Looking down on Big Ben
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not at all in a heap of trouble as of week 6 of the NFL season, and, regrettably, neither is their newly-returned quarterback. After a 4 game suspension due to some off the field issues I will discuss shortly Ben Roethliberger made his season debut as the Steelers starter in the past weekends October 17th game against the Cleveland Browns, and convincingly reminded us that he can still perform in the most demanding position in sports. But let us back away from the issue of ability, and look at this from a perspective of should a guy like Ben Roethlisberger have the honor of being the starting quarterback of a historic Franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Joe Rimkus Jr. / MCT
In my opinion, he should not. The starting quarterback position in the steel city should not belong to him until he proves that he can be a genuine role model. There is no point in arguing that Big Ben is immensely talented, what with the two Super Bowls he has won in his seven years in the NFL. He led the Steelers to his first Super Bowl as a rookie, and in doing so became the youngest quarterback in NFL History to achieve such a feat.
But after several off-field incidents, including a major motorcycle accident and two sexual assault charges, Roethlisberger’s legacy has been just slightly tainted. He does not have the same following anymore, even within Pittsburgh. Of course, most Steelers fans love to see their team winning (as of week 8, the Steelers sit stop the AFC North at 5-2, tied with the Baltimore Ravens). But the way I look at it, should wins cancel out major character flaws?
I am fully expecting a number of Pittsburgh fans to go up in arms about this, but my answer to that previous question is a clear cut no. It is similar to the same issue that I brought up several weeks ago with the discussion on Terrell Owens, and my stance is identical. There is no doubt that both Roethlisberger and Owens are in the upper echelon of natural ability and talent. But in an arena as public and subject to criticism as the National Football League, the tarnished social image of these players should not be rewarded with starting positions on an NFL depth chart.
Now on to the good stuff, or in other words the stuff that provides the meat of my opinions. In March of this year, Roethlisberger was investigated on the report of a sexual assault charge. We all know the story: Roethlisberger was at a Georgia Night Club when he disappeared with an underage, heavily intoxicated college student who ultimately accused him the sexual assault.
Nothing was ever proven and the case was dropped, but the after effects included a six game suspension (which was later reduced to four after an appeal by Roethlisberger) and a drastic drop in popularity across the sports world. This loss of popularity, I believe, was and is still warranted, and it is because of Ben’s handling of the situation that he should lose that popularity. I have preached it before and will preach it again: character should take precedence over talent when choosing roles for professional athletes. I acknowledge that talent such as Roethlisberger’s is difficult to come by, but by allowing him to start for the Steelers, it sends the message that a often low-quality person can have their own spotlight as long as they possess high-quality talent.
I do not want to see that in Pittsburgh, in my favorite sport, or in sports altogether.
Posted by Paul Mikowski
on Nov 4 2010. Filed under Paul's Perspective.
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