If Roethlisberger skates, Goodell will face a race debate
Ben Roethlisberger read a statement Monday, giving a generic apology for his behavior.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has shown little tolerance for players who don’t walk the line like good little clones. So I’m going to assume he will treat the NFL’s latest “suspected” felon the same way as he has others. Otherwise, he’s setting himself up for a mini race riot.
Ben Roethlisberger is innocent of sexual assault. Or, I should say, the district attorney in Milledgeville announced he won’t bring charges because he doesn’t believe he can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. (Often in cases like this, the alleged victim also was drinking so it makes things difficult to prove. And sometimes, the alleged victim also gets an envelope full of cash to suddenly not cooperate with police. I’m not saying that’s what happened. I’m just saying that happens.)
Back to Goodell. He has suspended players in the past who were arrested but not convicted of crimes. Most notable on the list: Adam “Pacman” Jones and
Unfortunately, this is one of the faces of the NFL.
Chris Henry. You’ll recall that he also told Michael Vick not to report to Falcons training camp, even while Vick was denying guilt and long before he pled to dog-fighting charges.
Jones, Henry and Vick all are African American. Roethlisberger is white.
I understand the arguments on both sides of the suspension debate.
♦ For suspension: The NFL is like any other employer. The “conduct detrimental to the league” excuse works for any company that wishes to fire or suspend an employee who is prone to excessive knuckleheadedness.
♦ Against suspension: If a man isn’t convicted of a crime, the NFL has no right to punish him.
The problem here is that Goodell already has set precedent. He can’t go back now. There is enough circumstantial evidence of Roethlisberger excessively imbibing. There are now at least two cases where a woman has brought sex assault allegations against him (he faces a civil suit stemming from an alleged incident in Lake Tahoe, Nev., in 2008).
As a Super Bowl winning quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Roethlisberger is making both the NFL and one of its centerpiece franchises look bad. For Goodell, this should be am easy call.
When Goodell suspended Jones and Henry in 2007, he sent letters to the two players that read in part: “Your conduct has brought embarrassment and ridicule upon yourself, your club, and the NFL, and has damaged the reputation of players throughout the league. You have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career, and have risked both your own safety and the safety of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct warrants significant sanction.”
Is there any difference in this case?
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291 comments Add your comment
bcatl
April 14th, 2010
3:26 pm
Uga acct? No crime was prosecuted. You have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. All the prosecutor said was he couldn’t meet the reasonable doubt standard. There’s a subtle distinction being made here.
However, to all the people who want to go easy on Big Ben, don’t worry. Let him slide and give him another year. He’ll eventually get himself convicted of something he he keeps this lifestyle up.
Bama Bill
April 14th, 2010
3:33 pm
So, big Ben says that he did not lay a hand on that co-ed ? Where are the charges for underage drinking, providing the booze and such ? Does Ben usually take young drunk co-eds into the bath room to help him ? Is the club shut down and license revoked ? Mom and Dad’s, I would say that that is a good school and city NOT to send their children to. Thugs seem to rule the place !
GSU Eagle 91
April 14th, 2010
3:36 pm
I believe he should be suspended for his actions..He seems to live a charmed existence, though, after getting away with 2 discretions, and surviving a MC accident.
2-4 games should suffice..The Rooneys deserve better from their franchise player!
Matt
April 14th, 2010
3:39 pm
This is not a race issue. Yes Holmes is balck and Ben is white. Whoopty do. Whoever pointed that out is a genious. The reason Holmes was sent away is b/c he’s a trouble maker but also a receiver. Receivers are easier to replace than your FRANCHISE QB. A lot of people will say thats not right. Ben did this so he should be released. While he should eb suspended they did also invest over $100 Million in this guy so from a business standpoint he has to stay. Holmes is 1 more suspension away from a yearlong suspension so since he wasn’t the franchise QB he had to go. How can you call it racial when the Rooney’s (the owners of the team) created the Rooney rule making it mandatory for teams to interview a minority candidate?
ugaaccountant
April 14th, 2010
3:42 pm
Al Sharptong
April 14th, 2010
3:24 pm
“This is America and innocent until proven guilty is the standard.”
No it’s not.
I stand by my statement, it’s a fundemental tenant of our society.
