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hawaiiansteeler
06-05-2010, 04:49 PM
Originally Published: June 4, 2010

Roethlisberger fumbling chance to heal

By Jeffri Chadiha
ESPN.com



The most interesting news about quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Thursday wasn't that he spoke to the media after his Pittsburgh Steelers practice. Instead, it was a report on the NFL Network later that day that should have raised eyebrows.

Supposedly, Roethlisberger's public relations specialists want to use a national sit-down interview as a way for him to bare his soul in the wake of his alleged sexual assault scandal. You know -- a chat with Oprah, Larry King or even somebody from this company, all of whom would jump at such an exclusive.

If true, this is humorous because Roethlisberger doesn't need such a forum to move his life in the right direction. He needs only to grow up and answer the tough questions as soon as possible. Roethlisberger could have taken such a step Thursday, when he chatted with local reporters on his way off the practice field.

What he ultimately gave them was the type of drivel he's offered since the story broke regarding his alleged actions in a Georgia nightclub, where a college student accused him of sexually assaulting her.


Roethlisberger -- who will miss at least four games for violating the league's personal-conduct policy -- talked about how great it was to be back practicing with his teammates. He said he'd put a lot of thought into his past behavior and that he'd been working closely with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on ways to mature.

But when asked about what specific changes Roethlisberger had been making lately, the star quarterback gave the reporters nothing. "A lot of them are personal things," he said. "You know, which is just something that I need to do."

That was about as good as it got from Roethlisberger. The sad part is that he probably thinks he said something productive. The reality is that he would have been better served to stay quiet.

By offering such bland answers, Roethlisberger left the impression that either: 1) he isn't ready or willing to address such matters publicly, or 2) he thinks the media should be happy with whatever little bit of time he gives them these days.

Of course, there is a third possibility behind his actions -- that he believes a conversation with a prominent national interviewer will help cleanse his image if he saves the good stuff for that kind of opportunity.

If this were 1995, that approach might have some merit. Back in those days -- before the rise of the Internet and the rampant growth of cable television -- we expected celebrities to apologize for their most salacious scandals before people like Oprah or Larry King or somebody on "60 Minutes."


http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0604/nfl_a_roethlisberger_sy_300.jpg

Whenever Ben Roethlisberger wants to tell his story, he will have an audience.


That's where we went for the biggest stories. We thought such celebs were being courageous in addressing their most private issues on the biggest of stages.

That's just not the case today. Celebrities often run to such shows because they expect empathy and sympathy in return. They assume an hour under the microscope will be rewarded with a quick re-entry into the arms of a once-adoring public. They realize we're all suckers for a great comeback story. And what better way to start such a tale than with some serious emoting and a string of heartfelt apologies on a highly rated program.

The assumption here is that Roethlisberger is chasing just such a goal if he's going the national sit-down route. The only problem is that he needs to understand exactly what the potential backlash could be with such a move.

Given that Roethlisberger already has responded to this scandal with forgettable comments -- he also read a brief public statement to reporters after the charges were dropped in April -- he must realize that people's faith in his sincerity is vanishing.

His fans want to be mesmerized by his candor, not manipulated by his handlers.

The other issue he must consider is how this story would play in a one-hour interview. The details that already have gone public are so salacious that there's no way Roethlisberger could win over an audience immediately with his contrition.

No matter how you look at this situation, we're talking about a wealthy, big-time pro athlete with a history of being a jerk making moves on a drunk, 20-year-old student who probably was awed by his presence. Even Regis Philbin could look hardcore when handed that much material to work with in an interview.

This is why Roethlisberger's best course of action is to start putting this ordeal behind him as soon as possible. He easily could answer the tough questions at the Steelers' facility, then go home and hang out with family and friends. The people who are handling his public relations should know that as well as anybody. There's simply no way he's going to ease that process by doing it on a larger stage.

Unfortunately, the world of sports and celebrity has become so complicated that a guy like Roethlisberger can fail to see the simplest way to handle this situation.

He doesn't need Oprah's set or a spot across from Larry King. All Roethlisberger has to do is say he's ready to open up about how this experience has affected his life.

