Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for the first six games of the 2010 season Wednesday, though his punishment could be reduced to four games — or even increased beyond six games — depending how Roethlisberger complies with conditions set by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Roethlisberger, who has won two Super Bowls with the Steelers, was not charged with any crime related to a sexual assault allegation by a 20-year-old college student in Milledgeville, Ga., near where Roethlisberger has an offseason home.
The woman told police Roethlisberger raped her, but investigators there said there was not enough evidence to file charges.
But Goodell, who reviewed police reports, spoke to the Georgia district attorney and interviewed Roethlisberger and others, found Roethlisberger guilty of violating the NFL’s stringent personal conduct policy.
Goodell and Steelers president Art Rooney II together informed Roethlisberger of his suspension in a phone call Wednesday, and Roethlisberger was also sent a letter detailing Goodell’s action and reasoning behind it.
In the letter, Goodell told Roethlisberger that as an NFL player, Roethlisberger is “held to a higher standard.”
“My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor,” Goodell wrote. “There is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans.”
Goodell previously suspended players for behavior issues before a conviction, including former Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall. But Roethlisberger’s case is unique because he was never arrested, only investigated by police.
Roethlisberger and his attorney can appeal the suspension and can request support from the NFL Players Association.
“This is all about two things: the morality of the situation, and more importantly, the embarrassment that comes with media attention,” said Denver attorney Harvey Steinberg, who successfully represented former Broncos Marshall and Travis Henry in their conduct issues with the NFL. “Before you can penalize individuals, there has to be a set of rules to which they must abide, and the NFL conduct policy is nebulous at best, gives power to the commissioner to set moral standard after the fact.”
Among the conditions set by Goodell is that the quarterback undergoes a professional behavior evaluation, then adheres to a counseling or treatment plan. Goodell will review Roethlisberger’s progress before the start of the season to decide if the suspension will remain at six games, be reduced to four or lengthened.
“When you’re five months from the first meaningful snap of the season, it gives you the opportunity to attach behavioral conditions and see how the player responds,” said Andrew Brandt, a former Green Bay Packers executive who is the president of National Football Post and a lecturer on sports business at the University of Pennsylvania. “Every coach, every executive and every owner was watching this one.
“This is one of the most high-profile players on one of the most high-profile teams, and he is a player that has had a bit of a history with inappropriate behavior.”
Also Wednesday, ESPN reported the Steelers were considering trading Roethlisberger, provided they could get a top 10 pick in the draft in return. According to ESPN, St. Louis, which holds the No. 1 pick and has a major quarterback need, told Pittsburgh it was not interested. The NFL Network has reported that Oakland, with the No. 8 pick, could be a potential landing spot for Roethlisberger.
Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com
