Most NFL Head coaches would only be too happy if their number one Receiver was following the star Quarterback’s offseason example. You know, working at a football camp, hosting a golf tournament for his charitable foundation, and of course preparing for the upcoming season.
The same can’t be said for Pittsburgh Steelers’ Coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin must be beside himself that his star tandem – Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes – seem to be pursuing the same type of off-season activity. Yes, getting into trouble with young girls in bars has emerged to be the favoured pastime of Pittsburgh’s star Pivot and Pass Catcher recently.
As of this writing, an investigation into Roethlisberger’s alleged sexual assault on a 20-year old Co-ed student in a rural Georgia bar has almost concluded. Although it looks as if Big Ben and his high-priced legal team will slip charges with the same ease as he escapes the clutches of a defensive end, you have to wonder why an All-Pro Quarterback who makes hundreds of good decisions on the field continues to make repeatedly terrible judgment calls off of it.
Holmes' Popularity Isn't What It Once Was In Pittsburgh
And then there is the sure-handed Santonio – this man’s hands are so good he came down with arguably the most spectacular game-winning touchdown grab in Superbowl history just two years ago – yet he allegedly let a glass slip from his fingers and into the face of a female club patron just weeks ago. Holmes now finds himself being sued in Civil Court for assault and battery.
The Steelers, who appeared to be building towards another dynasty following their win at Super Bowl XLIII, now suddenly find themselves on shaky ground heading into the 2010 season following off-field bad judgment. It’s apparent that Big Ben, who at age 28 is already a two-time Super Bowl Champion, has been given numerous free passes by team brass in the past, despite numerous run-ins with the law.
But when a team leader – in this case, Roethlisberger – is immune to sanction from the organization, others start to follow his bad example. Subsequently, you get players like Holmes – with multiple arrests and multiple payoffs to avoid prosecution – infecting the locker room.
It's Amazing How Quickly Things Can Change
However, there is real danger for both players now. Pittsburgh fans pride themselves not only on winning, but winning the right way, with a major emphasis on family, teamwork and community. Listen to local sports talk shows and you’ll see – Steelers fans are outraged by the blatant disregard to these principles shown by Roethlisberger and Holmes this off-season, and the animosity towards these two is beginning to outweigh the goodwill of two Super Bowl wins. Local Pittsburgh radio and TV broadcaster Stan Savran commented on Big Ben’s waning support, “I think his image has suffered… almost 100% (of fans) have kind of lined up against him.” The idea that Steelers’ fans would be against Ben Roethlisberger would have been unthinkable just a year ago.
Both players have escaped sanction from their club in the past because, to use the words of another team owner, they “Just Win Baby”. That won’t be the case this time around. Personally, I always feel that it takes something traumatic for an individual to change negative behaviour. With the court of public opinion turning so heavily against Big Ben and Santonio in once worshipful Pittsburgh, this just might be shake-up that helps Roethlisberger and Holmes straighten out, fly right and hopefully avoid some future tragedy. It’s clear that the star QB and Receiver need to follow a new example.
Other Interesting Links On The Subject Worth Checking Out:
He Got No Game: Is Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Mentally Ill? (Bleacher Report)
Milledgeville Police Will Soon Send Roethlisberger Case To Prosecutor (Pro Football Talk)
Holmes Career With Steelers In Jeopardy? (Rotoworld)
This column marks the debut of TSJ’s newest contributor – Keith Reedon, aka ‘The Football Junkie’ – to the mix of satisfying your daily sports fix. Keith’s background in all sports is extensive, but he maintains a specific affection towards all things football, be it NFL, CFL or Soccer. A career devotée to sports, including 10+ years in Sports Television, he’s molded himself into the truest of ‘junkies’ and ultimately made himself a welcomed and valuable addition to the TSJ crew.
And starting June 11th, Reedon will be providing commentary and analysis on the 2010 World Cup – right here on thesportsJunkie.ca.
Hey do you know what the Top 10 Pittsburgh Steeler sites are? I’m a huge Steelers fan and I would love a short easy to compile list like this in order to get as much information about my favorite team, the Steelers as possible. Go Steelers.
The NFL in general seems to be in the news throughout the offseason every year for all the wrong reasons. This year it’s the Steelers. Prediction, next summer it will be some other team.
“this just might be shake-up that helps Roethlisberger and Holmes straighten out, fly right and hopefully avoid some future tragedy”
I doubt it. Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault twice in 18 months. Let’s assume he was innocent both times – he still hasn’t learned to stop putting himself in situations where he can get in trouble. He also said after his near-fatal motorcycle crash that he would grow up and take more responsibility for himself but clearly he isn’t capable of it. I think we’ll continue to see him make more headlines of the wrong kind and the Steelers should think long and hard about the direction of their franchise.
It’s very true, Rich – it’s hard for a leopard to change their spots. Roethlisberger is of questionable character. Will he need to go the Michael Vick route before learning his lesson for good? Perhaps. Funny how his extreme cockiness works so well on the field, yet makes him such a jerk off of it. It’s been suggested – although certainly not rampant in the media – that Hines Ward, a player who embodies what it means to be a Steeler, can’t stand Big Ben. No surprise there. With Ward only having a couple of productive years left max, this whole situation could really blow up for Pittsburgh and leave them in the basement of the AFC North.
That wouldn’t be a Bengals fan dreaming there would it?