-
Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
- Thread starter osugrad21
- Start date
zincfinger
Gert Frobe-approved
I know, I just thought it was a bizarre simile. I'm not sure "credit" would be the right word; that expression was as strange as an open refrigerator door.
Upvote
0
That's not a vigil, that's a tailgate party. How shitty does your life have to be to throw or attend a tailgate party outside the hospital where the injured (dumb) quarterback of your favorite team is receiving treatment? Steelers fans are now officially worse than Browns fans.
Upvote
0
zincfinger
Gert Frobe-approved
I disagree. Steelers fans were sacrificing bratwurst on the habachi altar to the gods of sinus cavity recuperation.
Upvote
0
AJHawkfan
Wanna make $14 the hard way?
Well, they were only relaying a link published on the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's web page. Buchette wrote that article, so take it for what it's worth.
PFW is a nice collection of NFL stories, some of their stuff is out there, but a lot of it is dead on, a day or two ahead of everyone else.
Upvote
0
Toledo Blade
6/14
Big Ben's condition, prognosis looking good
<table align="right" bgcolor="#f1f1f3" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="248"> <tbody><tr> <td>
Roethlisberger
By ED BOUCHETTE
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
<center></center>
Ben Roethlisberger today will eat his first meal of mashed potatoes and yogurt as reports of his condition and his prognosis remain optimistic.
<center></center> Sources told the Post-Gazette yesterday that the injuries to the Steelers quarterback were confined to his face and a cut on the back of his head and the Steelers are confident he should heal and be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 7 against the Miami Dolphins.<center></center> Roethlisberger's jaw was broken in four places, but it was not wired shut. Instead, surgeons at Mercy Hospital inserted titanium to help the healing process. He also has a broken nose, a mild concussion, some injuries to his teeth, a flap-like cut on the back of his head and some scrapes and bruises. Reports yesterday that he had serious injuries to his knees and shoulder are untrue, sources said.<center></center> One source said that the surgery on Roethlisberger's face took so long - seven hours - in order to assist in a faster recovery time. Roethlisberger also should be ready to participate in training camp, although he may not play in the first preseason game Aug. 12 in Arizona.<center></center> The fact that Roethlisberger likely will not miss any part of the regular season would make moot any potential problem his accident might have raised with his contract.<center></center> Leigh Steinberg, Roethlisberger's agent, said there is no specific language in his 2004 contract that forbids the quarterback from riding a motorcycle. However, the Steelers did send the agent a letter last year as notice that they considered riding a motorcycle a dangerous activity that might affect his contract if he were injured doing so.<center></center> "They did send us a letter clarifying the general language," Steinberg said. "But there's not a specific motorcycle clause in the signing bonus language. It does not lay out proscribed activity."<center></center> Most standard NFL contracts include a clause that forbids "dangerous activities" and it varies from team to team whether they detail any of those activities or not. Some have gone to great length to do so.<center></center> Tennessee, for example, gets "very, very specific" on listing what the Titans consider dangerous activities, another agent said, including such things as falling off a cliff. "It's crazy what they have listed in there," he said.<center></center> If a player violates that contract, it's management's contention that it can demand some paybacks in a player's signing bonus and, if it wishes, terminate the remainder of the deal.<center></center> That same agent noted that the Steelers' letter to Steinberg would have no effect on the contract since that is not what was signed by both parties when the deal was negotiated.<center></center> "But I promise you this," he said, "his next contract, it will be in there."<center></center> The Steelers likely will take it easy on Roethlisberger in the early part of training camp, which begins when players report to St. Vincent College July 28. Until he's ready, Charlie Batch would move up to operate with the first team and likely start in the first exhibition game.<center></center> "That's basically what my role is," Batch said yesterday. "You hope it doesn't happen through injury but at the same time, things happen that way. Regardless, I have to be ready. I'm one play from going in; you just don't know when that is. That's been my role the past couple of years here."<center></center> Batch, though, was reluctant to talk about his role because, he said, he's more concerned about Roethlisberger's health.<center></center> "I'm just hoping he's fine. That's what I'm looking at. Football comes second. We'll see how it goes."<center></center> The Steelers have talked about possibly signing another veteran quarterback for training camp. While the most likely candidate might seem to be Tommy Maddox, released by them in early March, the chance is remote they will do so.<center></center> Vann McElroy, Maddox's agent, said a report that he had called the Steelers yesterday to inquire if they were interested in signing his client was wrong.<center></center> "I called simply to see how Ben was and tell them we hope everything is OK with Ben," McElroy said. "I think everybody's interest right now is Ben. It was not brought up whatsoever. It wasn't the right time at all."<center></center> Former Steelers safety Chris Hope, in the meantime, added more details to the talk coach Bill Cowher had after the news of Roethlisberger's motorcycle-riding preferences surfaced in May, 2005, during the team's spring workouts.<center></center> "He stressed how important it was to be careful in your cars, let alone a motorcycle, during the off-season or during the time you're traveling around the city."<center></center> Hope, who signed this year as a free agent with the Titans, told Sirrius NFL Radio.<center></center> "I can't remember if he specifically said Ben's name but I know he did say, 'I don't want you on motorcycles but if you decide to ride one, please put on a helmet.'●"<center></center> The Block News Alliance consists of The Blade and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Ed Bouchette is a reporter for the Post-Gazette.