Once that day arrives, you can bet there will be more than enough people willing to listen to whatever he has to say.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=5250945

Craic
06-05-2010, 05:04 PM
I am sorry, but this author is an idiot IMO.

If Ben comes out and says, "I am so sorry. I have hired three counselors, a private pastor, and a Gypsy" People would be yelling it is a show.

Honestly, I have stood with people who had to face a church and confess to things they have done-like theifing from teh church for drug money. It is the ones who are doing EXACTLY what Ben is doing, that are the ones I trust THE MOST.

43Hitman
06-05-2010, 05:11 PM
Totally agree with you Preach. Doesn't matter what he does at this point. The best thing we can do as fans is ignore the BS and focus on the football side of things. Frankly, that's the best thing Ben could do as well.

kmsteelerwr15
06-05-2010, 05:16 PM
Not surprised some moron from espn would be writing an article like this.

polamalubeast
06-05-2010, 05:20 PM
:zzz::ranger:

Mach1
06-05-2010, 05:24 PM
Drama queen :rolleyes:

Craic
06-05-2010, 05:29 PM
Totally agree with you Preach. Doesn't matter what he does at this point. The best thing we can do as fans is ignore the BS and focus on the football side of things. Frankly, that's the best thing Ben could do as well.

Exactly, no matter what he says, it will be spun wrong at this point. All you can do, is prove em wrong by your actions now.

That is why I could care less about what he says. Until he goes through two or three offseasons without any kind of blowup, I will have my doubts. The more he blabs, the more doubts I'll have.

This, however, a quick, yeah, I am working on some private stuff. Shows me he isn't trying to manipulate the press. It at least gives me hope.

hawaiiansteeler
06-05-2010, 05:37 PM
Roethlisberger pledges better lifestyle

Updated Jun 3, 2010 6:45 PM ET
PITTSBURGH (AP)


Ben Roethlisberger issued no apology. He didn't ask for forgiveness from his fans, and he didn't lobby NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to reduce his six-game suspension.

Miss any of the details from the Ben Roethlisberger saga? Come on in and take a closer look at the trials and tribulations of one of the NFL's biggest stars.

What the Steelers quarterback said Thursday in his first comments since being suspended April 21 by the NFL were revealing: He's ready to make major changes to a lifestyle that cast him as a role model for bad behavior by privileged pro athletes with a sense of entitlement.

"I've spent a lot of time evaluating and looking at my life both on and off the field,'' Roethlisberger said in brief remarks following a Steelers voluntary practice. "I think this is a time for me to kind of close the chapter of the last couple of years of my life and move on to a new one, kind of a new start. I'm kind of really excited about it.''

Roethlisberger, accused twice of sexual assault in the last two years, pledged to make smarter decisions during what he called "the second chance'' he's received to turn around his life. He also said he's working closely with Goodell to rehabilitate his lifestyle and repair an image that's been tarnished by his boorish behavior.

Roethlisberger, known for frequenting nightclubs with an entourage of friends, did not specify what changes he is making.

"Well, a lot of them are personal things, which is just something that I need to do,'' Roethlisberger said. "But it's been neat being able to really reevaluate my life and spend time with my family and kind of reevaluate and refigure what's important in life. ... It's a new chapter and I'm looking forward to it and it starts with football and I'm glad to be back out here.''

Roethlisberger did not apologize for his conduct in a Milledgeville, Ga., nightclub, where a college student accused him of sexually assaulting her March 5. But he said he has spent considerable time since then thinking about the type of person he wants to be.

"I've put a lot of thought into my life, the decisions that I've made in the past,'' Roethlisberger said. "I've been sitting at home thinking about things, and I've been working closely with the commissioner on ways to make changes, corrections. I'm looking forward to the second chance and the second opportunity — not just in football, because I think everybody knows what you're going to get (from me) in football, but in life. I think that's kind of what's more important.''

Roethlisberger offered no specifics about his dealings with Goodell, who ordered him to undergo an evaluation before clearing him to take part in the Steelers' final few spring practices. On Wednesday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin also said he and the team were working closely with the quarterback.

Goodell has the option of trimming the suspension to four games if Roethlisberger does all the league asks him to do. The NFL has not revealed any specifics.

