Depending on the outcome of a currently ongoing investigation in Milledgeville, Georgia, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could (key word: could) be unavailable to play for his team.
So what would the Steelers do to replace him?
We ponder the possibilities in our latest offering for SportingNews.com.
How do you have a job Florio?
Ben can sell his Beef Jerky on game days to help with his legal fees. Either that or he can sue his victim and claim she caused him emotional grief when she fell and hit her head – what a scumbag
Rumor has it there’s a QB or two being marketed about 3 and half hours east on the PA turnpike.
One of them sounds about as stand-up as Benrod.
Or Randle El is back in town, try dusting him off Stiller nation.
Is that why they re-signed Antwaan Randle El?
im not clicking on that link just so you can get a click elsewhere. Thanks but no thanks.
Did you start drinking a little early on a Friday? Tim Tebow? Come on. I’m not a Tebow hater, like a lot of other bloggers, but there is absolutely no chance that the Steelers would consider him as a replacement for Ben, at least this year.
Those are options? LOL
Yea I would start a a contingency plan , it’s going to be hard to play on Sunday’s when your’e in Prison.
There is always Leftwich.
Bring back Bradshaw, he’s too old to “attack” anyone without viagra
In the court of public opinion, Ben is done in Pittsburgh. I am a long time Steelers fan but this has put Ben over the top for me. Real or perceived, there is some truth in every allegation. If Ben is such an idiot to put himself in this position, then he is one of the most stupid people the Steelers have ever had. First the motorcycle accident then the sexual assualt allegations in Tahoe now the latest. All of this in a few year span. Dump him now, let him go to the Bungels where they thrive on idiots and get another young QB to develop. Resign Batch for a quality backup and plan for the future. THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION HAS SPOKEN and even if no charges are filled, this will not help Ben or the Steelers.
if you wrote vick, why not mcnabb?
Trade him to the Vikings for Tarvaris Jacksonj and Sage Rosenfels.
hmmmm…..i would love to see dennis dixon get his shot. i have always been a fan of the guy and he is perfect in that run/play action offense.
The only option you discuss, other than kicking the tires on Dixon, is bring Leftwich back, which is probably why the Bucs didn’t cut him as expected.
He knows the system; was well-liked among Steelers players; and although he has his limitations, is serviceable and a better alternative than the others discussed.
I have already said the same thing about Tebow… interesting to see what they will do if he is still there in the second.
Ben can sell his Beef Jerky on game days to help with his legal fees. Either that or he can sue his victim and claim she caused him emotional grief when she fell and hit her head – what a scumbag
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How about you wait for some actual FACTS in the case to come out before you cast such a judgement huh? As it stands nobody has a clue what really happened. I know you’re jealous of Pittsburgh’s over-flowing trophy case and all but try and keep your ignorance in check at least until the facts of the case are presented.
Rottenberger isn’t going anywhere. I have sources. Trust me.
Florio, you should have stopped at the top 3, because 4, 5 and 6 are just so far out in left field.
The first 3 do make sense…if it gets to that point.
I find it humorous that you manage to take a shot at Tebow’s “benevolence” in an article about potential Steelers’ QBs. Did you include him just to get that little dig in? You couldn’t have mentioned Jevan Snead or any other draft-eligible QB?
We get it: you think Tebow is self-righteous. You don’t need to mention it in every other article you write. It’s going to be a drinking game pretty soon: take a shot whenever Mike Florio mentions how Tim Tebow is full of himself in an article that should have nothing to do Tim Tebow.
What is Kordell Stewart up to these days?
All you Steeler-hating idiots can stop your dreaming. Ben will be there this season. No Doubt.
He’s making Bubby Brister look like a Rhoades Scholar.
He is done in Pitt.
Those are interesting options. I really hope the Steelers don’t make another run at Culpepper though. I thought it was pretty rude the way he spurned the Steelers when they went after him two years ago, demanding a chance to be the starter. I would hate for him to get his way
I think Ben’s agent could use that article to show the Steelers that have limited options.