Archie
April 14th, 2010
3:42 pm
Ben did something morally wrong but it can’t be proven that he did something criminally wrong and the girl was at fault morally for getting so drunk she couldn’t make a coherent statement to the police. Rothlisberger’s biggest problem is trying to get sex by taking advantage of a stupidly drunk woman and it’s his second time having a problem where a woman thought he took advantage of her. His conduct was detrimental to the league and he should miss a game but frankly, I think it was wrong of Goodell to suspend players that just, just, because they make the league look bad. It will look like a double standard but society has a double standard when it comes to arrests and convictions and every time the numbers are run it shows up.
erika420
April 14th, 2010
3:45 pm
friendgurl’s nose IS big .. Ben needs help !!!
tman
April 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Her nose looks that way because it is cooking from too much tanning. Stick a fork in it, it is almost done.
Archie
April 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Matt everything you said made sense except the last statement. This can be a race issue because other guys have been suspended just for being arrested multiple times but anyway I don’t like suspensions and if Goodell had not started with that general “conduct detrimental” stuff he wouldn’t have to be aware or think about any kind of issue. In other words, punish people for specific offenses not general stuff.
ugaaccountant
April 14th, 2010
3:50 pm
bcatl
April 14th, 2010
3:26 pm
Uga acct? No crime was prosecuted. You have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. All the prosecutor said was he couldn’t meet the reasonable doubt standard. There’s a subtle distinction being made here.
I don’t believe a prosecutor is even allowed to say, “we believe he’s innocent”. It would be disrespectful to the accuser and imply she was lying. In a case like this, the prosecutor’s statement should be issued carefully and neutrally as he did.
Feeling Free
April 14th, 2010
3:51 pm
Right is right and Wrong is wrong.. that sums it all up. If the man is gulity in the eye of the commissioner he may be punished, just like the other players before him. Hopefully race is not an issue, this is getting so darn old. I was taught to love people not the color of their skin. It’s 2010 and we are still talking about race, when will that topic end.
ugaaccountant
April 14th, 2010
3:51 pm
Archie – Ben wasn’t arrested. Continue…
Archie
April 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
ugaaccount, I never said Ben was arrested…
ugaaccountant
April 14th, 2010
4:14 pm
you mentioned arrests in your last two posts, as if it’s relevant to this discussion.
Archie
April 14th, 2010
4:29 pm
I did mention arrests because people were talking about the differences in punishment in the Nfl and how some guys were punished before they were even charged. It’s relevant because in society everything statistics are run you have harsher punishment for minorities for the same crime and I think what Jeff Schultz is saying that it will look like a double standard if something doesn’t happen to Ben R. for basically conduct detrimental to the league. Matt, made some good points earlier about the difference between a good receiver and a franchise quarterback as it relates to this situation but I disagreed with his last statement.
It’s true that Ben R. has never been arrested or even charged but he has been accused two times in less than a year of sexual assault and he does not deny he was in a bathroom with a young lady so it fits that general “conduct detrimental” to the team stuff. Schultz is not the only writer to mention race while discussing Ben R. Frankly, I think if Goodell had not come off as this law-and-order guy this would not be a discussion.
ugaaccountant
April 14th, 2010
4:34 pm
Arrested and Charged are both higher levels than accused. Incidentally, I don’t think any of the 3 should carry a punishment at all until a conviction, but there are large differences in the 3 words.
And also, a general “conduct detrimental” clause is b.s. in general in contract law. It’s just not the way a contract is supposed to work, not that I want to get into that. A conduct detremintal policy does lead to these kind of issues where some people honestly don’t know the difference in levels of proof in the various stories, and assume they are equal.
Basically Goddell’s dug his own grave here.
If Roethlisberger skates, Goodell will face a race debate | Jeff … Quote Me
April 14th, 2010
5:21 pm
[...] original here: If Roethlisberger skates, Goodell will face a race debate | Jeff … By admin | category: black quotes | tags: accused, are-going, fight-dogs, guess-only, [...]
Dan
April 14th, 2010
6:12 pm
DC Dirty Bird – I said Roethlisberger should be suspended – going into a public bathroom to engage in some sort of sexual activity with a blotto drunk 20 year old is reprehensible for a 21 year old frat boy, let alone a 28 year old multi-millionaire NFL QB.
But with regard to “precedents and technicalities” being the primary thrust of my argument, if the purpose of the NFL disciplinary policy is to deter misconduct, then it is reasonable to ask what conduct is prohibited if players are supposed to avoid engaging in that sort of conduct.
My understanding is that Goodell’s previous suspensions have involved either: 1) failing a drug test; or 2) engaging in misconduct that was sufficiently egregious to result in an arrest. Roethlisberger has not flunked a drug test (Santonio Holmes fluked another one and the Steelers gave him away this week to the Jets as an alternative to cutting him). And probable cause to arrrest Roethlisberger has not been found – in fact, the DA said the investigation did not establish probable cause that a criem had been committed.
