about Bradshaw are reflective of an elitist bias against southern guys whose talk is shoot from the hip folksy honesty. Bradshaw observed:
"When I told him to park the motorcycle, he got pissed. Then he had the accident. Ever since then, he doesn't like me, and I'm learning not to like him. And he wants to break all my records and I say 'go for it.' Break them. I really don't care. I've done my job. My job is over and now you have your shot. But in my opinion, he has got to realize who he is. He is an elite athlete in the National Football League. You've got an image problem right now. The best thing to do is not put yourself in that position again. When you're through playing football, you can do whatever you want to do, but right now, stay clean."
Right on, Terry!!!
Roethlisberger, of course, had his well-scripted bullshit apology ready for the media, the meat of which was his saying:
"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."
Dude, it runs deeper than “negative attention.” We need to hear an acknowledgment of what he did was wrong. While the sentiments about wanting to be a leader “the team deserves” this will only happen with a record of good behavior and engaging in some worthwhile activities that produce good results. Wearing tee-shirts with devil artwork when in a very public situation doesn’t win any votes for sure. He’s too big and too important for what could kindly be seen as frat brother nonsense.
With cell phones capable of streaming video, instant messaging, and other modern technologies, there’s little a person can do in public that can be kept confidential from the whole world as an audience. Discretion is the better part of valor. To even be present at nightclubs with a seedy reputation is foolish.
Ben, you’re a fool, a big stupid fool. Accept it. Learn from it. Move on, and do better. The evil eye is one you and will not let up. You’ve used up your second chances and get out of jail free cards.
(Disclaimer: This blog was written by a Baltimore Ravens fan.)
He beat the rap for sexual assault from a recent episode at an Atlanta nightclub. How quickly the apologists respond the sports-talk media that follow the refrain: “How can the league punish him when he didn’t break any laws?” or the ultimate copout, “Who are we to judge?”
The point is, a player doesn’t need to break the law to deserve punishment by the league or his team. Every person who has a job except for perhaps a union job as a government employee knows there are plenty of things one can do that will result in quick termination that are far from breaking the law. If nothing else, there are the “conduct detrimental to the organization” rules that will get one spanked every time.
The bottom line is Ben Roethlisberger behaved badly in Atlanta. He was drunk out of his gourd and there was some bathroom incident with a young lady. He also was found in a bad situation in Las Vegas. This is the same fellow who had a motorcycle accident not wearing a helmet.
There’s something about life in the real world and accepting the responsibilities that go with being an NFL quarterback this fellow does not understand. He doesn’t help himself any acting like a rap star wannabe when interviewed after a game sounding like a bad impression of Eminem.
While sports stars are not required to be roll models, we have seen far too many episodes of behavior that’s way over the line of acceptable civility. High profile athletes must be aware they are on stage every moment they are out in public, and perception is everything. The public is very quick to judge and there’s always some opportunist who will attempt to cash in on an embarrassing story or some juicy photos of a big shot being naughty.
While some have accused former Steelers star quarterback, Terry Bradshaw, of not being the brightest guy in the world, he sure sets the record straight on today’s Steelers’ field general. We also believe perceptions about Bradshaw are reflective of an elitist bias against southern guys whose talk is shoot from the hip folksy honesty. Bradshaw observed:
"When I told him to park the motorcycle, he got pissed. Then he had the accident. Ever since then, he doesn't like me, and I'm learning not to like him. And he wants to break all my records and I say 'go for it.' Break them. I really don't care. I've done my job. My job is over and now you have your shot. But in my opinion, he has got to realize who he is. He is an elite athlete in the National Football League. You've got an image problem right now. The best thing to do is not put yourself in that position again. When you're through playing football, you can do whatever you want to do, but right now, stay clean."
Right on, Terry!!!
Roethlisberger, of course, had his well-scripted bullshit apology ready for the media, the meat of which was his saying:
"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."
Dude, it runs deeper than “negative attention.” We need to hear an acknowledgment of what he did was wrong. While the sentiments about wanting to be a leader “the team deserves” this will only happen with a record of good behavior and engaging in some worthwhile activities that produce good results. Wearing tee-shirts with devil artwork when in a very public situation doesn’t win any votes for sure. He’s too big and too important for what could kindly be seen as frat brother nonsense.
With cell phones capable of streaming video, instant messaging, and other modern technologies, there’s little a person can do in public that can be kept confidential from the whole world as an audience. Discretion is the better part of valor. To even be present at nightclubs with a seedy reputation is foolish.
Ben, you’re a fool, a big stupid fool. Accept it. Learn from it. Move on, and do better. The evil eye is one you and will not let up. You’ve used up your second chances and get out of jail free cards.
(Disclaimer: This blog was written by a Baltimore Ravens fan.)
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