Another Rothlisberger Post!

Ahem...here we go.

If you're tired of reading about Ben Rothlisberger, see ya.

The following is my case (Pure speculation) for Ben Rothlisberger being gone in the next few days. I know, you're thinking, "Why did he have to do a whole separate post instead of adding on to an earlier post?" Well, those of you who have read my writings know that I tend to be long winded. I didn't think that I should put something this big into someone else's blog.

If you read my recent post "Long Cold Off Season", you will be familiar with my stance, that I can't really judge Ben for his actions that I only think are those of a young guy with way too much money and not enough maturity. Of course, this all changes if he did, in fact, do the crime. This seems to be a little bit of a gray area. I don't know either way.

And, that's the problem, I have a doubt. The D.A. in Georgia did not say Ben was innocent, rather, he said he could not prove Ben guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt. In his conference, he stated that the young woman did in fact have bruises and a laceration in her genital area. What does this prove? Apparently nothing. I have a hard time believing that she fell and hit her baby-maker and did that kind of damage though. So, I have a doubt.

Either way, I read that the Rooneys are "Livid" about the negative press generated by last years situation, this one and Santanio's behavior. The Rooneys have been a standard for proper franchise ownership for far too long to see all they have worked for go POOF! because of one overly horny player, no matter who he is. Does anyone doubt that they are committed to their standards enough to let Ben go? I don't.

This is a little nit-picky (I know it's not a word), but, the guy everyone has been telling to show some maturity, the guy everyone has been hoping would get some maturity after this potentially life altering situation, shows up to his apology news conference sporting a mohawk! Take a long look at the do, and tell me that is not a mohawk. I just don't think he gets it. Let me ask you this: If you were going in front of a crowd of national reporters to do your apology, would you use cue cards? I think he would have looked a lot more heart-felt if he wasn't looking at the cards to remind him how to say he's sorry and going to try to be a better person, IMO.

We have begun calling Ben the face of the Steelers, but he's not, Hines is. Now, I see Hines' statements in the press last year questioning Ben's commitment in a whole new light. Now, I question the continuity of the locker room. I'm wondering if there is a rift there and if this will make it bigger.

It seems that at this time, if Ben was a real character guy, people would be coming out of the woodwork to defend him, they're not. I'm sure by now that you have seen Bradshaw's statements about Ben. This does not sit well. This statement, at this time, is designed for one purpose, to make Ben look bad, or to show his true character. It was not designed to reassure Steelers Nation that their franchise quarterback will respond positively to the preceding events.

Here's the part for wild speculation. I read that Rooney had voted for the overtime rules change "Reluctantly". That is not like the Rooneys to do something they are against. I think they made a deal with Goodell. I think that it was that if Ben was not charged, he would not be suspended, or not for long. Not to make sure that their franchise quarterback would be available to play for the Steelers, but so he would be available to play for the team they trade him to.

A lot of people think Ben is too valuable to be traded. Do you think he is more valuable than the reputation of the Steelers? You say he has brought two Super Bowl trophies to the 'Burgh. I say he has tarnished both of them. What is he worth now? Everybody who is not a Patriots fan, me for sure, think that the Patriots superbowls are tainted because of the cheating. Sure, this is a different kind of taint, but a taint just the same. Do you want to have to defend Ben's indefensible actions in a sports bar someplace to some idiotic Ravens fan, over this?

At first, I was all about rallying around Ben. I didn't want to see him go. I was worried about future wins, and possible championships. Today? I'm worried about the reputation of the Steelers. Is sitting Ben going to make enough of an impact on the man? Questionable. More importantly, does it make enough of an impact on the fans? Dig deep and ask yourself what you would think if William Gay was in this position. I would want him gone in a flash, as I did Santanio once I understood all the factors that went into that trade.

In conclusion, my opinion is that we will pay too high a price to retain Ben and possibly win another championship or two. And, that's the problem, championships should be earned, we should not have to pay for them. And make no mistake about it, if the Steelers retain Ben, they and Stelers nation will pay for it in credibility.

That is why I see Ben traded in the near future.