# Big Ben in Big Trouble? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [March 11, 2010, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116 "2010-03-11T16:08:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/161 "2010-04-21T17:46:40Z")
That’s pretty heavy. Minimum 4 games, could be 6 (or more?) sounds like there’s some stuff that is not known to the public being considered. I don’t think you get 6 games for not being charged with a crime unless there’s something else involved… ---
**Author:** ![kidchameleon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@kidchameleon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidchameleon)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/162 "2010-04-21T18:07:59Z")
CNN’s reporting a full 6 games. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/163 "2010-04-21T18:13:49Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > That’s pretty heavy. Minimum 4 games, could be 6 (or more?) sounds like there’s some stuff that is not known to the public being considered. I don’t think you get 6 games for not being charged with a crime unless there’s something else involved… I think its pretty funny that a shitty, quarterback-starved team like the Rams said no thanks to Ben. He would probably be pretty good for them with his ability to make things out of broken plays, he’s hard to bring down for a sack, etc. Don’t the Rams have another pick in the bottom of the first round? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/164 "2010-04-21T18:21:53Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > I think its pretty funny that a shitty, quarterback-starved team like the Rams said no thanks to Ben. They’re about to draft a younger QB who’ll cost less and won’t be suspended for 4 to 6 games and by tainted by a scandal. Why would they trade for him? > [@](#): > > Don’t the Rams have another pick in the bottom of the first round? No. They have the first pick in all seven rounds, plus a late pick in round five from New Orleans and another pick in the middle of round seven. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/165 "2010-04-21T18:22:06Z")
Is it 6 with the possibility of coming down to 4, or definitely 6? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/166 "2010-04-21T18:24:37Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > Is it 6 with the possibility of coming down to 4, or definitely 6? Six with the possibility of coming down to four. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/167 "2010-04-21T18:24:59Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > Is it 6 with the possibility of coming down to 4, or definitely 6? Apparently six. [Link](http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/04/ben-roethlisbergers-suspension-includes-ban-from-steelers-offseason-workouts/1) Also: > [@](#): > > Included in the six-game suspension NFL commissioner Roger Goodell handed down to Ben Roethlisberger is a mandate that he stay away from the team’s offseason workouts. > > The Steelers welcomed Roethlisberger back to their workouts last week after a Georgia DA declined to prosecute him for an alleged sexual assault. But Goodell, who ordered Roethlisberger to undergo counseling as part of his punishment, said the QB cannot participate in the team’s offseason workouts while those evaluations are underway. ETA: **Marley** is correct, according to another story: > [@](#): > > Goodell will review Roethlisberger’s progress before the season and will consider reducing the ban to four games. But failure to adhere to the terms of the punishment could result in a longer suspension. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/168 "2010-04-21T18:28:23Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > That’s pretty heavy. Minimum 4 games, could be 6 (or more?) sounds like there’s some stuff that is not known to the public being considered. I don’t think you get 6 games for not being charged with a crime unless there’s something else involved… Here’s what [Goodell](http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/04/nfl-suspends-pittsburgh-steelers-qb-ben-roethlisberger-/1) had to say: > [@](#): > > In a letter to the QB, Goodell said he was not imposing the discipline based on him having violated Georgia law. > > “You are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans,” Goodell told Roethlisberger. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/169 "2010-04-21T18:33:56Z")
Eh, what are the odds he’s going to enforce the full suspension? He’ll be back after 4 weeks. Six sounds tougher now, and then by the time the season rolls around people won’t remember as much and he gets a conveniently scheduled bye week to come back during, and then after that they get a few prime time games. I’d lay people 2-1 that he’s back after 4 weeks. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/170 "2010-04-21T18:52:08Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > They’re about to draft a younger QB who’ll cost less and won’t be suspended for 4 to 6 games and by tainted by a scandal. Why would they trade for him?.. If they draft Bradford at #1, he’ll cost considerably more than Roethlisberger. And he won’t have a positive impact anywhere near what Roethlisberger would. For at least a season, they’ll most likely be worse off than even having a mid-level NFL starter. They’d be stupid to not give very serious consideration to such a deal. Let’s not forget that as disgusted as anyone is with Ben, there’s a very strong possibility that he’ll behave himself going forward and become a model citizen. ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/171 "2010-04-21T19:21:38Z")
Yeah, Pittsburgh eats the guaranteed cash, so Ben would cost 2010: $8m 2011-2014: $11m 2015: $12m Which is a good price for a top 5-7 QB. Bradford would end up signing a deal at the same length, likely in the range of $13m a year. So Ben is a bit cheaper and obviously proven. I hate the guy but if I were a team in the top 10 of the draft I would do it in a second. It’s not like those teams would be contending without Ben anyway, so the suspension doesn’t really matter this year. Of course if he screws up again a year or two down the line, they’re in trouble. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/172 "2010-04-21T19:33:06Z")
The contracts are like to be a lot closer than I thought. And yes, while Roethlisberger is going to be out for a chunk of this year, Bradford isn’t going to be NFL ready right away. But the Rams have sucked for several years, and as good as Roethlisberger is, when the choice is between him and Bradford it’s not hard to see why the Rams think Bradford is the better choice for getting people to pay for tickets. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/173 "2010-04-21T19:36:07Z")
I can only imagine what the signs in the stands are going to say at Pittsburgh’s away games once Ben comes back, especially against their divisional opponents. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/174 "2010-04-21T19:38:19Z")
In Cincinnati: “You’ll fit right in here!” 😉 ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/175 "2010-04-21T22:12:45Z")
How are Pittsburgh fans facing the growing possibility that Ben won’t be with the Steelers at all this year? ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/176 "2010-04-21T22:22:51Z")
Probably doing their siblings. That’s their solution to most situations. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/177 "2010-04-21T22:24:30Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > In Cincinnati: “You’ll fit right in here!” > > 😉 Booooooo! That’s _soooooo_ 2006, you know! Plus, we like our gun, drug and alcohol offenses here…no rapists. > [@garygnu](#): > > How are Pittsburgh fans facing the growing possibility that Ben won’t be with the Steelers at all this year? Judging by their messageboards, with equal parts consternation, resignation, disgust and fear of the not-so-bright future. Check this thread out: [http://www.steelernation.com/forums/showthread.php/3908-Schefter-reporting-Ben-is-on-the-trade-block](http://www.steelernation.com/forums/showthread.php/3908-Schefter-reporting-Ben-is-on-the-trade-block) ETA: And some humor. Look at post #6 “At least this is one way to re-emphasize getting back to the running game” ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/178 "2010-04-21T22:35:18Z")
Pittsburgh fan here. He’s definitely deserving of a suspension, but six games is too much. Hell, Vick only got four after doing a year and a half in prison. 50 percent more suspension and he wasn’t even charged with anything…just seems to be too much. The Steelers are crazy if they trade him now. All they’ll get is low-ball offers. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/179 "2010-04-21T22:53:34Z")
> [@CapnPitt](#): > > Pittsburgh fan here. Hmmmm…username/internet claim in a thread about Ben Rothlisberger… C’mon, you’re a Bengals fan like me, trying to perform some subtle subterfuge! ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ben-in-big-trouble/532116/180 "2010-04-21T23:08:32Z")
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