I've followed the Roethlisberger story pretty closely from ESPN to local news sources. Ben was drunk, bar hopping, buying the entire bar shots, doin his 'I'm a big shot' thing. Ben is a college student when he wants to go party. His body guard led the girl to the bathroom and Ben went in and they did their thing in a little bathroom.
Ever since he's been in Pittsburgh, Ben has always been an ass hole to the general public. Never signs autographs, asks for a private room to eat at P.F. Changs, tells golf courses to leave 3 tee times in front and back of him so he isn't held up, or followed closely by anyone, etc. The honorable things he does do is the charity work, for handicapped people. He'll sign auto graphs and talk to young children. He does reach out to those that it will mean a lot to. Not the normal 25 year old.
Ben is human. He does things his own way. It is clear that he has not grown up yet. Personally after waiting for both of his accusations to develop, it is clear to me that both girls had consensual sex with Ben, and are trying to get some of his money because he is cocky and a little ass hole with the way he carries himself. First case, the woman is a little out there. I see 0 chance in that case. But Ben,
WTF ARE YOU DOING HAVING SEX IN A 6' BY 5' BATHROOM IN A BAR?? That is just asking for trouble and he got it.
You are a professional athlete. You have an unmatched talent and two super bowl rings to prove it. You just signed a 100 million+ dollar contract. A bar bathroom?? You aren't in college any more. You are a role model. An Idol. You got a camera phone taking a picture of you everywhere you go. You can't be bangin chicks in a bar bathroom thats big enough for just you.
As a football player, he is the definition of a Steeler. He works hard in practice, and it translates to the field. He is very accurate, makes plays out of nothing, and takes some serious beating and always has confidence in his line. Off the field, its time he gets his shit together. The Rooney's are on their last strike. You can replace Santonio Holmes is why he was gone so fast. You can't replace a 2 time super bowl champion QB that is on track to be a hall of famer.
I'd be surprised to see him traded even for a top 10 pick. I think Ben is one that can change himself, where as I saw Santonio as a lose cannon that wont change. I hope he goes to his treatments and gets the suspension reduced as a steeler fan. Non bias opinion says he shoulda been suspended for 8 games no conditional. Carry yourself like a PROFESIONAL athelete. You aren't in college, you aren't an amateur. Bar bathroom is exact opposite of professional and as a face of an organization and somewhat for the league as his popularity has been increasing, his punishment should be harsh and it should send a message to the rest of the league.
But Roger Goodell is smarter than that. He wants his revenue. So he took the easy route.