DDN
6/14
Roethlisberger Could Be Discharged Soon
By ALAN ROBINSON
AP Sports Writer
<!--endtext--> <script language="JavaScript"> <!-- Begin function popUp(URL) { day = new Date(); id = day.getTime(); if (URL.match(/qtplayer/)) { eval("page" + id + " = window.open(URL, '" + id + "', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=1,location=0,statusbar=1,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=440,height=300,left = 300,top = 200');"); } else { eval("page" + id + " = window.open(URL, '" + id + "', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=1,location=0,statusbar=1,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=440,height=220,left = 300,top = 200');"); } } // End --> </script> <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript"> <!-- function openMP(the_url) { the_url = "http://" + document.domain + "/" + the_url; var the_height_width = "height=600,width=890" + ",menubar=no,location=no,toolbar=no,resizable=no,scrollbars=no,status=no"; if (navigator.appName.indexOf("Microsoft") != -1) { the_height_width += ",left=" + ((screen.availWidth - 890) *.5) + ",top=" + ((screen.availHeight - 600) *.5); } else if (navigator.appName.indexOf("Netscape") != -1) { the_height_width += ",screenX=" + ((screen.availWidth - 890) *.5) + ",screenY=" + ((screen.availHeight - 600) *.5); } window.open(the_url,"_blank",the_height_width); } // --> </script> <!--begintext--> PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger will likely be able to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season.
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback has a long road to recovery to worry about first.
<!--endtext--><!--startclickprintexclude--><!--begintext--><!--endclickprintexclude--><!--begintext--> Roethlisberger was upgraded to fair condition at Mercy Hospital on Tuesday, a day after his bloody motorcycle accident at a busy Pittsburgh intersection left him and his team shaken.
Despite being tossed high into the air after his made-for-speed motorcycle rammed into a car, causing him to smack his head on the car's windshield, Roethlisberger escaped career-threatening injuries. He could be out of the hospital within three to five days
While the Steelers aren't yet talking about accident, which occurred when Roethlisberger was riding helmet-less on a racing motorcycle, it is all but certain they found his latest medical update very encouraging.
Roethlisberger's doctors stressed during a brief news conference Tuesday that his knees are not injured, positive news for an athlete who needed knee surgery only last season.
They also said his brain is functioning normally despite the concussion and the trauma of a crash that caused Roethlisberger to fly off his motorcycle and smack a car windshield with such force, his head left a glass-cracking dent in the shape of his skull.
"He is awake, alert, oriented and is resting with his family by his side," said Dr. Larry Jones, the chief of Mercy Hospital's trauma unit.
He could miss most of training camp, and is expected to lose weight because of the jaw injury. He'll need time to regain his strength, timing and conditioning.
Doctors also cautioned that medical problems can develop after such an accident, though all signs in Roethlisberger's case appear to be positive.
Coach Bill Cowher has said nothing publicly since making a hasty return to Pittsburgh from a vacation on Monday night, and it is unlikely any team official will comment about Roethlisberger's football future until he is out of the hospital.
But former Steelers teammate Chris Hope said Cowher had plenty to say last year after Roethlisberger was seen riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Cowher cautioned the quarterback about jeopardizing not only his health, but the fortunes of a team that gave him an estimated $45 million contract in 2004.
