Big Lead Sports Bar

8/04/2010

Goodell Sounds Pleased With Roethlisberger


NFL Principal Roger Goodell will be bringing his traveling discipline roadshow to Steeler training camp on Thursday, when he is expected to have a meeting with one of his class clowns, Ben Roethlisberger.

During a trip to Ravens training camp on Wednesday, presumably to sniff around the numerous troublemakers on that roster,Goodell was asked about Roethlisberger. On that topic, the Commish said, "He is doing what he's been asked to do -- and frankly more," adding that Roethlisberger "understands the seriousness of this and the fact he has to change the way he's doing things. I'm encouraged by that."

The reviews from Latrobe have been glowing so far for Roethlisberger, who has shined on and off the field in an attempt to win back his good name on some level. OC Bruce Arians said he's never seen Roethlisberger in better shape, and Ben has yet to throw an interception in 11-on-11 drills. Inside the locker room, Hines Ward vouches that Roethlisberger has been making an effort to be a better teammate. And he's even been more accommodating to the media. Maybe - just maybe - the message actually got through this time.

Diligently working out, treating his teammates like they matter...if these are new developments in Roethlisberger's routine (which has already produced two titles), I can only wonder how this will change his game in a positive way.

But let's bring it back to the pow-wow with Goodell. The significance of this meeting could be great for the quarterback and the team, which anticipate his six-game suspension being cut to four with good behavior.That's looking more and more like a reality as camp plays out and Roethlisberger continues to play to the rave reviews he's received. The only shame about the situation is that it took such a  horrible turn of events and subsequent wake-up call to finally get through to the talented signal-caller.

4 comments:

4thelulz said...

WOOT!

BurressWithButterflywings said...

It is certainly a shame this is what it took to get through Ben's thick skull.

I almost wonder if AJR II pushed for a lengthier suspension or required Ben not to appeal in order to send a message. The reason I am stating this is because many guys have actually committed crimes lately and not even gotten a single game. Unless my boss was telling me otherwise, I would be protesting a 4-6 gm layoff for no arrest and no charges.

okel dokel said...

Glad to see Overlord Goddell is walking amongst his minions and proclaiming some of his bigger P.R nightmares are "healed."

He had a similar road show for Vick in Philly.

HomeRunFromBehindTheMeatballs said...

I'm very hopeful that Goodell is going to reduce Ben's suspension today. Everything sounds promising.

@BWBW - I agree. It's very curious that Vince Young & Mike Vick don't get squat, but Big Ben gets 4-6 games. There is something more going on somewhere. Very curious...