"(I'm) evaluating what I need to do, and be smarter when it comes to certain things,'' Roethlisberger said.

Previously, Roethlisberger's only comments since the Georgia incident were a statement he read April 12 in the Steelers' locker room after learning he wouldn't be charged and another he issued April 26 after being suspended.

On Thursday, Roethlisberger made brief remarks, then took two questions before a team publicist cut off his news conference. Neither question dealt with the Georgia incident, which led to no criminal charges but shamed the two-time Super Bowl winner and caused a dramatic drop in his popularity with the Steelers' sizable fan base.

While ticket sales weren't affected — the Steelers have sold out every home game since 1972 and have a substantial season ticket waiting list — the team acknowledged the Roethlisberger incident cast the long-admired franchise in a bad light.

To repair that, Roethlisberger is promising to be more accessible — he rarely talks to Pittsburgh reporters for more than five minutes a week, except on game days — and to be a better teammate. He also thanked the Steelers players who have answered countless questions about him while he himself was silent for six weeks.

Roethlisberger, often brusque and short in the past when talking to reporters, appeared friendlier and more outgoing.

"It's been a long time away, it's been hard, but I've been putting a lot of time and effort and working hard both on and off the field while I've been gone,'' Roethlisberger said. "I love football to death. I think it's meant more to be out here with my teammates and my brothers, my family if you will, (and) that's what's really been neat about getting back out here.''

While the Steelers have three more voluntary practices next week, they have other team activities scheduled for two of them, so their on-field work is all but over until training camp starts July 30. Roethlisberger is permitted to take part in camp and preseason games, but cannot practice once the season starts and his suspension begins.

"It's a new chapter and I'm looking forward to it,'' Roethlisberger said.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/ben-roethlisberger-wants-to-make-the-most-of-second-chance-060310

MasterOfPuppets
06-05-2010, 05:39 PM
By offering such bland answers, Roethlisberger left the impression that either: 1) he isn't ready or willing to address such matters publicly, or 2) he thinks the media should be happy with whatever little bit of time he gives them these days.
what exactly is he supposed to address ? he addressed the issue with the police and he'll address the issue in court... he already claimed innocence and thus far nobody has been able to offer up anything that PROVES otherwise. why the media or public thinks people are obligated to explain themselves to them is beyond me . he explained himself to the authorities which is all he is obligated to do. its not like he's a paid PUBLIC servant.

BlastFurnace
06-05-2010, 05:44 PM
ESPN is irrelevant

Chidi29
06-05-2010, 05:50 PM
Words don't matter anymore. If he were to produce a sincere, "bring a tear to your eye" statement and then found himself in the same situation next year, no one would remember this statement (Or blow it to pieces).

If he offers bland, clique statements, but never gets in this type of situation again, he comes out on top.

Actions always speak louder than words.

siss
06-05-2010, 05:51 PM
I thought from the very beginning Ben would do a sit down interview. But i thought it would be someone like Dan Marino or Jim Kelly or hell even Terry Bradshaw. And ESPN has there panties in a bunch because they aren't getting it. I wouldn't expect Ben to have a sit down interview with ESPN or Sport Illustrated for a really long time.

polamalubeast
06-05-2010, 05:52 PM
ESPN is irrelevant

true

steelpride12
06-05-2010, 05:58 PM
Well of course ESPN would report this like they did. It get's the interest of the general public and it's what people wanna hear. What I do as a Steeler fan is steer clear of these garbage stories or should I say personal opinion and hold my opinions to myself.

vasteeler
06-05-2010, 06:45 PM
what exactly is he supposed to address ? he addressed the issue with the police and he'll address the issue in court... he already claimed innocence and thus far nobody has been able to offer up anything that PROVES otherwise. why the media or public thinks people are obligated to explain themselves to them is beyond me . he explained himself to the authorities which is all he is obligated to do. its not like he's a paid PUBLIC servant.

you are exactly right. he has addressed all he needs to.

X-Terminator
06-05-2010, 10:09 PM
Well, they didn't get the nickname "BSPN" for nothing...

SteelerFanInStl
06-05-2010, 10:21 PM
What a ridiculous article. So much utter crap that I couldn't even stand to read the whole thing.

