Ben Speaks

by showtime on Jul 31, 2010 11:03 AM EDT

Ben was interviewed last night and the Post Gazette has a nice story. Below are the most interesting parts:

Mr. Roethlisberger said he felt lowest about two weeks after the incident when he read and heard the charges being made against him by the woman and her friends but could not respond because of advice from his lawyers.

"I want to tell the truth, I wanted to tell my side and let everyone know what really happened," Mr. Roethlisberger said. "Because all you ever heard was her side of the story, and it was so out there, I mean ridiculously out there. People who know the truth were like, just shaking their head. I mean it was so ridiculous."

He also labeled the sexual assault accusations in a civil suit filed by a Nevada woman the year before as "ridiculous."

His lawyers advised him that if he "lashed out" at the accuser in Georgia, authorities might just take it to trial. But Mr. Roethlisberger realized he has lost a lot more.

He has lost money, endorsements, reputation and fans.

"To me, it's more about losing fans. That's what hurt the most."

What also hurts is reading what he says are exaggerated stories quoting people who accused him of walking out on restaurant and bar tabs, refusing to pay cover charges and tipping poorly, if at all.

"When some of those stories came out they were hurtful because some of them were blatantly made up, and that is just unfortunate," Mr. Roethlisberger said. "I would never want to rob the average Pittsburgh person and walk out on a bar tab or a food tab or not leave a tip. I think if you ask people [who] know, I am a pretty good tipper.

"I think people assume that just because I get up and leave a table without actually seeing me pay the bill, they think I just got up and walked out. I have great friends, though, [who] aren't afraid to pay the bill for me. But that is the unfortunate part, that a bystander over there could overlook something. But if they say that, I'm sorry. I've never been that way, and I hope they can forgive me."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10212/1076672-66.stm#ixzz0vGvAcufs

I hope someday we can find some closure to this. I'm still of the opinion that Ben didn't do anything other than throw those drunk tramps out of the VIP area and then they got vindictive and came up with their BS story. We want to put this behind us, but these are some of his first words on the subject. I dream of the day when he opens up and puts these pieces of human garbage in their place.

via 1.bp.blogspot.com

Ben is our leader. He is our warrior Chieftain. He's looked terrible defeats right in the face and given them the middle finger. Down in Superbowl XLIII with minutes to go, I KNEW he would get us up the field and win the game. I knew it because he'd done it before. No matter how scary that was, I had the comfort of knowing Big Ben would deliver. And he did.

He deserves the benefit of the doubt for all he's done for us. Any Steelers fan that boos Big Ben is a traitor in my book, but you are entitled to your opinion.

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I'm with ya brutha

I was just ticked off at him for making unwise decisions. I’m primed for his return…wish I had tix to that game.

"Who is Joe Namath? This is a guy who, if he played in the league today, I'd probably just go hit him late and see what he did, just for the hell of it. Joe Namath can go to hell; he can kiss my ass." - Greg Lloyd, after NBC commentator Joe Namath accused Lloyd of playing dirty.

by count'em_six on Jul 31, 2010 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

I still have my #7 jersey

I just tucked it away in a drawer until he can act like a 28 year old man, and not a 22 year old college kid.

As opposing quarterbacks crouched under center, Lambert pumped his legs up and down, thumping the turf like a war drum. He mouthed threats to opposing running backs that would make even the most hardened Catholic nun weep for humanity. He fulfilled those threats with coldblooded suplex tackles. He may or may not have chain-smoked at halftime, depending on who you ask.

For sixty minutes each Sunday, Jack Lambert was a demon.

by Steel Spike on Jul 31, 2010 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

I will wear mine with pride when he returns, until then it is back to good ole 36 and 17

Oh momma I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law
Lawman has put an end to my running and I'm so far from my home
Oh momma I can hear you a'crying you're so scared and all alone
Hangman is comin' down from the gallows and I don't have very
long

If Troy, Harrison and Woodley are on top of their game, that is good for 9 wins right there, regardless of what is going on with their offense. - Mr MaLoR 28/6/10

by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Jul 31, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

I bought a black #43 (among other things) with my tax returns

That’s what I will be wearing until his suspension is up. Even then, I will most likely alternate, Ben one week, Troy the next.

For sixty minutes each Sunday, Jack Lambert was a demon.

by Steel Spike on Aug 1, 2010 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Mine is still hanging on my wall

Right next the newspaper article from their last Superbowl win. :]

Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy.

Quitter's Proud United Member #11

by Mini Hulk on Jul 31, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I have a Steelers Raschel throw,

and a photo of the line hoisting Ben up after the “Toe-chdown” up on my wall. I have almost worn my white #7 jersey out, because I bought it his rookie year, and it’s the only jersey I had until this year.

For sixty minutes each Sunday, Jack Lambert was a demon.

by Steel Spike on Aug 1, 2010 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions

my Hines jeresey is getting there

I need to get a new 75th Anniversary patch, that is really worn out

Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"I have a dream where a man is judged not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character" Martin Luther King Jr.
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan

by WVPiratesfan on Aug 1, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I haven't had the heart to throw mine out.

