>Who exactly does Roger Goodell think he is? Where does he get the right to suspend players who have been exonerated by the legal system?
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>http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5121614
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>I do not believe Ben Roethlisberger is innocent. He may have done everything he is accused of doing. But Goodell is way over the line.
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>The Tank Johnson case was bad. This is worse. This is Cotton Mather in charge of a major American institution.

The NFL has a personal conduct policy as does each NFL franchise and many individual contracts. The conclusion of the investigation released all the gathered evidence in the case and clearly shows that Ben at minimum supplied a minor with alcohol, entered a ladies restroom of a public establishment and put himself and the accuser in a compromising situation. Whether or not he's guilty of raping the girl was inconclusive as the accuser and Ben were the only 2 people involved, the accuser was blitzed and uncooperative, Ben clammed up and the crime scene was unsecured and compromised. In addition the accuser chose not to pursue the case which pretty much ended the investigation. That the prosecutor refrained from charging him does not excuse the behavior which is up to the Steelers and the league to determine if it violated their conduct policy. The Steelers appear to have deferred to the commissioner and I think his ruling is fair for this case and sends the right message for the league's future.

I'm furious at Ben for once again acting like a complete newbie, unaware of his gifted position and unthinking regarding those who depend on him. Damn it! Now I have to endure Leftwich's hour long wind up pass for 4-6 games. At least we've got a light early schedule.