Dear god, can i please have back the 3 minutes i wasted on reading this article? thanks, god bless
Dixon will be starting QB for the 1st 4 games when Ben is suspended by either the team or the league. Re-sign Batch because Vick, Culpunker and Leftwich wants to be a starter, not 3rd stringer. If Ben is gone from team, look at Bulger or Delhomme and let Batch walk and draft a the QB from Central Michigan.
wildstile says:
March 12, 2010 2:13 PM
How do you have a job Florio?
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hahahaha, i wonder that too sometimes
this site is a good time-waster though
I like the idea of Tebow in Steelers’ colors. He’s really in line with the prototypical Steeler QB, whether we are talking Terry or Ben. Big guy, strong guy and a guy who can take a hit.
If what Mr.Florio said earlier this week is true about the concerns of the Rooney family, it would seem to me that there is no better wake up call than to take a QB like Tebow.
Sorry, but all of the other names just leave me cold.
In the court of public opinion, Ben is done in Pittsburgh. I am a long time Steelers fan but this has put Ben over the top for me. Real or perceived, there is some truth in every allegation. If Ben is such an idiot to put himself in this position, then he is one of the most stupid people the Steelers have ever had. First the motorcycle accident then the sexual assualt allegations in Tahoe now the latest. All of this in a few year span. Dump him now, let him go to the Bungels where they thrive on idiots and get another young QB to develop. Resign Batch for a quality backup and plan for the future. THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION HAS SPOKEN and even if no charges are filled, this will not help Ben or the Steelers.
^^^^This man speaks the truth. The difference between the Rooneys now and circa 2004 are in 2004 they let Plaxico walk for being a dunderhead knowing he was going to eventually do something boneheaded like end up in jail. The Rooneys thought after the motorcycle Ben would have learned his lesson…. You can only stand by an eff up for so long.
Is it a wonder Plaxico & Ben got along so well?
@CaptainFantastik
Why is it you steeler homers always point to the trophy case whenever your team is blasted for something negative? You just can’t stand it that one of your boys is getting roasted in the media – including your hometown papers!
We have to way for the judicial system to play out but Steeler fans who continually discredit the alleged victim, and proclaim Ben’s innocence are looking at this with Black and Gold blinders. I would be very surprised if this is settled out of court if Ben isn’t suspended by the NFL. If he was African American he would!!
–In the court of public opinion, Ben is done in Pittsburgh. I am a long time Steelers fan but this has put Ben over the top for me. Real or perceived, there is some truth in every allegation. If Ben is such an idiot to put himself in this position, then he is one of the most stupid people the Steelers have ever had. First the motorcycle accident then the sexual assualt allegations in Tahoe now the latest. All of this in a few year span. Dump him now, let him go to the Bungels where they thrive on idiots and get another young QB to develop. Resign Batch for a quality backup and plan for the future. THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION HAS SPOKEN and even if no charges are filled, this will not help Ben or the Steelers.–
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Please, this is silly. How much does the COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION hate Kobe Bryant.
If Ben is not found guilty or this goes away or no charges are brought and he wins another Super Bowl no one will care like no cares when I take a dump.
Vick. Rooney wants to win. Tomlin would embrace it.
Nflisking — steelers fans point to the trophy case because that’s why most people hate the steelers, out of pure jealousy.
I know I can’t stand it that Ben is getting roasted not because it its not warranted (because it is), but because he’s dragging the black and gold down with him.
@CaptainFantastik
Why is it you steeler homers always point to the trophy case whenever your team is blasted for something negative? You just can’t stand it that one of your boys is getting roasted in the media – including your hometown papers!
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Well you know the Steelers are the great franchise in the history (and I do stress history) of the NFL. Never mind that GB, Chicago, & NYG all have more NFL Championships but as any Steeler fan will tell you the average NFL fan is jealous over the Pittsburgh Steelers and their 6 NFL Championships.
nflisking? How many trophies are in your team’s trophy case?
Why would you put Steelers fans throught this? This article is completely irrelavent. Dennis Dixon is SOLID and will do fine, only if Ben is arrested and/or suspended.
I’m a huge Dennis Dixon believer. He’ll be great someday…hopefully.
