Big Ben's Back

Big Sunday in the NFL coming up! Giants fans who subscribe to Cablevision will likely not be able to view their team's likely thumping of the Detroit Lions due to Fox's dispute with Cablevision. About 6 driving hours west of New York/North Jersey in Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger returns to the starting lineup after a suspension (later reduced to 4 weeks) due to a violation of the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy.

"Big Ben" will be closely watched not only in this week, but for the remainder of the season, as well as continually throughout his career, because of the ways he negatively put himself straight in the public eye. He may have won two Super Bowls, but his behavior has been reckless in past years between the motorcycle crash and the two sexual assault cases. Fox Analyst and former Steelers Quarterback, Terry Bradshaw has been heavily critical of Roethlisberger's behavior and had some harsh words for him, if he were the Rooneys. I fully agree with "Mr. Immaculate Reception!" Roethlisberger's behavior has been deplorable and as a quarterback, he is the leader of the offense, not only in position, but in emotion. If his linemen, backs and receivers do not believe in him, the team will have problems. Furthermore, a quarterback is the unofficial leader of the team in many fans' eyes. It is an honorable position to have, coveted by many and he is throwing it all away with his reckless behavior. By throwing caution to the wind and having a devil may care attitude is a horrible example to set for the children who may follow him and aspire to Roethlisberger's athleticism and skill. Bradshaw is aware of this honor and responsibility, and is fiercely loyal to the Rooney's, therefore, he sees it as a necessity to mentor Roethlisberger. Sadly, as Bradshaw says, Ben does not see it this way.

To be honest, I am surprised Roethlisberger is still around, knowing the Steelers' history of dealing with malcontents...just look to Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes as Exhibit A! In sports, I am a firm believer in the theory of "If you have a cancer, cut it out," just as the Giants did with Plaxico Burress. (Note how Lawrence Taylor was conspicuously absent from the "Ring of Honor" ceremony. I speculate his absence is not an accident.)

The decision to keep Ben Roethlisberger was done in the interest of the almighty buck, not in the interest of promoting positive leadership, and, truthfully, didn't put much faith into Rooney's Super Bowl winning coach, Mike Tomlin, who led the team to a 3-1 "Ben-less" record. It remains to be seen how Roethlisberger will play after his return or whether or not he'll be able to stay out of trouble. I wish the best for all involved, hope Roethlisberger can clean up his life, but I don't think Rooney and the Steelers will be as forgiving if he cannot.