PITTSBURGH — In his first comments since being suspended April 21 by the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he’s ready to make major changes to a lifestyle that cast him as a role model for bad behavior by privileged pro athletes with a sense of entitlement.
“I’ve spent a lot of time evaluating and looking at my life both on and off the field,” Roethlisberger said Thursday. “I think this is a time for me to kind of close the chapter of the last couple of years of my life and move on to a new one, kind of a new start.”
Roethlisberger, accused twice of sexual assault in the last two years, pledged to make smarter decisions during what he called “the second chance” he’s received to turn around his life. He also said he’s working closely with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to rehabilitate his lifestyle and repair an image that’s been tarnished.
Roethlisberger, known for frequenting nightclubs with an entourage of friends, did not specify what changes he is making.
Meanwhile, Steelers kicker Jeff Reed said the NFL ordered him to undergo an evaluation after he became involved in an alcohol-related dispute with Pittsburgh police following a home game in October. The evaluation apparently was similar to one recently completed by Roethlisberger.
• Former Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham signed a one- year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
• Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka was suspended without pay for the season opener after being arrested last year on a simple battery charge stemming from an incident with his wife.
Brown apparently staying put
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Larry Brown has begun preparations for next season in Charlotte and is leaning toward returning for a third season coaching the Bobcats.
Brown has been at Time Warner Cable Arena this week and is expected to be on hand today when the Bobcats work out rookie prospects. Brown, 69, could address his plans as soon as today and end weeks of uncertainty for the Mi- chael Jordan-owned Bobcats.
Armstrong climbs to third
LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg — Lance Armstrong was third overall after two days of the Tour of Luxembourg. Giovanni Visconti of Italy won the first stage, while Armstrong stayed in the main pack to finish 50th in the 111.8-mile ride.
After the first stage and Wednesday’s prologue, Armstrong trails race leader Cyril Lemoine of France by one second. Armstrong’s RadioShack teammate Gregory Rast of Switzerland was second with the same time as Lemoine.
Footnotes.
New York Islanders forward John Tavares has a stress fracture in his right foot but expects to be ready for training camp.
• Bode Miller, who won three alpine skiing medals at the Vancouver Olympics, made a quick exit from a U.S. Open qualifier, falling 6-4, 6-2 to Erik Nelson-Kortland in an opening match at sectional playoffs in Honolulu.
• Katie Douglas scored 22 points to help the WNBA’s Indiana Fever defeat the San Antonio Silver Stars 79-57 in Indianapolis.