Hey Steeler Fans. Do you guys remember how much you loved this guy 13 months ago? I know its a black eye for us but he isnt even charged with anything yet. Jumpin ship like this surprises me. Were all together and talkin smack when we won 6 but some of yall abadoning the dude when none of us knows the facts is a shame.Band wagon fans are the worst. Go root for the wannabe ravens or the one shot bengals or the lowly,lowly browns
# nflisking says: March 12, 2010 3:12 PM
@CaptainFantastik
Why is it you steeler homers always point to the trophy case whenever your team is blasted for something negative? You just can’t stand it that one of your boys is getting roasted in the media – including your hometown papers!
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Hahahahahahahaha, couldnt agree more. There is certainly a time and a place to flex your over flowing trophy case muscle. And the Steelers fans certainly have the right to brag about their team, all fans want to brag about their team. And when you have more trophies, it is really easy to brag…
The reason it is soooo funny, is because Steelers fans are the first to jump up on a soap box, and rip another team/player/coach/ProFootballTalk writer… But when one of the beloved heroes of the Steelers does something stupid, and deserves to get blasted, the only come back is jealousy about the trophy case. Note, I said when a Steeler does something stupid, I didnt say he was guilty, I am suggesting he is stupid for being in that position, and that is why he is receiving ridicule…
LOL, did you ever think that some of these comments arent a hatred of the Steelers organization, and they arent a hatred of Big Ben, and they arent out of jealousy, but these negative comments are simply 31 fan bases taking a page out of the Steelers fans playbook, and using this forum as a big F-you to the Steelers fans…???
Think about that for a moment….. Let it sink in, take a deep breathe, and realize. Sounds like Steelers fans can dish it out, but they cant take it in return…… I know you are all pissed off now, and you cant see the forest for the trees, so I will break it down, this isnt an attack on Steelers fans, so dont get all bent out of shape, simply an opinion about most of the negative comments….
The court of public opinion doesn’t mean jack crap to the Rooneys! Nor does it matter to me and I’m guessing 95% of Steeler fans. If Ben is found guilty of rape that will take care of his tenure in Pittsburgh. But if he’s not convicted then he’ll be back.
For anyone who says they would rather lose without Ben than win with him can go ahead and switch teams. The real Steeler fans won’t miss you, in fact we encourage you to leave now and get a headstart on which bandwagon you’ll jump onto next!
Best wishes
from a 32 year Steeler fan
Stillerz says:
March 12, 2010 3:31 PM
Why would you put Steelers fans throught this? This article is completely irrelavent. Dennis Dixon is SOLID and will do fine, only if Ben is arrested and/or suspended.
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Because this is GREAT material for a site like this. Anything Steelers is a goldmine for polarizing discussion — you either love them or you hate them, and passionately.
Why else did PFT just put up yet ANOTHER article (after this one) about the Roethlisberger allegations without any news involved?
john says:
March 12, 2010 2:25 PM
In the court of public opinion, Ben is done in Pittsburgh. I am a long time Steelers fan but this has put Ben over the top for me. Real or perceived, there is some truth in every allegation. If Ben is such an idiot to put himself in this position, then he is one of the most stupid people the Steelers have ever had. First the motorcycle accident then the sexual assualt allegations in Tahoe now the latest. All of this in a few year span. Dump him now, let him go to the Bungels where they thrive on idiots and get another young QB to develop. Resign Batch for a quality backup and plan for the future. THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION HAS SPOKEN and even if no charges are filled, this will not help Ben or the Steelers.
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I hope you really aren’t a PIT fan. Get another young QB to develop, because that always works. Ben is a different QB than most prototypical ones, he is strong, accurate, and can move well. You put any other QB back there with that same OL, and see what happens. Most people on this site are retards. Jump ship please
Pittsburgh better hope Ben is there come September. Dixon? Batch? Leftwich? Tebow? Culpepper? Wow all of a sudden Cleveland doesnt have the worst QB situation in the AFC North anymore. But what really cracks me up are the Steeler fans that are soooo convinced that Dixon will be the answer. Based on what??? The ONE game he has started?? Seriously???
Wheres Mark Malone?
At the pace the justice system moves at in this country, there is no, none, nada, zero, zilch, chance that this case will impact in any way BR’s playing this season. And I am quite certain that Florio, having allegedly been a lawyer at some point in his life, absolutely knows this.
