Roethlisberger Suspended Six Games

Courtesy of Star Pulse

The verdict is in, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended six games without pay, for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The decision was made by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday. The suspension also includes a mandatory behavioral evaluation that will be conducted by medical professionals. The suspension is conditional, and can fluctuate based on Roethlisberger’s cooperation with the terms. Hopefully, this will prove to be the wakeup call that Ben Roethlisberger needs.

The attention now shifts to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team now has a difficult decision on their hands with what to do at the quarterback position. On Tuesday night, the Steelers traded a seventh-round draft selection to Tampa Bay, for quarterback Byron Leftwich. Leftwich served as the Steelers’ backup quarterback in 2008, and found much success when he was called upon. The Steelers also have two other quarterbacks on the roster, Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch. Dixon was drafted in the fifth-round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He found himself in the starting role last season, in a Week Twelve matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, after Roethlisberger was ruled out due to injuries. Despite a losing effort, Dixon was impressive. The young quarterback went 12-26 for 145 yards, and had both, a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. Then, there is Charlie Batch. The twelve-year veteran has been with the Steelers since 2002. Recently, Batch signed a two-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh.

Since his arrival in 2004, Ben Roethlisberger has helped restore this franchise back to glory. No one can ever deny his ability on the field. When it comes to being a quarterback, he is one of the best. But, have the fans seen the last of Ben Roethlisberger in a Steelers’ uniform? With the 2010 NFL Draft beginning tomorrow night, it is a legitimate possibility that a Roethlisberger trade could happen. It is being reported by numerous sources, that the Steelers have been listening to trade offers for the two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback. At this point, it is understandable why the organization would consider a trade. After all of distractions and headaches that Roethlisberger has brought to this team, perhaps it’s time for the two parties to part ways.

By M.C. Smith

Steelers Bid Farewell to Santonio Holmes

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Last year at this time, Santonio Holmes was being revered as a Super Bowl hero, and was the reigning MVP of Super Bowl XLIII. That was then, this is now. Santonio Holmes is now a New York Jet. On Monday night, it was announced that the Steelers had traded Holmes to the Jets in return for a fifth round draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. What a difference a year makes.

Holmes has recently been having difficulty staying out of news. It has been reported that in 2010, he will be facing a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The wide receiver is also under investigation for an incident that occurred at an Orlando nightclub. This is not the first time that Holmes has dealt with off-the-field issues. In 2008, the Steelers deactivated Holmes for one game, after he was cited for marijuana possession.

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Santonio Holmes with the twenty-fifth selection of the 2006 NFL Draft. Holmes’ career with the Steelers will always be highlighted by his MVP performance in Super Bowl XLIII, where the wide receiver made arguably, the greatest catch in NFL history. In 2009, Holmes led the Steelers in receiving with 1,248 yards and five touchdowns.

Perhaps, this is more than just a trade. Maybe, this is a statement made by the Steelers organization. The statement being that this franchise still holds its players to high standards, and negative attention brought on by players will not be tolerated.

By M.C. Smith