BigNastyDefense
06-05-2010, 10:45 PM
Couldn't read the whole thing. I think someone told the guy to spin the Ben having a sit down interview as a bad thing to drum up more pub for ESPN.

Honestly, I don't think Ben has to explain himself to the media or the fans. He has explained himself to:

1. The Milledgville, Ga police
2. His lawyers
3. Dan Rooney, Art Rooney, Mike Tomlin
4. Roger Goodell
5. His family

Those are the ONLY people that are entitled to an explanation. Not me, not the media, not anyone but those people.

What he has to do to earn my complete trust back is:

1. Stay out of situations that can end badly, especially ones that can end in a sexual assault accusation.
2. Win football games, to prove that he's committed as a player

As long as he does those things, he's good in my book.

I don't believe he is guilty of raping the girl in Georgia or the woman in Nevada. The girl in Nevada is a complete lunatic and the girl from Georgia couldn't get a word in edgewise as her friends accused Ben Roethlisberger of something they didn't see him do. The fact that the girl changed her story multiple times is enough for me to believe that she wasn't raped. You either are or you aren't, there isn't any "kind of".

However, he is guilty of being a jackass and putting himself in a bad situation (in the Georgia case).

tube517
06-05-2010, 11:06 PM
Exactly. And who is this writer, Jeffrey Chidi Iwuoma?

ben needs to lay low, shut up, and stick to football. Plain and simple. Nothing too revealing to the press right now. Hanging with natalie gulbis and having her speak was fine. ESPN writers - YAWN!


ESPN is irrelevant

SteelerStrength
06-06-2010, 12:24 AM
ESPN = National Enquirer. They are getting worse!

kendawg
06-06-2010, 02:18 AM
Couldn't read the whole thing. I think someone told the guy to spin the Ben having a sit down interview as a bad thing to drum up more pub for ESPN.

Honestly, I don't think Ben has to explain himself to the media or the fans. He has explained himself to:

1. The Milledgville, Ga police
2. His lawyers
3. Dan Rooney, Art Rooney, Mike Tomlin
4. Roger Goodell
5. His family

Those are the ONLY people that are entitled to an explanation. Not me, not the media, not anyone but those people.

What he has to do to earn my complete trust back is:

1. Stay out of situations that can end badly, especially ones that can end in a sexual assault accusation.
2. Win football games, to prove that he's committed as a player

As long as he does those things, he's good in my book.

I don't believe he is guilty of raping the girl in Georgia or the woman in Nevada. The girl in Nevada is a complete lunatic and the girl from Georgia couldn't get a word in edgewise as her friends accused Ben Roethlisberger of something they didn't see him do. The fact that the girl changed her story multiple times is enough for me to believe that she wasn't raped. You either are or you aren't, there isn't any "kind of".

However, he is guilty of being a jackass and putting himself in a bad situation (in the Georgia case).

I really don't think there could have been a been a better post to sum this up. Jeffri Chitheadi is a big pair of red clown shoes.

Galax Steeler
06-06-2010, 07:07 AM
This is a bunch of bs. Ben will be just fine this is just a writer who wants go get things stired up again for Ben. Let him get on with his life and serve his suspension and get back to football.

solardave
06-06-2010, 07:51 AM
There is a saying I'll quote: What you are doing speaks so loud that I can't hear what you're saying". This is the doing stage for Ben. Prove that he is willing and able to change his life for the better and write book about it after he retires with 5 rings if he wants to.

MULLDOG24
06-06-2010, 09:16 AM
I tell ya this much, the guy says he wants to change and do the right thing so I say lets give him a chance to do exactly that! It seems like it is so hard to trust the media because they twist things around so much, so in saying that, I wouldn't say much either. we will just let his actions speak for themselves and I am confident that Ben will act accordingly. It's not like Ben was ever convicted of anything anyway.

