Ben Roethlisberger was a hero to the city of Pittsburgh and Steeler fans everywhere. After 2 Superbowl victories and a reputation as a clutch quarterback, able to pull victory from the jaws of defeat, the whole “Steeler Nation” was behind him. “Big Ben” was a legend in the making.
Whatever legend was being made, Ben has put an end to that himself. Various reports, including this week’s Sports Illustrated cover story, have cited Ben’s bad behavior, poor judgment, and most offensively his sense of entitlement when it comes to women. Fame never justifies behavior like his. Even though he was not charged in the events of March 5th, 2010 down in Georgia, his 6 game suspension from the NFL was still justified. Ben has shown a pattern that needed to be dealt with. From his risky and egotistical behaviors to his repeated accusations of forcing himself on women, Ben is on a downward spiral of self destruction and needs to be held accountable.
The Steeler’s organization, and more specifically the Rooney family, have shown a low tolerance in the past for players who draw negative press and attention to the good name of the Steelers. The Chief, Art Rooney Sr., would not have tolerated any of Ben’s recent behavior. The heirs to his legacy seemed to be continuing that tradition. Superbowl MVP Santonio Holmes learned that recently after being traded after a positive drug test and allegations of misbehavior in a club. The Steelers have stood for integrity in the past, and yet the organization turns a blind eye to Ben’s behavior. He is dragging the good name of the Steelers down and that hurts the organization, the fans, and those players who helped build that good name to begin with.
One of the living legends of the Steelers, Terry Bradshaw has even tried to offer Ben his advice. Bradshaw said, “Best thing to do is don’t ever put yourself in that position again.” Simple, but sound advice, from a former player with a reputation for being a little on the simple side. He may not have been thought of as bright in his time, but his reputation as stupid has been eclipsed by Ben’s repeated poor decision making.
Now some are even claiming his decision making problems are not his fault, but due to brain damage caused by repeated blows to the head. This remains to be proven, and either way it is really no excuse. Bad behavior is still bad behavior.
Without change, is Ben destined to follow in the footsteps of Hall of Fame member, Lawrence Taylor, arrested recently for the rape of a 16 year old girl? Entitlement is an addictive drug and without change it is easy to see Ben follow a similar path to self destruction. It is a pattern that continues to repeat itself with sports figures.
The telling moment for me came on a recent trip to the grocery store with my son, at 12 a die hard Steeler fan. He pointed to a pack of BIG Ben Beef Jerky and said nobody is going to buy that anymore. Ben has said he will change, but without sincere public effort and no further lapses in judgment, I’m not sure anyone will buy that either.
