With the spring sports season winding down at Penn State, I thought this would be a good time for me to weigh in on a topic that I’ve been eager to for some time.
It doesn’t have a Penn State tie, but it’s a hot topic that has taken over the Internet, newspapers and sports television over the past several months.
The topic — Pittsburgh Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger.
For you Penn State fanatics, we’ll feature another member of the Class of 2010.
Let’s start with Big Ben.
Weighing in on Big Ben
Over the past couple of months, Pittsburgh Steeler and two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons. A night out drinking in a small college town in Georgia changed the star quarterback’s life forever.
Before I begin, I must say that I am a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
That being said, I think that the media scrutiny in this case has been unbelievable. I also think that the punishment handed down by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was unfair.
First, let’s look at the media scrutiny. Sports Illustrated — one of the most respected sports journalism magazines in the world — recently ran a cover story about Big Ben. The story, which featured a grainy photo of Roethlisberger on the front cover, was entitled “The Hangover.” The SI story had a lot of facts, but it also had a lot of he said/she said, speculation and unnamed sources. Personally, I found the piece offensive and ashamed of what the industry has become. SI is better than that.
Look, there is no question that Big Ben has been guilty of bad judgment. He is one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks and he needs to learn some life lessons from all of this. When he came to the Steelers out of Miami of Ohio, he was a wide-eyed QB who led his squad to a 15-1 record and an appearance in the AFC title game.
That was followed by a championship in Super Bowl XL. A motorcycle accident followed, but he bounced back with another championship, leading the Steelers to a come-from-behind 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII in one of the best title games ever played.
But all of that has been forgotten in the aftermath of a couple of sex-related incidents. It’s important to note that Roethlisberger has never been charged with a crime. He is guilty of bad judgment and nothing more.
Which brings us to the fans. If you are one of those fans eager to trade or cut Big Ben, shame on you. You’re not a true Steeler fan and should have to turn in your Terrible Towel. Cut Ben? Trade Ben? Really? Perhaps you need a refresher about what life was like before Ben. Remember David Woodley? Bubby Brister? Mark Malone? Kent Graham? Mike Tomczak? Tommy Maddox? Kordell Stewart?
More than the QBs, remember what the Steelers were like before Big Ben. There were plenty of .500 and sub-.500 seasons. When the Steelers did advance to the playoffs, there were plenty of first-round exits. Who can forget the AFC Championship Game losses? All of that changed with Roethlisberger. The Steelers would be stuck at four titles if not for Big Ben.
Fans are fickle. Whe the Steelers begin the year 2-4, 1-5 or 0-6, fans will clamor to get Big Ben back in the lineup. When he throws that first touchdown pass and posts that first win, all will be forgotten.
Which leads us to the six-game suspension. Can someone please explain to me how someone who has never been charged or convicted of a crime is forced to miss the first six games of the season. Those six games will likely cost the Steelers a chance at the playoffs and keep them from earning a seventh Super Bowl title.
Keep in mind that Michael Vick, a convicted felon, only got a two-game suspension when he got out of jail. Roethlisberger will get three times that and has not been charged, let alone convicted of a crime.
If you’re one of those fans who have had it with the Steelers, the Rooneys and Big Ben, let me know if you’re ditching your season tickets. I’ll gladly take them off your hands.
Class of 2010: Dakota Royer
Dakota Royer always wanted to be a Nittany Lion.
“There was never really a close second,” Royer said after making his decision. “I pretty much knew I wanted to come here as long as it all worked out.”
As long as Royer remembers, he’s wanted to play for the Nittany Lions. Royer committed to Penn State on July 30, and enrolled at University Park in January.
Royer finished his career as one of the most decorated and productive players in his area’s history. Playing for traditional Class AAA powerhouse Manheim Central, Royer earned all-state honors over his last two seasons, piling up 35 sacks in his career.
During his senior year, he led the Barons to the Class AAA state title game in Hershey, where they fell to Selinsgrove. He totaled 74 tackles, 10 sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception. He also caught 30 passes for 614 yards and six touchdowns, and added a touchdown on the ground.
He earned first team all-state honors and was named all-conference as well. He played in the Under Armour All-American Bowl in January.
Chris Morelli is an award-winning writer/editor who lives in Centre County and covers Penn State athletics. He is also a regular on “Sports Central,” which airs on ESPN Radio in Altoona and State College. E-mail him at morellionlion@gmail.com.