"He stressed how important it was to be careful in your cars, let alone a motorcycle, during the offseason or during the time you're traveling around the city," Hope, now of the Tennessee Titans, told Sirius Satellite Radio's NFL channel. "I can't remember if he specifically said Ben's name, but I know he did say, `I don't want you on motorcycles, but if you decide to ride one, please put on a helmet.'"
According to Hope, Cowher mentioned Roethlisberger by name, saying, "Big Ben, I know you liking riding bikes, but be careful or put a helmet on at least to make us feel a little comfortable."
KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh reported that the 24-year-old Roethlisberger does not have a valid Pennsylvania motorcycle license and that his temporary permit expired in March, though he does have a valid automobile driver's license. The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles declined to comment on the report.
Nobody has been cited in the crash and police will not release information until an accident reconstruction is complete, Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Tammy Ewin said.
Roethlisberger's accident set off debate around the NFL whether teams should take additional contractual safeguards to prevent their key players from participating in hazardous behavior.
A standard NFL player's contract prohibits any offseason activity that can be harmful, but not all players have clauses for activities such as motorcycle riding, all-terrain vehicle riding and skydiving. Roethlisberger's contract apparently did not, probably because the Steelers had no indication he indulged in motorcycle riding before signing the first-round draft pick.
"Maybe the first persons it'll hit is all the quarterbacks," NFL Player Association president Troy Vincent of the Buffalo Bills said Tuesday. "Now all the QB contracts may have something in them and then it might start tapering into the wideouts and into the running backs, generally your high-priced guys."
Vincent said he has ridden motorcycles, but never without a helmet.
In May 2005, Cowher warned Roethlisberger about his riding habits after Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow was injured in a motorcycle accident. Winslow tore knee ligaments and was lost for the season.
"I wish all our players liked board games or low-risk hobbies," Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage said Tuesday. "Unfortunately, that's part of the reason that makes these guys professional athletes. They have a little bit of an edge to want to do more, seek more. Where's the line? I don't know that."
Roethlisberger accident stirs up debate
By Benjamin Kline
Staff Writer
DAYTON | When they ride their motorcycles, Kate Barnes and Gary Gonnella enjoy the wind in their hair, the sun on their faces and the powerful roar of their Harley-Davidsons.
<!--endtext-->
<!-- inset --> <!--begintext--> They do not like wearing safety helmets.
"I've been an avid rider since 1998," said Barnes of Moraine. "I like the community, the fellowship and the feeling you are part of nature. But I do not consistently wear my helmet, except in bad weather or on long trips."
Gonnella of New Lebanon said he rarely uses his helmet.
"I do not wear a helmet except in the rain or at night," Gonnella said. "I don't try to make any excuses. That's just what I do. I enjoy riding. I'd rather live fully than die safely."
Gonnella said he does wear durable jeans and boots. And he uses earplugs for noise and a windshield for bugs.
"You learn to drive defensively on a cycle," Gonnella said. "I have had (automobile) drivers look right at me, eye contact, and still turn in front of me. It's not malice. It's just something that doesn't register."
Barnes said she has better visibility and can hear better without a helmet. She has had two crashes — when a carload of teenagers pulled out in her path and one where a teenage girl whose stereo was louder than the Harley's motor "barreled out of a parking space toward me."
Pittsburgh Gazette
6/14
Team warned Roethlisberger; Police say QB had no motorcycle license
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
By Ed Bouchette and Jonathan D. Silver, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger lacked both a helmet and a valid Pennsylvania motorcycle license when he crashed Monday, according to Pittsburgh police sources, but he did have a prior warning: The Steelers told him last year that continued riding might affect his contract.
<!--START LINK BOX-->
<!--END LINK BOX--> A letter sent by the Steelers last year to Mr. Roethlisberger's agent put the player on notice that the team considered riding a motorcycle as a dangerous activity that might affect his contract if he were injured doing so.
Leigh Steinberg, Mr. Roethlisberger's agent, said there is no specific language in his 2004 contract that forbids the quarterback from riding a motorcycle.
"They did send us a letter clarifying the general language," Mr. Steinberg said. "But there's not a specific motorcycle clause in the signing bonus language. It does not lay out proscribed activity."
One proscribed activity for Mr. Roethlisberger might have been riding without a helmet.
State law requires people operating or riding a motorcycle to wear helmets unless they are older than 21 and either have been licensed for at least two years or have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
By passing the course, a rider automatically becomes licensed.
