Big Ben is Back..What Does it Mean?

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a rabid Pittsburgh Steeler fan and have been so since 1955 when I was 10-years old. I have written previously about the suspension of their star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. On Sunday, he returned to the Steelers from his suspension, played well, led them to victory, and now they are back in first place in the AFC North. It should also be noted that he received a rousing ovation from the Pittsburgh fans when he ran out onto the field. So now all is well in Steelerland, right? Well, maybe not.

As I have said before, Roethlisberger's scandal has tarnished a proud Steeler history of trying to avoid guys with bad character and getting rid of them when they cross the line. That is something I have been proud of as a fan. Years ago, I compared the Steelers record with that of Art Modell's Cleveland Browns-later Batlitmore Ravens. When Browns running back Kevin Mack.was sent to prison for selling cocaine, the Browns couldn't wait to get him back out on the field. The same was true when Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was involved in a murder case. The Ravens publicly stated that all that mattered to them was getting this behind Lewis so he could get back on the field. Whjat did it matter that 2 young men were dead? Eventually, Lewis made a deal with prosecutors and the murder charge was dropped when he agreed to testify against his co-defendants. They were all acquitted. The shadow, however, will always linger over Lewis.

In Roethlisberger's case, no charges were filed. Yet, the sexual allegations were very troubling. If true, Big Ben belongs in prison, not on a football field. Yet, he must be given the presumption of innocence. Yet, let's say that there was a strong, prosecutable case against him with "a mountain of evidence". How many of us Steeler fans would have hoped for an acquittal-even on some technicality or jury nullification?

I must confess, while I agreed with the suspension, as a fan, I was glad to see  him back on the field. His presence means the Steelers are solid Super Bowl contenders this year. However, I am certain that he is on a short leash and any future infractions will mean the end of his Steeler career. The Steelers, like all sports teams, have a moral responsibility to watch who they bring into their community. Of course, nobody ever talks about that.