Steely McSmash
06-06-2010, 09:30 AM
:lol:

does this mean he's not going on Maury Povich? Maybe they can throw a couple of paternity tests in there ... round the whole thing out.

siss
06-06-2010, 09:41 AM
I tell ya this much, the guy says he wants to change and do the right thing so I say lets give him a chance to do exactly that! It seems like it is so hard to trust the media because they twist things around so much, so in saying that, I wouldn't say much either. we will just let his actions speak for themselves and I am confident that Ben will act accordingly. It's not like Ben was ever convicted of anything anyway.
This.

salamander
06-06-2010, 10:09 AM
As long as we're not the Cowboys or Patriots*, ESPN will do whatever it takes to make us look bad.

Ben messed up. We know that, he knows that. He's apologized to the appropriate people and is moving on.

Is it September yet?

Michael
06-06-2010, 10:36 AM
Some people including sports writers want an answer or answers from Ben. My assessment of Ben is that he just not the type who will be very comprehensive & deep when talking about making behavorial and attitudinal changes. Thats not a bad thing because most people aren't. In general all he has to say is that "i need to make some changes and I am sincerely working on such changes every day. " More importantly he needs to sincerely LIVE AND PRACTICE his changes. Like when he goes to a restuarant be polite and leave a nice tip, get to practice early and stay late, help his teammates out especially Dixon and young receivers, particpate in fund raisers such as the Heinz Ward gold Tourney, work with underprivileged and handicapped PEOPLE . Dogs God bless them should be a close second on his who to help list.

Once he starts experiencing the gratification of giving of himself then he will find that his self absorption and his desire to satisfy his ego will decrease. In short he has to practice and truly enjoy his newly desired behavior. I don't know what he was like in high school but my impression is that he was a good guy. Too much success so soon may have changed him but he can get it right. Maybe Ben should take a look at John Wooden's life and principles for life as presented in his Pyramid . Wouldn't be a bad idea if the coaches in the NFL didn"t do the same. Quite frankly I'm taking a look at Wooden's Pyramid once again.

I am not looking for a Madison Avenue contrived news conference or well coached Ophra or Letteman interview. Live right and win games Ben thats all I ask. LOL

43Hitman
06-06-2010, 11:08 AM
Good post. Welcome to the board Michael.

BlastFurnace
06-06-2010, 12:42 PM
Ben has done what he can up to this point. The media wants him to give them something they can't have....and I'm not sure he can give in all honesty. I know I did some dumb stuff when I was younger....why....nothing more than I was young and didn't think about the consequences. Although I was never in as deep of trouble as Ben was, it's the same concept...and when you add the fact that he is a millionaire...his feeling of invincibility is that much greater. What they are looking for is an explanation of why....I'm not even Ben can give that answer.

The important thing is that Ben keeps making progress.

stillers4me
06-06-2010, 12:53 PM
I hope he doesn't do a big sit down interview.
At least not with that dweeb Larry King, or Oprah. And not right away. It seems too desperate to change peoples opinion of him. Play the game, live right, lay low and it will all take care of itself.

I still think he should involve Tony Dungy in his recovery process. Dungy is very well respected in all aspects of his life and Ben spent time with him and Dungy tell the world that he feels that Ben is truly an repentant and changed man, who could criticize that?

BlastFurnace
06-06-2010, 02:08 PM
I hope he doesn't do a big sit down interview.
At least not with that dweeb Larry King, or Oprah. And not right away. It seems too desperate to change peoples opinion of him. Play the game, live right, lay low and it will all take care of itself.

I still think he should involve Tony Dungy in his recovery process. Dungy is very well respected in all aspects of his life and Ben spent time with him and Dungy tell the world that he feels that Ben is truly an repentant and changed man, who could criticize that?

The worst would be with Barbara Walters

siss
06-06-2010, 02:25 PM
The only person Ben has to repent to is the Lord.

Stlrs4Life
06-06-2010, 02:34 PM
Media once again making something out of nothing.

43Hitman
06-06-2010, 03:01 PM
The worst would be with Barbara Walters

Someone did a great parody interview over at Planet Steelers. It was hillarious. I think it was Flippy that wrote it up.

HometownGal
06-07-2010, 07:09 AM
By offering such bland answers, Roethlisberger left the impression that either: 1) he isn't ready or willing to address such matters publicly, or 2) he thinks the media should be happy with whatever little bit of time he gives them these days.

Of course, there is a third possibility behind his actions -- that he believes a conversation with a prominent national interviewer will help cleanse his image if he saves the good stuff for that kind of opportunity.