If Roethlisberger was not being suspended after having engaged in conduct that had resulted in a non-white player being suspended, then a case of favorable treatment based on race would be established. That is not the case.
Therefore, for Jeff Schulz and Bill Rhoden of The New York Times to contend that if Roethlisberger is not suspended there s a racial double standard in play is specious. If Roethlisberger is suspended, he apparently will be the first player suspended by Goodell who has not been arrested, convicted of a crime, or failed a drug test – instad, i guess the suspension wil be based on actions in Milledgeville and a pendig civil suit in Nevada where the plaintiff has her own package of credibility problems. While I personally believe a suspension is appropriate, if Goodell imposes a suspension so the news media will quit bleating about needing to get a high profile white player’s scalp, that will constitute dscrimination against Roethlisberger on the basis of Roethlisberger’s race.
Of course after living in Atlanta for 30 years it usually come back to a racial discussion around here, a practice that is encouraged by the race baiting of such AJC writers as Mr. Schulz and his dear, departed colleague Terence Moore (who no doubt would contend the only reason the Steelers let Santonio Holmes go is becuase Holmes is black).
Just my two cents – cheers
Mike
April 14th, 2010
7:22 pm
I think Ben should be suspended because of how he conducted himself….not because ot seems like the politically correct thing to do. If he is not suspended I will be very unhappy with the NFL for allowing there players to exercise that type of behavior. However anytime disciplinary action is being considered, race should not factor into the equation.
GMann
April 14th, 2010
8:51 pm
Not all players that were suspended were charged with a crime. So, if Ben is not suspended, it looks like he is getting special treatment. Not that Goodell will consciously think to himself, “let’s not suspend Ben b/c he is white.” But, unconsciously, Ben being white could play a role in Goodell’s decision.
Personally, I think it is wrong to suspend anyone if they are not convicted. But, Goodell set a standard, and now he needs to remain consistent.
TommyJack
April 15th, 2010
8:14 am
Clearly, at the least, Big Ben is a doofus. BTW, is it me, or is he becoming a lard-azz?
Dan
April 15th, 2010
8:29 am
GMann
Please name a player whom Goodell has suspended for off the field misconduct who was not arrested, charged with a crime, convicted of a crime, or failed a drug test.
CalvinKlein
April 15th, 2010
10:48 am
Big Ben proved that he was innocent, so it turned out that he was “Gentle Ben” after all and did no wrongdoing. As it were, since Ben was exonerated, Ben should not be suspended at all and all of his LOST endorsements should be reinstated at once. Ben’s accusations were a fluke.
Just Being Real
April 15th, 2010
1:59 pm
first off f*#$ Vick cause regardless of my race(which is Black)because he didn’t play hard for my home Team, two f*&% Ben cause I can see once being accused but twice is very suspect, three for any one taking up for Ben or Vick for that matter is blinded by bias thinking, the people have been given an option in life that most don’t get and the play with it like it’s a joke, it’s really sad how the slap us all in the face and yet we still find was to defend them.
egeagle
April 15th, 2010
3:35 pm
It’s funny how the most virulent racists and bigots are the ones who scream it loudest. junebaby, Vickstrap, Cousin Charlie, et al. Don’t forget MCR, either, who only hates Matt becasue he’s white. These A-clowns have used many bigotry-laced code words used by blacks with impunity because stupid libs think they can assuage their “”white guilt”Vick had GAMBLING debts and he probably shaved a few points in his time. I still see him fumbling a ball without even being hit in an inexplicable loss to the Lions years ago. Race is all these fools can think of or express. They are no better or worse than JB Stoner or his ilk. As for charges, why can’t I call Michael Jackson a child molester. 14 mil in hush money is OK if you’re black. There is no content to your collective characters.
Camden Mark
April 15th, 2010
10:39 pm
I think in this day and age we are way past this “race” crap.
Ben has not only not been arrested he hasn’t even been charged,with anything.
Red yellow black or white,there should be no suspension in sight,not in this case
ejj
April 15th, 2010
11:04 pm
I didn’t realize until now how racist this state really is. Bloggers constantly talk about Vick, he served his punishment, and he isn’t even in the state. This clown has an second sexual incident, and the GBI finds residue, but won’t try him. Mville should have tried him, its bs.
san diego dawg
April 16th, 2010
1:53 am
Something is not right with this young man. I think he should be suspended for mandatory therapy. There is a pattern going on here with his life away from football and it is not good. Ben needs help ridding whatever he is suppressing before it is too late. I’d hate to see him continue down this same path and end up as another tragic celebrity story. I am somewhat surprised that the Steelers organization have not assigned a mentor to Ben.
