Merged: Big Ben Gets 6-Game Suspension

[marek0393]

[quote name='JoeFlax' date='20 March 2010 - 09:29 AM' timestamp='1269095364' post='380276']
hahaha it's Big Ben in southpark's new episode!!

he's sitting in a sex addiction class hahahaha

[IMG]http://i41.tinypic.com/10dz85v.png[/IMG]

http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/267345
[/quote]

Amazing lol that's one way to be able to laugh at yourself

[Guest maryland1]

Posted today on NFL.com:


[b][size="2"]Tomlin: 'I’m highly concerned for our franchise and for Ben'[/size][/b]
[b]
[/b]Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin expressed anxiety over the sexual-assault allegation leveled at quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, telling NFL Network's Jennifer Allen on Saturday, "I'm highly concerned for our franchise and for Ben personally."

[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8170f952&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true"]http://www.nfl.com/n...ts&confirm=true[/url]

[McBoller]

So what ramifications will there be pertaining to the Person Conduct Policy. There are lots of players who have been suspended just for getting in trouble, whether they've been found guilty or not, and this isnt Bens first time. Any chance he gets a one game suspension???

[darklight1216]

[quote name='McBoller' date='22 March 2010 - 03:57 PM' timestamp='1269287823' post='381048']
So what ramifications will there be pertaining to the Person Conduct Policy. There are lots of players who have been suspended just for getting in trouble, whether they've been found guilty or not, and this isnt Bens first time. Any chance he gets a one game suspension???
[/quote]
This is what I found:

[quote]If Roethlisberger is charged, Bouchette reports that the team and/or the league "can dole out immediate discipline," even without a conviction. In our view, however, the Personal Conduct Policy empowers only the league to discipline a player for criminal misconduct. That said, look for the team and the league to work closely together in an effort to determine the appropriate sanction.

A key factor in this regard will be the outcome of the investigation that NFL Security undoubtedly is conducting. If NFL Security believes that the claim against Roethlisberger has merit, there's a chance that an indictment will result in the same indefinite suspension that was imposed on Mike Vick once he was indicted on federal conspiracy charges relating to dogfighting and gambling.
[/quote]
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/22/roethlisberger-faces-league-scrutiny-even-without-indictment/

Roger Goodell said that he will meet with Ben "at the appropriate time."
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/22/goodell-addresses-latest-roethlisberger-case/

[McBoller]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='22 March 2010 - 06:01 PM' timestamp='1269295266' post='381121']
This is what I found:


http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/22/roethlisberger-faces-league-scrutiny-even-without-indictment/

Roger Goodell said that he will meet with Ben "at the appropriate time."
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/22/goodell-addresses-latest-roethlisberger-case/
[/quote]
damn thats rough. It would be nice to be able to chalk up two wins a year though....

[Purple Punishment]

I agree with what one poster said on pft. "Where theres smoke, theres fire"

2 Sexual Assault charges file in the same year? Thats very bad looking whether innocent or guilty. I feel like he believes there is some sense of entitlement that he has. I mean, he obviously lives a questionable lifestyle in the public eye unlike Tiger who looked squeeky clean and everyone seen how messed up he is. Im sorry for judging, but I truly believe Ben is guilty after this second charge has come about.

[Clutch Ravens]

You know you messed up when you're in a Sex Addiction episode of South Park that features Charlie Sheen.

[darklight1216]

Sporting News made some guesses as to why Ben's lawyer has not allowed the police to interview Ben again:

[quote]
1. ...It's possible that Roethlisberger is guilty as charged, and that he prefers neither to admit to a crime nor to compound the problem by lying to police. If that's the case, Garland will force the prosecution to prove its case with no specific cooperation from Roethlisberger. (Of course, if Roethlisberger is guilty, then he deserves to be convicted, and to have a large cellmate who is a Ravens fan...)

2. It's also possible that Roethlisberger is innocent, but that Garland believes that his client, well, isn't very bright. (Garland would have a lot of company.)

3. There's also a chance that, guilty or innocent, Garland wants to defer producing Roethlisberger until Garland has concluded his own investigation. This will allow Garland to funnel to his client the information that has been gathered, so that Roethlisberger will be aware of the potential traps, pitfalls and conflicts in the various accounts that have been given by other witnesses.[/quote]
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2010-03-18/roethsliberger-s-decision-not-talk-places-liberty-over-image

[PuRock]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='23 March 2010 - 05:24 PM' timestamp='1269379471' post='381680']
Sporting News made some guesses as to why Ben's lawyer has not allowed the police to interview Ben again:


http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2010-03-18/roethsliberger-s-decision-not-talk-places-liberty-over-image
[/quote]

I absolutely love the line that says his cellmate should be a large Ravens fan. Too funny.

[darklight1216]

[quote]The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has withdrawn its request for a DNA sample from Ben Roethlisberger, according a source familiar with the investigation.