I read the Post-Gazette interview, I hope he means what he says, he still does services for the community and settles down some. I hope his family keeps on track…but only he can choose to do so.

by newcastle,pa-gal on Aug 1, 2010 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I meant his family helps keep him on track.

by newcastle,pa-gal on Aug 1, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions

"I read the Post-Gazette interview, I hope he means what he says,"

It’s just really nice to hear Ben say in his words that what went down in GA was “ridiculous”. Just those words are such a wind in my sails to fight the Ben haters and stick up for our leader.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Aug 2, 2010 6:49 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

"In Hoc Signo Vinces!" (With this as your standard, you shall have victory!) -Constantine I

by Webslasher81 on Aug 2, 2010 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions

I have my #7 also, right next to my #92. Ben’s jersey is special to me and I only wear it occasionally. It was given to me in Ben’s 2nd year with the Steelers and I almost never wear it because Ben gives me fits and I have to yell at the TV. I did wear it to Heinz field last year when we played the Ravens (and won). I bought my Deebo jersey before SB 43 and that’s the one I usually wear.

I love being the most-hated guy here. I love beating them while [their fans] are flicking me off. --Hines Ward

by samliam on Aug 2, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm having a tough time deciding which jersey to wear for Ben's return to Tampa especially since he'll be riding the pine

The road #7 was the obvious choice until March 4, 2010. The #10 XLIII was also a front-runner, but that one is now retired until it reaches Legacy status. At least I think that’s the term as defined by the Council.

I love my #92 XLIII but that is the crappier type of jersey.

Not wearing #7 will be a cop out, but then again I’m going with my parents among others and don’t want them to see the ugliness of NFL fans at their worst.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jul 31, 2010 11:56 AM EDT reply actions

Every game I've been to I've worn #7

And if I go to a Steelers game this year I will be sporting #7.

I love being the most-hated guy here. I love beating them while [their fans] are flicking me off. --Hines Ward

by samliam on Aug 2, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions

calling those girls human garbage

is irresponsible. I dont think Ben is guilty of sexual assault but we dont really know do we? You have to be a human being before a Steelers fan. And sometimes Ben doesnt make the game saving drive happen. He’s a human being also.

Steelers rule, Phins are cool,
Pats and Jets blow donkeys

by closetphinphan on Jul 31, 2010 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

That was a bit harsh looking back already a hour later I shouldn't have used that language

but I believe they lied, and if that’s true, then what else is there to say?

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jul 31, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

i liked it

"I sweat at the sound of hearing the names of Harrison and Woodley."- Mr MaLoR

by kick him in the head on Aug 2, 2010 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions

there are plenty of people that are human garbage, and the only time in my recent memory I remember ben NOT making that saving drive was against Cincy

by klompus on Aug 2, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Ben can speak all he wants

However, the way for him to earn his fans up is just play football and keep himself out of bad situations. It is that easy. Once he starts winning, Pittsburgh fans will forgive and forget. Most people are all about the now and tend to forget the past when everything is going well.

It’s nice to see him talk about it, but it doesn’t change my perspective. I still think he did not assault anyone, but I also believe he cannot put himself in situations like this anymore if he wants to remain our QB.

"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"

by John Stephens on Jul 31, 2010 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

There are two sides to every story, and this is one we'll never see match up.

Rather than talk trash at the girls, or at Ben, let’s try biting our tongues and let this go already.

I agree with Johnny, let’s get him back to playing the games, and let’s hope that he’s learned how to remove himself from questionable situations so we can all cheer for him both on and off the field.

by dawgs144 on Jul 31, 2010 2:57 PM EDT reply actions

Ok, I actually feel bad for Ben

The more time I spend on this topic, the more I believe that he is more of a victim than anyone else here. He seems to have been ripped apart by this, fair enough, he was an entitled douche, but, his name has been dragged through the mud, this will stick to him throughout his ENTIRE life. I wish him all the luck in losing the tag, but I agree with Johnny on this, he needs to win back the masses with a good season.

If Troy, Harrison and Woodley are on top of their game, that is good for 9 wins right there, regardless of what is going on with their offense. - Mr MaLoR 28/6/10

by Josh Roberts (ESGB) on Jul 31, 2010 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

+10000000

Quitter's Proud United Member #11

by Mini Hulk on Jul 31, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

He has to make the fans believe he is sincerely sorry for his actions.

I think this will help. He can do this by, obviously, winning games, as well as making better choices, another obvious piece of this puzzle. Hopefully, he can do that and maybe having to sit and watch 4-6 games, it will reinforce the important role he plays on this team, to the city of Pittsburgh and the fans of the Nation.

Things can always be worse....

by ncmt40 on Jul 31, 2010 9:44 PM EDT reply actions

I hope he takes a sigh of relief now

We’re a forgiving bunch… but we don’t forget. Don’t screw it up, Ben and you’ll have our support for a lifetime.

When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!

by 1BlkGldFan on Aug 1, 2010 2:21 AM EDT reply actions

I hope he’s angry, and I’d love for him to unleash that anger on the field. And I am really glad that he looks like he’s in the best shape he’s ever been.

I love being the most-hated guy here. I love beating them while [their fans] are flicking me off. --Hines Ward

by samliam on Aug 2, 2010 10:20 AM EDT reply actions