Which makes this article, which you have to give him three web hits to get to (pft.com, the link to this post, and the link to the article) is just another cynical, dishonest, attempt to drive up hits by getting the AFC North fans yelling at each other again.
I find it ironically amusing that there is such a product on the market called “Big Bens Beef Jerky”….
A real Steelers fan wouldn’t be supporting such a non-Steeler, slimeball like Rottenberger.
Some of you fellow Steeler fans obvious traded in your moral compass for a chance to win another ring with a quarterback that would smack YOUR OWN SISTER around in a restroom, if given the opportunity.
I am a Steelers fan and condemn Big Ben. He should go. Just like Ray Lewis should have been tossed out of the NFL. Because, we all know he’s got the soul of a killer.
Steeltown58 says:
March 12, 2010 3:35 PM
Hey Steeler Fans. Do you guys remember how much you loved this guy 13 months ago? I know its a black eye for us but he isnt even charged with anything yet. Jumpin ship like this surprises me. Were all together and talkin smack when we won 6 but some of yall abadoning the dude when none of us knows the facts is a shame.Band wagon fans are the worst. Go root for the wannabe ravens or the one shot bengals or the lowly,lowly browns
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Here is my problem. If we turn a blind eye to the whole thing, then sites like this say “Where are the Steelers fans now? They’re pretty quiet. Typical Steeler fans….”
If we come out and condemn him because his actions were stupid, we’re told that we’re not true fans.
If we side with him, people say that Pittsburgh is a horrible dirty town and everyone there is a rapist.
So, how are we supposed to react? I personally am a fan of the black and gold, not the actions of individual players.
There is going to be a draft day deal between the Raiders and the Steelers. Big Ben is going to the Raiders for Nnamdi Asomugha their their first round draft pick and possibly their third.
The disdain for the Black and Gold is starting to bleed thru some of your posts! Success definitely has its enemies ….and this is proof positive. Whatever happened to Innocent before proven Guilty!?!? This is still America, aint it!?!?
Steelers players murder someone, but they have 6 trophies.
As long as the Steelers have 6 Lombardi’s, they can do what ever they want.
@ Nflisking
You’re only making yourself look ignorant, dude. I actually like it that Ben is getting roasted both in the national and local media. That should serve as a wake-up call for him to adjust his behavior and attitude. Lesson learned for you (and the other haters)…..just because I or anybody else is a Steelers fan doesn’t mean we’re on Ben’s bandwagon.
That said, we’re at least willing to wait for the facts of the case to come to light before we convict him….especially after not only Duke LaCrosse, but also after Ben’s Nevada case has been proven to be a simple case of a nutjob crying “rape” after she bragged about having slept with him in emails.
If you want to se a “scumabag”….you need only walk into the bathroom and have a glance in the mirror.
steelforce43 says:
March 12, 2010 3:57 PM
There is going to be a draft day deal between the Raiders and the Steelers. Big Ben is going to the Raiders for Nnamdi Asomugha their their first round draft pick and possibly their third.
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Now that’s funny…..wait, you are kidding right?
drumbug71 says:
March 12, 2010 3:57 PM
Steeltown58 says:
March 12, 2010 3:35 PM
Here is my problem. If we turn a blind eye to the whole thing, then sites like this say “Where are the Steelers fans now? They’re pretty quiet. Typical Steeler fans….”
If we come out and condemn him because his actions were stupid, we’re told that we’re not true fans.
If we side with him, people say that Pittsburgh is a horrible dirty town and everyone there is a rapist.
So, how are we supposed to react? I personally am a fan of the black and gold, not the actions of individual players.
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You could try not giving a s*** what other people think and saying what you really feel.
steelforce43 says:
March 12, 2010 3:57 PM
There is going to be a draft day deal between the Raiders and the Steelers. Big Ben is going to the Raiders for Nnamdi Asomugha their their first round draft pick and possibly their third.
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I thought the Raiders sent their 1st rounder to New England for Seymour? Or do you mean the 1st in 2011?
Sad to say, There going to be some video tapes of Rectumburger and some young people.
Chester Rectumberger.
