Ben Roethlisberger’s first NFL head coach, Bill Cowher, says that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the right call in suspending Roethlisberger for the first six games of the season.
“I think it’s good, in my personal opinion,” Cowher told Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on WFAN. “I think it sends a very strong message that your conduct is something that you’re going to be held accountable for. It was well documented what took place, obviously no charges have been filed to this point, but that still does not dismiss any NFL player from the responsibilities that come with their actions when they’re in the public eye.”
Cowher says he doesn’t think it’s too late for Roethlisberger to reshape his reputation.
“I think he’s got an opportunity to rekindle his reputation,” Cowher said. “He’s a young player, he’s made some very poor judgments in the last few years, and if he’s ever going to learn from something, he’ll learn from this. I think they’re gonna give him the opportunity to do that.”
Asked by Esiason whether Roethlisberger is well liked in the Steelers’ locker room, Cowher gave an answer that sounded a little uncomfortable and suggested that what the Steelers like about Roethlisberger is confined to what he does on Sundays.
“Uh, you know, I mean, you know what Boom, I think it’s all,” Cowher stammered at first, before continuing, “I think we like anybody that can help us win football games.”