And probability #4 - this is a private matter that he is diligently working on and he doesn't want his words twisted and turned as the media surely would do.

Texasteel
06-07-2010, 07:25 AM
And probability #4 - this is a private matter that he is diligently working on and he doesn't want his words twisted and turned as the media surely would do.

Completely agree. This is private and right now involves the league, Ben and anyone he choses to involve. The media has always thought that if it doesn't include them, it's not serious or important.

Killer
06-07-2010, 10:24 AM
More piling on - don't say a word to these hacks, Ben.

And ESPN still refuses to cover the Packer's Underwood sexual assault case?

oh - it's just a 2nd year black player - no news there


A source said the team was waiting for further developments in the investigation. In an e-mail to The Associated Press Sunday, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said, "There is an active law enforcement investigation and we are monitoring developments. As with any such incident, it will be reviewed under the league's Personal Conduct Policy."

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/95743394.html?page=2#comments

PalmerSteel
06-07-2010, 11:26 AM
this dude must have had a deadline to beat without a story written. same guy would write a story if ben didnt talk to the media. just absolute stupidity. i think ben is quick and sharp with his words and will show enough kindness to be safe with talking to whoever he decides to, at least in front of the camera. off camera, who knows, only time will give us that answer.

SteelMember
06-07-2010, 11:54 AM
People still think Ben owes them a pint of blood, or pound of flesh.

We all need to move on, just as Ben would like too... The media will keep looking for pepper in a salt mine.

HometownGal
06-07-2010, 12:24 PM
People still think Ben owes them a pint of blood, or pound of flesh.

We all need to move on, just as Ben would like too... The media will keep looking for pepper in a salt mine.

Bingo. Sad but true. :dizzy:

st33lersguy
06-07-2010, 12:59 PM
I heard a story that Roger Goodell praised Ben's behavior since the suspension. This guy is just trying to put together anything just for pride

Indo
06-07-2010, 02:24 PM
Couldn't read the whole thing. I think someone told the guy to spin the Ben having a sit down interview as a bad thing to drum up more pub for ESPN.

Honestly, I don't think Ben has to explain himself to the media or the fans. He has explained himself to:

1. The Milledgville, Ga police
2. His lawyers
3. Dan Rooney, Art Rooney, Mike Tomlin
4. Roger Goodell
5. His family

Those are the ONLY people that are entitled to an explanation. Not me, not the media, not anyone but those people.

What he has to do to earn my complete trust back is:

1. Stay out of situations that can end badly, especially ones that can end in a sexual assault accusation.
2. Win football games, to prove that he's committed as a player

As long as he does those things, he's good in my book.

I don't believe he is guilty of raping the girl in Georgia or the woman in Nevada. The girl in Nevada is a complete lunatic and the girl from Georgia couldn't get a word in edgewise as her friends accused Ben Roethlisberger of something they didn't see him do. The fact that the girl changed her story multiple times is enough for me to believe that she wasn't raped. You either are or you aren't, there isn't any "kind of".

However, he is guilty of being a jackass and putting himself in a bad situation (in the Georgia case).

Excellent post

tube517
06-07-2010, 04:52 PM
:chuckle:


The worst would be with Barbara Walters

tony hipchest
06-07-2010, 10:47 PM
i understand most of the sentiment in this thread. hell, i think there is no way ben shoulda gotten more than a 2 game suspension, but there seems to be a prevalent belief inside league circles that all ben simply "keeping his nose clean" is gonna do is prevent dick goodell from tacking more games onto his suspension.

basically, ben needs to get out in the community and do something (anything) to smooch some serious ass and show contrition, before they even think of reducing it to 4 games.

the example i keep hearing is mike vick, who went around and spoke to children about the evils of dogfighting, and how it almost screwed up his life.

basically what ben needs to do to get this reduced to 4 games is not go on oprah, or espn, but to go to schools and preach abstinence and wearing a condom...

shit like that. then he has to apologize for a wrong he knows he didnt commit.

i know its screwed up, but thats the way it is, and likely what roger will be judging him on.

again, i think its screwed up, but i just wanna see him back in 4 games and not serve the full 6.