No reason was given as to why the GBI has withdrawn its request or when it did so. When asked what this means in terms of the status of the investigation of Roethlisberger, GBI public information officer John Bankhead declined to comment.[/quote]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5022501

If you watch the video, you will see that Espn's legal analyst doesn't think that this is the first sign that the police are going to drop this investigation, but rather that they don't need it.

Ben's private investigator expects his investigation to be complete very soon.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5006803

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

The fact that he still won't make himself available to Ga. authorities has to make you wonder. Purple Punishment said it best, "where there's smoke!" I smell something in the air. Once is a gold digger (maybe), twice? If nothing else trolling around for college girls, when you are who he is, and have so much too lose? Young blood you got some issues, oh, have a nice talk with "The Rog," dude ain't got no sense of humor! Shoot, even your coach is worried! Way to throw your franchise and fans under the bus (alledgedly)!

[Moderator 3]

There may be no need for DNA if he isn't charged with rape. There are all sorts of nasty sexual abuse besides rape.

[JO_75]

[quote name='I-70WestRaven' date='24 March 2010 - 05:12 AM' timestamp='1269421921' post='381861']
The fact that he still won't make himself available to Ga. authorities has to make you wonder.[/quote]

It does make you wonder, and it should be suspicious that he won't make himself available to authorities. If he is innocent, than give a DNA sample, talk to the authorities and clear his name, it's that simple. Like they say in Law & Order SVU to people who try to protect people, "If you didn't do anything, submit a DNA Sample to clear your name and get on with your life." It's that simple Ben, stop hiding anything if you are, go through with the DNA Sample and talk to authorities and clear your name.

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='JO_75' date='24 March 2010 - 10:47 AM' timestamp='1269442038' post='381919']
It does make you wonder, and it should be suspicious that he won't make himself available to authorities. If he is innocent, than give a DNA sample, talk to the authorities and clear his name, it's that simple. Like they say in Law & Order SVU to people who try to protect people, "If you didn't do anything, submit a DNA Sample to clear your name and get on with your life." It's that simple Ben, stop hiding anything if you are, go through with the DNA Sample and talk to authorities and clear your name.
[/quote]

The only issue with that is (I believe I read it from one of the links here) that he didn't deny having sexual relations with that girl.... so if he is innocent it's complicated, and if he is guilty... well (off with his head)

To be honest if I was in his shoes (and I wasn't guilty of a crime, but had sexual relations with the "victim")* I wouldn't give a DNA test just because it could make me look guilty... I can't believe I'm about to defend a Steeler... but it is his right to deny a volunteer DNA sample.... the Police can get a warrant if they feel they have enough evidence to get it



*in no way am I saying that he is innocent, nor am I saying he is guilty, I am just throwing out a situation in which I wouldn't give a DNA test if I was him

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Moderator 3' date='24 March 2010 - 08:58 AM' timestamp='1269435502' post='381889']
There may be no need for DNA if he isn't charged with rape. [b]There are all sorts of nasty sexual abuse besides rape.[/b]
[/quote]

Not sure what you mean by that, but there are all sorts of get rich quick schemes too.

Ben is guilty of being a jerk (stronger word needed there actually) and an idiot. He's [u]not[/u] been charged with anything however in what, two weeks now? Since then, all they've done is change their minds about actually needing his DNA.

Some of you may want him to be guilty just because he plays for the Steelers, but that means nothing.

[PuRock]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='24 March 2010 - 02:29 PM' timestamp='1269455363' post='382038']
Some of you may want him to be guilty just because he plays for the Steelers, but that means nothing.
[/quote]

Isn't that a given? Steelers Jersey + Any Crime = Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

[i]Keep your posts appropriate. Children visit this website.[/i]

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='PuRock' date='24 March 2010 - 02:45 PM' timestamp='1269456318' post='382051']
Isn't that a given? Steelers Jersey + Any Crime = Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

[/quote]
that's a little funny....

and very disturbing

[thewarden86]

[quote name='PuRock' date='24 March 2010 - 02:45 PM' timestamp='1269456318' post='382051']
Isn't that a given? Steelers Jersey + Any Crime = Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

[b][i]Keep your posts appropriate. Children visit this website.[/i][/b]
[/quote]

*points at Pu*

ha, ha.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='JO_75' date='24 March 2010 - 10:47 AM' timestamp='1269442038' post='381919']
It does make you wonder, and it should be suspicious that he won't make himself available to authorities. If he is innocent, than give a DNA sample, talk to the authorities and clear his name, it's that simple. Like they say in Law & Order SVU to people who try to protect people, "If you didn't do anything, submit a DNA Sample to clear your name and get on with your life." It's that simple Ben, stop hiding anything if you are, go through with the DNA Sample and talk to authorities and clear your name.
[/quote]
I don't think it's suspicious that he's excerising his rights. If I were falsely accused, I wouldn't want to make things any harder on myself by saying something wrong. If I were Ben's lawyer I wouldn't trust him to make any decisions either.