Monday's accident on Second Avenue near the Armstrong Tunnel remains under investigation. Police Chief Dominic J. Costa said last night that no decision has been made regarding any charges that might be filed in connection with the accident.
Most standard NFL contracts include a clause that forbids "dangerous activities" and it varies from team to team whether that clause details any of those activities or not. Some teams have gone to great length to do so.
The Tennessee Titans, for example, get "very, very specific" on listing what they consider dangerous activities,another agent said,including such things as falling off a cliff.
"It's crazy what they have listed in there," he said.
If a player violates that contract, it is management's contention that it can demand some paybacks in a player's signing bonus and, if it wishes, terminate the remainder of the deal.
That same agent noted that the Steelers' letter to Mr. Steinberg would have no effect on the contract since that is not what was signed by both parties when the deal was negotiated.
"But I promise you this," the agent said, "his next contract, it will be in there."
The Steelers likely will take it easy on Mr. Roethlisberger in the early part of training camp, which begins when players report to St. Vincent College on July 28. Until he's ready, quarterback Charlie Batch would move up to operate with the first team and likely start in the first exhibition game.
"That's basically what my role is," Mr. Batch said yesterday. "You hope it doesn't happen through injury, but at the same time, things happen that way. Regardless, I have to be ready. I'm one play from going in; you just don't know when that is. That's been my role the past couple of years here."
Mr. Batch, though, was reluctant to talk about his role because, he said, he's more concerned about Mr. Roethlisberger's health.
"I haven't looked at it as that," he said. "I'm just hoping he's fine. That's what I'm looking at. Football comes second. We'll see how it goes."
The Steelers have talked about possibly signing another veteran quarterback for training camp. While the most likely candidate might seem to be Tommy Maddox, released by them in early March, the chance is remote they will do so.
Vann McElroy, Mr. Maddox's agent, said a report that he had called the Steelers yesterday to inquire if they were interested in signing his client was wrong.
"I called simply to see how Ben was and tell them we hope everything is OK with Ben," Mr. McElroy said. "I think everybody's interest right now is Ben. It was not brought up whatsoever. It wasn't the right time at all."
Former Steelers safety Chris Hope, in the meantime, added more details to the talk coach Bill Cowher had after the news of Mr. Roethlisberger's motorcycle-riding preferences surfaced in May 2005 during the team's spring workouts.
"He stressed how important it was to be careful in your cars, let alone a motorcycle, during the off-season or during the time you're traveling around the city," Mr. Hope, who signed this year as a free agent with the Titans, told Sirrius NFL Radio. "I can't remember if he specifically said Ben's name, but I know he did say, 'I don't want you on motorcycles, but if you decide to ride one, please put on a helmet.' "
Mr. Hope, though, did say that at one point Mr. Cowher said, "Big Ben, I know you liking riding bikes but be careful or put a helmet on at least to make us feel a little comfortable."
Pittsburgh Gazette
6/14
Roethlisberger's recovery: 'He is awake, alert, oriented. . .'
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
<!--BEGIN PHOTO-->
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="460"> <tbody><tr><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr><td>
</td><td>Post-Gazette
</td></tr></tbody> </table> <!--END PHOTO-->
<center>By Joe Fahy and Anita Srikameswaran
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</center> Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was upgraded to fair condition and could be released from Mercy Hospital by the end of the week, his doctor said yesterday.
He was also transferred from the recovery room to an undisclosed unit at the hospital, said Dr. Larry M. Jones, chief of the multisystem trauma division.
"He is awake, alert, oriented and is resting with family by his side," the doctor said. "If all goes as planned, Mr. Roethlisberger could be released from the hospital in the next three to five days."
Dr. Jones listed the quarterback's injuries: fractures of the upper and lower jaws, facial bones and nose; a mild concussion; multiple head lacerations, and multiple abrasions and contusions; and two lost teeth and several chipped teeth.
His knees were not damaged, and a CT scan indicated there was no brain injury.
"Our continued observation shows that his brain is functioning normally," Dr. Jones said.
On Monday, a team of surgeons repaired the broken bones in Mr. Roethlisberger's face during a seven-hour surgery.
Dr. Daniel Pituch, who led the surgical team, "did a beautiful job putting him back together ... with tremendous artistry and detail," said Dr. Guy Stofman, Mercy's chief of plastic surgery. "My hat is off to him."
