Intervention: Big Ben Isn't In Big Trouble Quite Yet

If the tale of "Chicken Little" were written today, undoubtedly someone would have given him a Prozac prescription and recommended intense counseling to overcome his all-consuming phobia of the "falling sky." For those who don't know, nowadays there are treatments for irrational over-reaction to baseless fear. As a three-decade plus member of SteelerNation, I would encourage my brethren to get help for their affliction.

There is a large contingent of Steeler fans who are expressing outrage and exasperation with the latest accusation against Ben Roethlisberger. Some say "cut him" now, or "he should be suspended". There is a litany of complaints about his "poor judgement". These outbursts are a knee-jerk reaction. They are reaching a conclusion that isn't based in fact.

Before I detail the reality of the situation, let me say this: If Ben crossed the legal line with the woman in the Georgia nightclub, he should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I have a daughter. If there ever comes a day when a guy doesn't take her "NO" for an answer, he will have more to fear from me than he ever will from the authorities.

That said, here are the facts.

1) Ben is a 28-year-old, successful man in a glamorous profession.

Now, in my opinion, there is nothing wrong with him going to a nightclub chock full of college women. If it isn't your cup of tea, that's your problem. If the women in that club are the age-of-consent, no one should take issue with him looking for some action. I ask any man reading this aged 28 or older: at that age, would you have refused the advances of a 20-year-old woman you found attractive because she was too young (there might be other reasons to reject her)? Everyday we hear about rich, old CEO's fooling around with women young enough to be their daughter, and no one bats an eyelash. But when the quarterback of your favorite team looks to get lucky with a (legal aged) college girl, you're ready to run him out of town on a rail?

2) He is already facing a civil suit for sexual assault.

True, but multiple reports indicate there are more holes in Andrea McNulty's story than in the Steelers secondary. But that accusation is being used by some to make the current case sound more believable. I have heard some on sports radio say that once is an aberration, twice is a trend/problem. The two incidents are very different and those who are using one to validate the other are taking quite a leap.

3) He put his face through a windshield riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

A clear sign that he's a pervert, right? Again, the talking heads on sports radio and the squawking fingers of blog-world say this shows bad judgement. Was it illegal for him to ride his motorcycle without a helmet? Yes and no. He was cited because he didn't have a valid motorcycle license, which would have made it legal for him to ride without a helmet. Is that bad judgement? If you haven't done anything stupider than that in your life, you've been living in a cave. Let's not be hypocritical, okay?

4) He isn't nice to people in Pittsburgh and doesn't like to sign autographs.

Geez, people. Get over it. He wins football games for your favorite team, isn't that enough? Does he have to tuck you into bed at night and rub your feet too to earn your love?

5) Commissioner Goodell has the power to suspend him for multiple games.

Yes, Roger is judge, jury and executioner. That's the way the league is set up. But let's look at the history. Plaxico Burress wasn't suspended by Goodell until after the star wideout was suspended by the Giants and pleaded guilty to criminal charges. Pacman Jones had numerous arrests before he was suspended. Michael Vick's "indefinite suspension" ran concurrent with his federal sentence on dog fighting charges. Goodell can at least wait for the case against Roethlisberger to either proceed with a criminal filing or it's closed without charges.

6) Ben has refused a second police interview.

Some think this is a sign of guilt. Here's what it REALLY means. Roethlisberger has one of the best lawyers money can buy, and some of the best money talent can buy. His lawyer is protecting his backside like the stud left tackle we all wish the Steelers had (you know, the guy Max Starks isn't). It is the smart legal move, not the best PR move.

7) The guy is a winner.

I don't need to cite Ben's accomplishments. Steeler Nation is well aware of his on-the-field exploits and failures. Two more Lombardi's don't lie, Ben is a winner.

But that isn't enough for some, because he's violated a mythic, sacrosanct pact between the team's players and the city that these athletes should be "holier-than-thou", it's the "Steelers Way."

Bull! The "Steelers Way" is winning. That's why Kordell Stewart (clean record, no titles) is gone and James Harrison (domestic abuse case but 100 yard INT for TD in the Super Bowl) is still on the team.

Ben's detractors say he has brought shame to the organization. Really? Seems to me like he has brought a thimble full of controversy and a bucket full of glory, and still some people want to chuck him overboard.

We don't know what happened in that nightclub bathroom. Only two people do. At least one of them was apparently very drunk at the time as well. If Ben took advantage of that fact and did something inappropriate, he should face the consequences, whether they be civil or criminal. However, all of the hand-wringing from self-described fans is the equivalent of a false-start. They are jumping the gun, anticipating a snap count based on headlines from ESPN.

What will you say if Ben is cut, traded or suspended and later there are no charges filed? What will you say if the McNulty case is later tossed out? What will you say if his name is fully cleared? "Sorry we called you a rapist, Ben. No hard feelings?" And then "Congratulations on winning that Super Bowl for the Raiders."

So for all of the "Chicken Littles" of SteelerNation: The sky is NOT falling. Please stop trying so hard to pull it down.