Big Ben to play against the Dolphins?

We all know that Ben Roethlisberger got a six-game suspension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for, basically, conduct detrimental to the human race.

That was sort of good news -- from a strictly competitive perspective -- for the Miami Dolphins because Pittsburgh plays the Dolphins the sixth week of their season.

But now comes this tweet of a report from Mike Wise of the Washington Post saying Roethlisberger's suspension will be trimmed back to five games based on his recent good behaviour. If true, that would mean Big Ben would chime in for the first time this season on Oct. 24 ... against the Dolphins.

That would mean the Steelers team that is currently struggling to find a starting quarterback from the group of Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich could have a much better option for that Miami game.

Roethlisberger got his original six-game ban when it was determined he violated the NFL's personal conduct policy. Goodell handed down the suspension even after a Georgia woman decided not to press criminal charges against Roethlisberger after he allegedly sexually assaulted her in the bathroom of a Georgia night club. It was the second incident in which Roethlisberger was tied to a sexual battery incident, although he's not been convicted of either.

Under the suspension, Goodell ordered Roethlisberger to undergo counseling and has been under greater scrutiny from the league.

"Your conduct raises sufficient concerns that I believe effective intervention now is the best step for your personal and professional welfare." Goodell wrote in a letter to Roethlisberger in April. "I believe it is essential that you take full advantage of the resources available to you. My ultimate disposition in this matter will be influenced by the extent to which you do so, what you learn as a result, and a demonstrated commitment to making positive change in your life."

In announcing the suspension, Goodell said he would re-examine Roethlisberger's conduct prior to the season's start and could alter the suspension, depending on how well or poorly Roethlisberger was comporting himself.

[UPDATE: And now profootballtalk.com is saying that Wise was just kidding. Geez, you can't believe anything these reporters report anymore. The media stinks! Film at 11. By the way, Mike Florio will do his weekly segment on Armando and the Amigo Tuesday in the 8 o'clock hour.] 

Comments

[Tracy474]

Are you guys sick in the head? We don't need to tempt fate! I'd rather not play against Ben, Brady, Farve, Revis, etc. Let them cry and whine and say whatever they want to (they will come up with an excuse anyways). Especially if it means another Lombardy trophy in Miami! Who cares if it's against the big name players or against a bunch of scrubs? Just win baby! Feed the wolf!

[joeywatts]

NFL Commissioner is a joke!! on the one hand he wants to clean up the league from anything and everything (and before you get your panties in a bunch, I'm not suggesting Ben actions are ok) including playing physical football...... the penalties are just getting in the way of the game, every year much worse..... on the other hand he hands suspensions on a weekly basis and then reconsiders them 5 months down the line....WTF, is it because he noticed the NFL schedule and the suspension might interfere with his beloved Pats? or is he just a soft hearted guy?? or is he just a complete JOKE??.....

[KillerFin]

Big Ben only 5 games suspended & will play agains the Fins!!!

[bobbyd12]

Personally I could care less either way. We have to win games, period. Pittsburg is gonna be tough with or without him. No excuses!!

[LipsinToronto]

I don't want to sneak into the playoffs - I want to be a team that others put on their calendar as a probably loss.

I want the Vikings, the Packers, the Jets, Pats, Steelers all to say - Damn, Miami in week X - we need that game.. it will be tough..

[ryan]

if im now paying $5 a year for this app, could you at least make sure its up to date?! there are players on the roster who have been off the team for weeks! if youre gonna take our money now, at least make an effort to make a good go-to app. thanks

[Matthew]

Well, the good news is that the game is weeks away. It's 50/50 at best that Rothlisdirtbag can go that long without raping someone.

[beatles4life2]

If you talk junk on Big Ben, he will force his way into your house and stuff it in your fartbox.

[jimmyj]

Ben will only get 4 games. At least he did'nt shoot himself