Mr. Roethlisberger will probably need to eat a soft diet for four to six weeks "to rest his jaw," Dr. Stofman said, and probably should not be involved in "high velocity contact" for seven to eight weeks.
He said that if Mr. Roethlisberger needs to undergo rehabilitation, it likely "will not be very intense."
"When we're satisfied that he's capable, he can start working out. That could be weeks," said Dr. Stofman, who has been involved in Mr. Roethlisberger's care.
"For the next four to six weeks, he will be closely watched and his activity level will be geared toward his progress."
Asked if he could have a full recovery, Dr. Stofman said, "that's what we're hoping for. He's a very brave and very strong-willed, super young man."
Team sources said Roethlisberger should be ready to participate in training camp, which starts in July, although he may not play in the first preseason game Aug. 12. But they are confident he should heal and be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 7 against the Miami Dolphins.
The biggest unknown in terms of his recovery is "what the future brings," Dr. Stofman said, noting there is "a physical, psychological and emotional component" to his injuries. "Only time will tell."
Dr. Stofman did not rule out the possibility that the Steelers quarterback could develop memory deficits or other cognitive problems that can sometimes occur after a traumatic head injury.
"I've seen tremendous head injuries that have had no long-term effects at all," he said, "yet I've seen bumps on the head that appear to be very innocuous or benign, if you will, turn into major, major problems."
Mr. Roethlisberger's doctors are pleased with his progress, but he will have to take one day at a time.
On the positive side, "early on, he knew where he was, was answering appropriately," Dr. Stofman said. "If he heals without significant complications and all the chips fall into place, his prognosis will be great. But none of us plays God. None of us predicts the future."
6/14
Big Ben's condition, prognosis looking good
<table align="right" bgcolor="#f1f1f3" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="248"> <tbody><tr> <td>
<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td>
Zoom | Photo Reprints</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Zoom | Photo Reprints</td> </tr> </tbody></table>By ED BOUCHETTE
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
<center></center>
Ben Roethlisberger today will eat his first meal of mashed potatoes and yogurt as reports of his condition and his prognosis remain optimistic.
<center></center> Sources told the Post-Gazette yesterday that the injuries to the Steelers quarterback were confined to his face and a cut on the back of his head and the Steelers are confident he should heal and be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 7 against the Miami Dolphins.<center></center> Roethlisberger's jaw was broken in four places, but it was not wired shut. Instead, surgeons at Mercy Hospital inserted titanium to help the healing process. He also has a broken nose, a mild concussion, some injuries to his teeth, a flap-like cut on the back of his head and some scrapes and bruises. Reports yesterday that he had serious injuries to his knees and shoulder are untrue, sources said.<center></center> One source said that the surgery on Roethlisberger's face took so long - seven hours - in order to assist in a faster recovery time. Roethlisberger also should be ready to participate in training camp, although he may not play in the first preseason game Aug. 12 in Arizona.<center></center> The fact that Roethlisberger likely will not miss any part of the regular season would make moot any potential problem his accident might have raised with his contract.<center></center> Leigh Steinberg, Roethlisberger's agent, said there is no specific language in his 2004 contract that forbids the quarterback from riding a motorcycle. However, the Steelers did send the agent a letter last year as notice that they considered riding a motorcycle a dangerous activity that might affect his contract if he were injured doing so.<center></center> "They did send us a letter clarifying the general language," Steinberg said. "But there's not a specific motorcycle clause in the signing bonus language. It does not lay out proscribed activity."<center></center> Most standard NFL contracts include a clause that forbids "dangerous activities" and it varies from team to team whether they detail any of those activities or not. Some have gone to great length to do so.<center></center> Tennessee, for example, gets "very, very specific" on listing what the Titans consider dangerous activities, another agent said, including such things as falling off a cliff. "It's crazy what they have listed in there," he said.<center></center> If a player violates that contract, it's management's contention that it can demand some paybacks in a player's signing bonus and, if it wishes, terminate the remainder of the deal.<center></center> That same agent noted that the Steelers' letter to Steinberg would have no effect on the contract since that is not what was signed by both parties when the deal was negotiated.