Im not a steeler fan nor am I a hater and im definitely not jealous of their trophy case cuz my niners have 5 of their own and the only perfect super bowl record. I am not judging him for whether he is guilty of sexual assault or not but what I am judging him on is his decision making. The guy is the face of one of the better franchises in the biggest sport in this country yet puts himself in situations where things like this can happen. The first girl that came out I was all about defending Big Ben but a second one in the span of 18 months it makes me think twice before running to his defense. Whether he is guilty or not he has enough money to make this go away(as sad as that may be) but it will be tied to his legacy no matter how many more super bowls he wins.
There isn’t one Steeler fan that doesn’t think Ben is extremely stupid for putting himself in this position again. However, we are willing to wait to see what exactly happens before calling him a scumbag or the ever popular and corny Rapelisberger. From what I see, there haven’t been any charges in either case, so until there are and he gets arrested, put down the lotion. tissues, and your printed copies of the all these articles and chill out.
SteelHop says:
March 12, 2010 3:18 PM
If Ben is not found guilty or this goes away or no charges are brought and he wins another Super Bowl no one will care like no cares when I take a dump.
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I get an update via sprint mobile news everytime you take a dump……….Oh phone is going off again.
@ SteelHop
Sorry bro, that sounded way funnier in my head. When I look at it posted, not so much.
Hey pissburg, you gotta be kiddin me.
rottenbooger is an idiot/moron
squeeler fans deserve this looser
what a joke HA good job heinz
dear pittsburgh: the eagles are willing to offer vick for dennis dixon and a 7th round pick. interested?
Oh raid-res, that’s it! Now you’re claiming Steelers players are murdering people?!? No more “pot” pie for you! Get thee to a rehab!
I loved Bubby. Will never forget when they unexpectedly made the playoffs and a network reporter asked him how he felt. He blurted out: “I’m just as happy as shit.” My brother and I were rolling in the floor laughing. Maybe he’s available. Just don’t call O’Donnell. Always thought he was very Raymond Massey in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” And I was right!
If I were a betting woman, I’d feel safe betting that Roethlisberger won’t miss any playing time in 2010.
drumbug71 says:
March 12, 2010 4:20 PM
steelforce43 says:
March 12, 2010 3:57 PM
There is going to be a draft day deal between the Raiders and the Steelers. Big Ben is going to the Raiders for Nnamdi Asomugha their their first round draft pick and possibly their third.
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I thought the Raiders sent their 1st rounder to New England for Seymour? Or do you mean the 1st in 2011?
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Please don’t encourage him. He is either making this up to stir debate, or hopelessly delusional.
If this were real, it would be the Steelers adding draft picks to the deal, not the Raiders. There are a dozen good QBs in the league, but maybe 3 shut down corners, and Asomugha is one of them.
Thank you Mr. Florio for your bit of optimism. It isn’t fun being a Steelers fan lately. It’s hard to defend the indefensible and the future is uncertain as far as the Steelers are concerned.
It’s my understanding the Rooney family is absolutely livid over this Frat Boy Ben business.
GO STEELERS!
@123456789 …
What happened to your moral compass?
Moral people don’t proclaim a man guilty without hearing A SINGLE SPECK of evidence against him. The police in Nevada said there was NO evidence a crime had been committed because the woman never filed a charge. Her friends said she bragged about having sex with him. Her text messages spoke of looking forward to dinner with him AFTER the alleged rape and showed her sending love notes to her boyfriend at the time she was supposedly sobbing in her truck. All we know in Georgia is an accusation of “sexual manipulation” from a woman who immediately hired a civil attorney specializing in personal injury–not something assault victims typically do.
Some things are bigger than footall. And you’re not the arbiter of what makes a “real” fan.
Ben is not going to miss a single game due to this BS.
In fact, he may win a couple more rings in the Burgh before he enters the hall.
Ben isn’t going anywhere. Dixon sucks!! Completing 46% of your passes when you are throwing to a predetermined receiver and not reading a defense is not solid. Way to further the cause of the overhyped black quarterback. Keith Olbermann will be proud.
