Much has been made about the suspension of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, its fairness, its impact on the Steelers and the youth of our nation. However, one new angle on Big Ben's suspension, and the root of its cause, made us at RSS almost fall out of our chair. In Sunday's Pittsburgh Tribune-Review an article appeared, which, at least threw out the theory, that Big Ben's deplorable behavior might not be a flaw in his character...but alas, a flaw with his brain.
You see, the article, which interviewed several medical "experts" at least suggests that Big Ben's history of concussions might be responsible for his poor judgement, and "the inhibition that keeps most others from displaying inappropriate social behavior". Why do I feel like the "experts" asked about a link between Big Ben's concussions and allegations of sexual abuse have a lot in common with this guy...
Now, don't get me wrong. Concussions are an absolutely serious problem in all of sports, the NFL especially. The tragic cases of Mike Webster and Andre Waters among others shows there is a definite link to multiple concussions and serious medical issues. But, trying to explain Big Ben's drunken rendezvous with college coeds is a bridge too far. To group such poor behavior by the face of the Steelers with a serious medical condition is ludicrous and is only meant to protect Big Ben's image. It's much kinder for NFL fans to think of Big Ben's behavior as a side effect of getting hit too much in the head than the simple truth that he might just be an immature, entitled pro athlete.
This isn't a new phenomenon, but it is recent. Just look at the cases of Steve Phillips and Tiger Woods. Steve Phillips wasn't just a creepy old guy who wanted to have some fun with a 22-year old production assistant, he was a sex addict.
Tiger Woods wasn't a poor family man who had to have sex with over a dozen mistresses, he's a sex addict. It's too hard for public figures these days to actually admit they were wrong, or admit they aren't the person many people thought. Instead, there must be some type of label that can explain away the behavior, and soften the blow. It's pathetic.
In the case of Roethlisberger, his constant "behavioral issues" aren't a new phenomenon. Anybody stupid/arrogant enough to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, or have a bodyguard drag a girl to a bathroom shows that he doesn't think the rules of society apply to him. Dating back to his days at Miami (OH), Big Ben has had stories told of his poor treatment of women and elevated treatment of himself. Look, if you live in Ohio, someone knows someone who has a Big Ben story...and where there's smoke, there's fire. If all the Deadspin/TMZ rumors are believed to be true, Big Ben's morals and attitude might be in question, but not his mental health. Sure, I may be proven wrong, but if that's the case, as the great Jerry Glanville once said, I'll be selling groceries.
Do you agree with our analysis of Big Ben's brain? Let us know by leaving a comment. And while you're here, feel free to peruse all of our draft coverage from the past week. Also stay tuned as we shift into full gear for the NBA and NHL Playoffs with our Round 2 Resets. Until next time, it's bye for now!
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