<center></center> "But I promise you this," he said, "his next contract, it will be in there."<center></center> The Steelers likely will take it easy on Roethlisberger in the early part of training camp, which begins when players report to St. Vincent College July 28. Until he's ready, Charlie Batch would move up to operate with the first team and likely start in the first exhibition game.<center></center> "That's basically what my role is," Batch said yesterday. "You hope it doesn't happen through injury but at the same time, things happen that way. Regardless, I have to be ready. I'm one play from going in; you just don't know when that is. That's been my role the past couple of years here."<center></center> Batch, though, was reluctant to talk about his role because, he said, he's more concerned about Roethlisberger's health.<center></center> "I'm just hoping he's fine. That's what I'm looking at. Football comes second. We'll see how it goes."<center></center> The Steelers have talked about possibly signing another veteran quarterback for training camp. While the most likely candidate might seem to be Tommy Maddox, released by them in early March, the chance is remote they will do so.<center></center> Vann McElroy, Maddox's agent, said a report that he had called the Steelers yesterday to inquire if they were interested in signing his client was wrong.<center></center> "I called simply to see how Ben was and tell them we hope everything is OK with Ben," McElroy said. "I think everybody's interest right now is Ben. It was not brought up whatsoever. It wasn't the right time at all."<center></center> Former Steelers safety Chris Hope, in the meantime, added more details to the talk coach Bill Cowher had after the news of Roethlisberger's motorcycle-riding preferences surfaced in May, 2005, during the team's spring workouts.<center></center> "He stressed how important it was to be careful in your cars, let alone a motorcycle, during the off-season or during the time you're traveling around the city."<center></center> Hope, who signed this year as a free agent with the Titans, told Sirrius NFL Radio.<center></center> "I can't remember if he specifically said Ben's name but I know he did say, 'I don't want you on motorcycles but if you decide to ride one, please put on a helmet.'●"<center></center> The Block News Alliance consists of The Blade and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Ed Bouchette is a reporter for the Post-Gazette.
DDN
6/14
Roethlisberger Could Be Discharged Soon
By ALAN ROBINSON
AP Sports Writer
<!--endtext--> <script language="JavaScript"> <!-- Begin function popUp(URL) { day = new Date(); id = day.getTime(); if (URL.match(/qtplayer/)) { eval("page" + id + " = window.open(URL, '" + id + "', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=1,location=0,statusbar=1,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=440,height=300,left = 300,top = 200');"); } else { eval("page" + id + " = window.open(URL, '" + id + "', 'toolbar=0,scrollbars=1,location=0,statusbar=1,menubar=0,resizable=1,width=440,height=220,left = 300,top = 200');"); } } // End --> </script> <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript"> <!-- function openMP(the_url) { the_url = "http://" + document.domain + "/" + the_url; var the_height_width = "height=600,width=890" + ",menubar=no,location=no,toolbar=no,resizable=no,scrollbars=no,status=no"; if (navigator.appName.indexOf("Microsoft") != -1) { the_height_width += ",left=" + ((screen.availWidth - 890) *.5) + ",top=" + ((screen.availHeight - 600) *.5); } else if (navigator.appName.indexOf("Netscape") != -1) { the_height_width += ",screenX=" + ((screen.availWidth - 890) *.5) + ",screenY=" + ((screen.availHeight - 600) *.5); } window.open(the_url,"_blank",the_height_width); } // --> </script> <!--begintext--> PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger will likely be able to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season.
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback has a long road to recovery to worry about first.
<!--endtext--><!--startclickprintexclude--><!--begintext--><!--endclickprintexclude--><!--begintext--> Roethlisberger was upgraded to fair condition at Mercy Hospital on Tuesday, a day after his bloody motorcycle accident at a busy Pittsburgh intersection left him and his team shaken.
Despite being tossed high into the air after his made-for-speed motorcycle rammed into a car, causing him to smack his head on the car's windshield, Roethlisberger escaped career-threatening injuries. He could be out of the hospital within three to five days
While the Steelers aren't yet talking about accident, which occurred when Roethlisberger was riding helmet-less on a racing motorcycle, it is all but certain they found his latest medical update very encouraging.
Roethlisberger's doctors stressed during a brief news conference Tuesday that his knees are not injured, positive news for an athlete who needed knee surgery only last season.
They also said his brain is functioning normally despite the concussion and the trauma of a crash that caused Roethlisberger to fly off his motorcycle and smack a car windshield with such force, his head left a glass-cracking dent in the shape of his skull.
