Boston Globe: Penalty served, the idea now is to redeem, rebuild

Big Ben’s toll

http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonza..._0283/300h.jpgThese Steelers fans made their feelings clear at Ben Roethlisberger’s first game back from his four-game suspension. (Gene J. Puskar/ Associated Press)
By Amalie Benjamin

Globe Staff / November 14, 2010

PITTSBURGH — The trash can stands on the right side of the room, lashed with duct tape, with a crude basketball court marked off with masking tape in front of it. Though the tape is curled and peeling — the result of a daily beating by the feet of 300-pound football players — the court is still good enough. So is the ball, a white mess that in no way calls to mind the regulation leather one used in the NBA but fits the can just right, at least most of the time.

So goes the post-suspension locker room life of the Steelers quarterback, as he continues to ease back into the NFL after missing the first four games of the 2010 season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The NFL imposed a four-game suspension after Roethlisberger was accused, for the second time, of sexual misconduct.

"He’s more open to a lot of guys,’’ said wide receiver Hines Ward. “For years, he only hung out with certain people. Maybe that was his defense mechanism or whatever. But he’s opened himself up to everybody, playing basketball with all the rookies, hanging out with offensive and defensive players, special teams guys. Coming over, conversing. It’s good to see him making a conscious effort to better himself.’’

It’s noticeable. Roethlisberger seems to fit. It’s clear that an effort is being made..............

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