Pittsburgh Steelers Would Be Foolish to Trade Ben Roethlisberger

The latest news that the Steelers are actively shopping Ben Roethlisberger is mind-boggling to say the least.

So is the excessive suspension handed down by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (a.k.a Joseph Stalin) but that's another topic for another day.

Besides, the Steelers can't control that. However, they do control personnel decisions.

The fact of the matter is, the Steelers must keep Ben Roethlisberger to remain competitive. Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich may manage a win or two here or there, but they will not make the offense run nearly as well as Roethlisberger does.

The team as it is currently constructed and performing needs Ben Roethlisberger in order to succeed. If it weren't for Ben's ability to engineer late-game comebacks, Super Bowl XLIII would not have happened and the Steelers would have been out of the playoff race much earlier than they were.

Remember that shootout with Green Bay last year at Heinz Field? That game would have been a rather one-sided shootout with Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch at quarterback if you ask me.

The main factor driving this trade speculation is the public outcry against Ben Roethlisberger that is supposed to be about 95% of Steeler Nation if one were to believe some sources.

The more I look at the situation though, the more it seems that the flames are being fanned by elements in the Pittsburgh and national media. John Steigerwald, Bob Smizik, and Gene Collier immediately come to mind, along with a bunch of local radio hacks. The Internet has spread ridiculous rumors about him as well. 

With the exception of Mark Madden, it seems the whole Pittsburgh media has been on an anti-Ben crusade since March 5.

Of course, the sustained assault has stirred up a big moronic mob that is ready to drive the Steelers' best hope since Terry Bradshaw out of town.

I think that what the Rooney family must realize is that just as easily as this hatred was stirred up against Ben, it can be made to go away once he comes back and starts winning games. It is not here to stay, mark my words.

These same people will be very upset if they do get what they wish for, as it will result in at least five losing seasons by my estimation.

Once upon a time there was another star athlete who played in Pittsburgh. He was an amazing talent, but most people thought he was a jerk, and when he left many in the moronic mob and the media said good riddance. His name was Barry Bonds, his team was the Pirates, and they have been in the toilet since his departure in 1992. I for one do not want to see the Steelers in the toilet.

Sure, he embarrassed himself and the organization with his idiotic behavior, nobody disputes that. The only reason he is still with the organization is because he is who he is. Because of what he has done for the team, and the money the team has invested in him, he should be given a chance to redeem himself.

Once he comes back, if he comes back, he will be welcomed more as the wins pile up.