DoctorK says:
March 12, 2010 3:08 PM
I like the idea of Tebow in Steelers’ colors. He’s really in line with the prototypical Steeler QB, whether we are talking Terry or Ben. Big guy, strong guy and a guy who can take a hit.
If what Mr.Florio said earlier this week is true about the concerns of the Rooney family, it would seem to me that there is no better wake up call than to take a QB like Tebow.
Sorry, but all of the other names just leave me cold.
As a Steeler fan when it comes to having Tebowon the Steelers I say NO THANKS!!! He’s a freaking fag and he cries whether he wins or loses. I can see it now Heinz field will be wet on every game thanks to Tebow crying like a little bitch.
@Shawn & DoctorK …
Being able to take a hit and crying or not crying on the sidelines isn’t the issue. The issue is having good mechanics and being able to make quick reads against a swarming pro defense to get the ball downfield.
I’m a Tide fan and have never been wild about Tebow. But he’s absolutely proved himself to be a tough leader and an exceptional athlete … who doesn’t have good mechanics and cannot make quick reads against swarming pro-style defenses to get the ball ball downfield.
It’s possible he could yet be an NFL QB … if he’s given at least a year to develop with an offensive guru (like Carroll) while backing up an older star QB (Brady, Manning, Hasselbeck).
I’d love to have an athlete of his caliber, but Pittsburgh isn’t the best fit for his needs.
Hey, Mike … what is a “smarty error” and do you plan to fix it? I asked Vox a question on one of those threads, and I’d like to know his answer.
I admit that I am not a Steelers fan. I also admit that I find Ben’s behaviour reprehensible. While Ben is innocent until proven guilty of the charges alleged, the NFL can take action against Ben irregardless of the criminal proceedings. The standards they would use would be the NFL code of conduct. I think most Steeler fans are overlooking this. The good thing for Steeler fans is this is playing out in mid-March. It may resolve itself before training camp. But it is my belief (this is just an opinion) that Ben does miss some time in 2010 due to a suspension from the commissioner.
# OBarnstable says: March 13, 2010 1:45 PM
But it is my belief (this is just an opinion) that Ben does miss some time in 2010 due to a suspension from the commissioner.
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Suspension for what? Being accused of something?
It’s been over one week and still no charges, time for the haters to catch on, Ben doesn’t miss one game due to this BS.
Sure, Ben is as dumb as a box of rocks but the league would have to suspend three quarters of the players if that were a crime!
listing vick or tebow get out of here….Bring back the PFT of old quit posting stuff just to post it and try and get a reaction….a couple more of articles like this and soon you will have just as much credibility as espn
The only person Roethlisberger ever raped was Dan Rooney by agreeing to sign him to $102 million contract. It is soooo annoying hearing the local media credit Roethlisberger for “winning two Super Bowls.” In Super Bowl XL, the Steelers won inspite of Roethlisberger, who threw two picks, no touchdowns and was 9 for 21 for 123 yards. In Super Bowl XLIII, it took a last-minute, miracle TD catch by Santonio Homes that wouldn’t have mattered had it not been for James Harrison’s amazing 100-yard TD return of an interception right before halftime. As for options should the Rooneys decide to part company, guilty or innocent, with their troubled QB: How about getting back to Steelers Football by playing great defense and running the football more? Dennis Dixon played well in his only career start, a start made necessary by Roethlisberger, who insisted he would play all week, only to change his mind the night before the game, which prevented Dixon from taking snaps with the first-team offense the week leading up to the game. Roethlisberger is a pampered primadonna, and he needs a change of scenery: Denver or Washington. Incidently, if Steelers fans really want to be concerned about a real superstar, they should be wondering how Troy Polamaula’s knee is holding up.
I hope Ben stays away from the team until everything is finalized.
Dixon played well enough to get the Steelers into OT with Balto. He has raw talent but big talent.
If Vick comes over, that’s the end of the Steeler franchise. Finnito and they know it.
Ben’s scenario reminds me of another “superstar” scenario. One that in a court of law was not guilty but in the court of public opinion really never removed the cloud from above him – Michael Jackson… I hope he rests in peace. Ben now has that same cloud… innocent or not and I’m betting NOT.
Perhaps Ben needs to give his “interests” a safe word. “Rape”? Just a suggestion.