"He is awake, alert, oriented and is resting with his family by his side," said Dr. Larry Jones, the chief of Mercy Hospital's trauma unit.
He could miss most of training camp, and is expected to lose weight because of the jaw injury. He'll need time to regain his strength, timing and conditioning.
Doctors also cautioned that medical problems can develop after such an accident, though all signs in Roethlisberger's case appear to be positive.
Coach Bill Cowher has said nothing publicly since making a hasty return to Pittsburgh from a vacation on Monday night, and it is unlikely any team official will comment about Roethlisberger's football future until he is out of the hospital.
But former Steelers teammate Chris Hope said Cowher had plenty to say last year after Roethlisberger was seen riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Cowher cautioned the quarterback about jeopardizing not only his health, but the fortunes of a team that gave him an estimated $45 million contract in 2004.
"He stressed how important it was to be careful in your cars, let alone a motorcycle, during the offseason or during the time you're traveling around the city," Hope, now of the Tennessee Titans, told Sirius Satellite Radio's NFL channel. "I can't remember if he specifically said Ben's name, but I know he did say, `I don't want you on motorcycles, but if you decide to ride one, please put on a helmet.'"
According to Hope, Cowher mentioned Roethlisberger by name, saying, "Big Ben, I know you liking riding bikes, but be careful or put a helmet on at least to make us feel a little comfortable."
KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh reported that the 24-year-old Roethlisberger does not have a valid Pennsylvania motorcycle license and that his temporary permit expired in March, though he does have a valid automobile driver's license. The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles declined to comment on the report.
Nobody has been cited in the crash and police will not release information until an accident reconstruction is complete, Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Tammy Ewin said.
Roethlisberger's accident set off debate around the NFL whether teams should take additional contractual safeguards to prevent their key players from participating in hazardous behavior.
A standard NFL player's contract prohibits any offseason activity that can be harmful, but not all players have clauses for activities such as motorcycle riding, all-terrain vehicle riding and skydiving. Roethlisberger's contract apparently did not, probably because the Steelers had no indication he indulged in motorcycle riding before signing the first-round draft pick.
"Maybe the first persons it'll hit is all the quarterbacks," NFL Player Association president Troy Vincent of the Buffalo Bills said Tuesday. "Now all the QB contracts may have something in them and then it might start tapering into the wideouts and into the running backs, generally your high-priced guys."
Vincent said he has ridden motorcycles, but never without a helmet.
In May 2005, Cowher warned Roethlisberger about his riding habits after Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow was injured in a motorcycle accident. Winslow tore knee ligaments and was lost for the season.
"I wish all our players liked board games or low-risk hobbies," Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage said Tuesday. "Unfortunately, that's part of the reason that makes these guys professional athletes. They have a little bit of an edge to want to do more, seek more. Where's the line? I don't know that."
Roethlisberger accident stirs up debate
By Benjamin Kline
Staff Writer
DAYTON | When they ride their motorcycles, Kate Barnes and Gary Gonnella enjoy the wind in their hair, the sun on their faces and the powerful roar of their Harley-Davidsons.
<!--endtext-->
<!-- inset --> <!--begintext--> They do not like wearing safety helmets.
"I've been an avid rider since 1998," said Barnes of Moraine. "I like the community, the fellowship and the feeling you are part of nature. But I do not consistently wear my helmet, except in bad weather or on long trips."
Gonnella of New Lebanon said he rarely uses his helmet.
"I do not wear a helmet except in the rain or at night," Gonnella said. "I don't try to make any excuses. That's just what I do. I enjoy riding. I'd rather live fully than die safely."
Gonnella said he does wear durable jeans and boots. And he uses earplugs for noise and a windshield for bugs.
"You learn to drive defensively on a cycle," Gonnella said. "I have had (automobile) drivers look right at me, eye contact, and still turn in front of me. It's not malice. It's just something that doesn't register."
Barnes said she has better visibility and can hear better without a helmet. She has had two crashes — when a carload of teenagers pulled out in her path and one where a teenage girl whose stereo was louder than the Harley's motor "barreled out of a parking space toward me."
Pittsburgh Gazette
6/14
Team warned Roethlisberger; Police say QB had no motorcycle license
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
By Ed Bouchette and Jonathan D. Silver, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger lacked both a helmet and a valid Pennsylvania motorcycle license when he crashed Monday, according to Pittsburgh police sources, but he did have a prior warning: The Steelers told him last year that continued riding might affect his contract.