BET
April 16th, 2010
8:27 am
To defend Ben’s actions is flat out disgusting. Ben is a very lucky man, and he should galdy accept his suspension. He will be suspended at least two games. Aaron please go get help while you still have time. There is something very wrong with YOU.
ATL Observer
April 16th, 2010
3:15 pm
“Rapistberger raping women = one game suspension
Vick fighting dogs = 2 years in prison”
How about this for accuracy?:
“Not enough evidence to charge = possible suspension
Vick PLEADING GUILTY = 2 years in prison”
If Vick HADN’T PLEAD GUILTY, then maybe there would have been no jail (although the overwhelming evidence suggests he probably would have).
Roethlisberger *should* be suspended. I figure 2-4 games is about right. His conduct has been detrimental to the league, regardless of whether or not he raped one or both of these women. And if he really DID rape either one, she/they should not be so disgustingly low as to allow such a horrific offense to be worthy of a payoff.
ATL Observer
April 16th, 2010
3:17 pm
Additional note: on a more humorous note, Ben’s haircut was worthy of a suspension for conduct detrimental to the league also.
Pel
April 17th, 2010
12:18 pm
I wonder what the men who have daughters think about this situation?
Strait
April 17th, 2010
9:04 pm
Jeff, you’re as big an idiot as Ben is. By the way, just what is an “African American”? You’re a drone.
Jimmy
April 18th, 2010
3:13 pm
Public Opinion carries allot of weight in situations involving professional athletes who make bad decisions. I don’t agree with the race being a issue here as far as what decision will be made. With that said, if this young lady was not paid hush money, at some point you can expect to see her on a talk show or TMZ or on ‘E’ selling and telling her side of the story. Big Ben better hope she doesn’t breakdown crying when telling her story of her being dragged to a bathroom and him forcing her to have sex with her telling him ‘No’. This would be a nightmare for the NFL and the Steelers organization. Bottom line here is that something was covered up and for some reason, nobody is talking yet, which speaks volumes. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see some Breaking Story on the eve training camp or the season opener. Stay Tuned.
Goodell had no choice but to suspend Roethlisberger | Jeff Schultz
April 21st, 2010
11:39 am
[...] I wrote the other day, to not suspend Roethliseberger would’ve furthered a race debate among fans and some of the league’s African American players. By suspending the two-time, [...]
Christian Values
April 21st, 2010
1:12 pm
Wow, some of you really need professional help…Unfortunately race is going to play a part in this.. Football used to even the playing field.. Guys getting together to watch the game regardless of race, creed, religion, political affiliation.. Big Ben should have been suspended. As far as Vick is concerned, he deserves a chance at redemption not destruction.. Unfortunately regardless of the situation, many of you believe in destruction not redemption for Black athletes.
Big Ben Roethlisberger Suspended 6 Games by the NFL - Gambling IQ
April 21st, 2010
4:29 pm
[...] [...]
Sam
April 21st, 2010
4:51 pm
Good job Shultz!!!
I’m Black…and I see the
“race card” in everything…..so I am glad you “played the race card” first.
I put race card in quotes because there a lots of unaware whites that believe that racism and double standards when it comes to race are dead….and if you inject race in any form into the conversation….then you are “playing the race card”. Props to you.
As far as Vick vs. Ben is concerned…Vick killed dogs….Ben raped human beings. Which is worse??? Hurting a human being is always worse than killing an animal.
Ready Made Media Web Report » Ben Roethlisberger Suspended For Six Games By NFL
April 21st, 2010
6:03 pm
[...] But there were also racial undertones, as the league considered what to do with a white star in a league that is 65% black. Some sportswriters wondered if Roethlisberger would be given a lighter suspension because he’s white. [...]
William Brown
April 22nd, 2010
6:06 am
Underage drinking is a charge in many states. Nothing was said in this case. That seems to be the case in white people land. Maybe if he would have plied a dog with alcohol and had his way with the dog there would be more outrage. Too bad, it’s only a woman that’s not old enough to drink legally.
pskom
April 28th, 2010
10:33 am
Roger Goodell should be suspended without pay. By suspending a player for engaging in legal and harmless indulgences, he has undermined the integrity and reputation of the NFL. The saddest aspect of all of this is the message that Goodell is sending to our impressionable children: that living your own life to your own standards, regardless of whether or not others are harmned, can be punishable by the self-righteous.