PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger accepted his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy Monday and promised to “comply with what is asked of me — and more.”
In his first comments since the NFL handed down the penalty last week, Roethlisberger apologized to his teammates and fans for his behavior last month in a Georgia bar, where a 20-year-old college student accused him of sexual assault.
“The commissioner’s decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family,” Roethlisberger said in the statement.
Roethlisberger was cleared of charges, but commissioner Roger Goodell cracked down on one of his biggest stars because “you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville (Ga.) that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league of the expectations of our fans.”
“I am sorry to let down my teammates and the entire Steelers fan base. I am disappointed that I have reached this point and will not put myself in this situation again,” Roethlisberger said. “I appreciate the opportunities that I have been given in my life and will make the necessary improvements.”
The suspension can be reduced to four games if Roethlisberger completes an evaluation mandated by the league, any action that is mandated by that evaluation and he remains out of trouble. He can practice during training camp and play in preseason games, but cannot return to game action until at least Oct. 17.
Patriots release Thomas
BOSTON — The Patriots released former Pro Bowl linebacker Adalius Thomas, who joined the team as a high-profile free agent in 2007, but fell into disfavor with coach Bill Belichick last season.
Thomas had 14 1/2 sacks in his three seasons in New England. But his lowest total came in 2009, when he had only three sacks.
The Jets are interested in signing Thomas, who was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2003 and 2006, according to Newsday.
Titans sign Oregon’s Blount
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — LeGarrette Blount, the Oregon running back suspended for punching a player last season, agreed to terms with the Titans as an undrafted free agent.
Blount missed eight games in 2009 for punching Boise State defensive end Byron Hout in the season opener Sept. 3. Blount returned late in the season and played in the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State.
“He was a good college football player who, after talking to a number of people, merits a second chance,” Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. “Certainly LeGarrette should understand consequences at this point, and we have explained what our expectations are for him to be successful with this opportunity.”
Footnotes.
The Jaguars released two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle John Henderson, opening up a starting spot for first-round draft pick Tyson Alualu.
• A neck injury has ended the career of Packers outside linebacker Jeremy Thompson.
• Dolphins running back Ricky Williams said he’s uncertain if he’ll play beyond this season.
• The 49ers signed Travis LaBoy, who can play defensive end or outside linebacker, to a one-year deal.
• Defensive tackle Chris Hovan, offensive lineman Arron Sears and reserve fullback B.J. Askew were released by the Buccaneers.
Denver Post wire services