The DNA thing is a non-issue since the police are no longer requesting it.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='24 March 2010 - 03:38 PM' timestamp='1269459513' post='382082']
I don't think it's suspicious that he's excerising his rights. If I were falsely accused, I wouldn't want to make things any harder on myself by saying something wrong. If I were Ben's lawyer I wouldn't trust him to make any decisions either.

The DNA thing is a non-issue since the police are no longer requesting it.
[/quote]

That AND once you release your DNA, you lose track of it. Not saying that cops are dirty, but you never know who's hands it could fall into. Ex. The FBI couldn't find a palm print on Lee Harvey Oswald's rifle until after he was dead and his body was unguarded in the hospital.

[PuRock]

[quote name='PuRock' date='24 March 2010 - 02:45 PM' timestamp='1269456318' post='382051']
Isn't that a given? Steelers Jersey + Any Crime = Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

[i]Keep your posts appropriate. Children visit this website.[/i]
[/quote]

Sorry Mods, couldn't help myself. I saw Tigers texts on TMZ and it just made such perfect sense.

All I can say is Tiger is one messed up puppy.

[Wacko4Zacko]

Big Ben better sell his two superbowl rings if he wants to get money while hes in jail.

Heres some info on the situation
http://www.tmz.com/2010/03/23/ben-roethlisberger-investigation-sexual-assault-party-witnesses-georgia-police-steelers/

[darklight1216]

According to KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, the alleged victim has declined to be re-interviewed by authorities.

Unless the alleged victim, who has retained private counsel, has opted to focus only on a civil claim, the move makes no sense. And even if she plans to focus on the civil claim, a viable criminal case provides a high degree of leverage.

Then there's the possibility that there has been a secret and confidential settlement, and that the deal specifically required her to no longer cooperate with the criminal investigation.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/24/report-roethlisbergers-accuser-declines-interview/

[thewarden86]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='24 March 2010 - 10:05 PM' timestamp='1269482735' post='382227']
According to KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, the alleged victim has declined to be re-interviewed by authorities.

Unless the alleged victim, who has retained private counsel, has opted to focus only on a civil claim, the move makes no sense. And even if she plans to focus on the civil claim, a viable criminal case provides a high degree of leverage.

Then there's the possibility that there has been a secret and confidential settlement, and that the deal specifically required her to no longer cooperate with the criminal investigation.
[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/24/report-roethlisbergers-accuser-declines-interview/"]http://profootballta...ines-interview/[/url]
[/quote]

Isn't there also a possibility that Ben is actually innocent? Noooooo, don't be silly Warden! We have no need to mention that possibility.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

Warden, as our resident Steeler ambassador, I have to agree. Sorry to all my fellow Raven fans but this reaches deeper than football. I, for one, would rather beat the Steeler's at their best on the field, than kick you while your team is down. If nothing else, Ben is guilty of one thing, poor judgement! But are'nt we all? Just a thought!

[darklight1216]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='24 March 2010 - 10:36 PM' timestamp='1269484613' post='382241']
Isn't there also a possibility that Ben is actually innocent? Noooooo, don't be silly Warden! We have no need to mention that possibility.
[/quote]
I don't think that PFT is saying Ben couldn't be innocent, rather they seem like they are just speculating on the most likely reasons for the accuser to stop cooperating.

[quote name='I-70WestRaven' date='24 March 2010 - 11:13 PM' timestamp='1269486826' post='382251']
Warden, as our resident Steeler ambassador, I have to agree. Sorry to all my fellow Raven fans but this reaches deeper than football. I, for one, would rather beat the Steeler's at their best on the field, than kick you while your team is down. If nothing else, Ben is guilty of one thing, poor judgement! But are'nt we all? Just a thought!
[/quote]
I don't get this "beat them at their best" stuff. We never have everyone completely healthy so why should want the opponent to have every advantage? I don't care if the practice squad takes the field. A win is a win.

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='24 March 2010 - 10:36 PM' timestamp='1269484613' post='382241']
Isn't there also a possibility that Ben is actually innocent? Noooooo, don't be silly Warden! We have no need to mention that possibility.
[/quote]

Noo, what kind of shenanigans do you speak of?

The wha-?

The Constitution, what's that
......


On a side note, if this happened in France Big Ben is guilty...

because there it's guilty until proven innocent.....

[H8R]

No chargez, no worriez.

[darklight1216]

It seems the accuser is going to talk to the police again after all.

[quote] Roethlisberger's accuser has not had the change of heart reported by the media, because her lawyer tells TMZ she's scheduled to be re-interviewed by cops in the sexual assault investigation.

Her reps tell us they broke their silence to correct "recent misstatements in the media," saying, "Our client is cooperating fully with law enforcement in this matter. Future interviews have been scheduled and our client will attend."
[/quote]

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/category/ben-roethlisberger#ixzz0jDic3yH0

[Reddawn36]

[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81725251&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true"]My link[/url]

[quote]
An attorney for the Georgia nightclub where a 20-year-old woman accused Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of sexually assaulting her said security footage from the evening of the alleged incident was recorded over, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Thursday.
[/quote]