<!--START LINK BOX-->
<!--END LINK BOX--> A letter sent by the Steelers last year to Mr. Roethlisberger's agent put the player on notice that the team considered riding a motorcycle as a dangerous activity that might affect his contract if he were injured doing so.
Leigh Steinberg, Mr. Roethlisberger's agent, said there is no specific language in his 2004 contract that forbids the quarterback from riding a motorcycle.
"They did send us a letter clarifying the general language," Mr. Steinberg said. "But there's not a specific motorcycle clause in the signing bonus language. It does not lay out proscribed activity."
One proscribed activity for Mr. Roethlisberger might have been riding without a helmet.
State law requires people operating or riding a motorcycle to wear helmets unless they are older than 21 and either have been licensed for at least two years or have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
By passing the course, a rider automatically becomes licensed.
Monday's accident on Second Avenue near the Armstrong Tunnel remains under investigation. Police Chief Dominic J. Costa said last night that no decision has been made regarding any charges that might be filed in connection with the accident.
Most standard NFL contracts include a clause that forbids "dangerous activities" and it varies from team to team whether that clause details any of those activities or not. Some teams have gone to great length to do so.
The Tennessee Titans, for example, get "very, very specific" on listing what they consider dangerous activities,another agent said,including such things as falling off a cliff.
"It's crazy what they have listed in there," he said.
If a player violates that contract, it is management's contention that it can demand some paybacks in a player's signing bonus and, if it wishes, terminate the remainder of the deal.
That same agent noted that the Steelers' letter to Mr. Steinberg would have no effect on the contract since that is not what was signed by both parties when the deal was negotiated.
"But I promise you this," the agent said, "his next contract, it will be in there."
The Steelers likely will take it easy on Mr. Roethlisberger in the early part of training camp, which begins when players report to St. Vincent College on July 28. Until he's ready, quarterback Charlie Batch would move up to operate with the first team and likely start in the first exhibition game.
"That's basically what my role is," Mr. Batch said yesterday. "You hope it doesn't happen through injury, but at the same time, things happen that way. Regardless, I have to be ready. I'm one play from going in; you just don't know when that is. That's been my role the past couple of years here."
Mr. Batch, though, was reluctant to talk about his role because, he said, he's more concerned about Mr. Roethlisberger's health.
"I haven't looked at it as that," he said. "I'm just hoping he's fine. That's what I'm looking at. Football comes second. We'll see how it goes."
The Steelers have talked about possibly signing another veteran quarterback for training camp. While the most likely candidate might seem to be Tommy Maddox, released by them in early March, the chance is remote they will do so.
Vann McElroy, Mr. Maddox's agent, said a report that he had called the Steelers yesterday to inquire if they were interested in signing his client was wrong.
"I called simply to see how Ben was and tell them we hope everything is OK with Ben," Mr. McElroy said. "I think everybody's interest right now is Ben. It was not brought up whatsoever. It wasn't the right time at all."
Former Steelers safety Chris Hope, in the meantime, added more details to the talk coach Bill Cowher had after the news of Mr. Roethlisberger's motorcycle-riding preferences surfaced in May 2005 during the team's spring workouts.
"He stressed how important it was to be careful in your cars, let alone a motorcycle, during the off-season or during the time you're traveling around the city," Mr. Hope, who signed this year as a free agent with the Titans, told Sirrius NFL Radio. "I can't remember if he specifically said Ben's name, but I know he did say, 'I don't want you on motorcycles, but if you decide to ride one, please put on a helmet.' "
Mr. Hope, though, did say that at one point Mr. Cowher said, "Big Ben, I know you liking riding bikes but be careful or put a helmet on at least to make us feel a little comfortable."
Pittsburgh Gazette
6/14
Roethlisberger's recovery: 'He is awake, alert, oriented. . .'
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
<!--BEGIN PHOTO-->
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="460"> <tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody> </table> <!--END PHOTO-->
<center>By Joe Fahy and Anita Srikameswaran
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</center> Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was upgraded to fair condition and could be released from Mercy Hospital by the end of the week, his doctor said yesterday.
He was also transferred from the recovery room to an undisclosed unit at the hospital, said Dr. Larry M. Jones, chief of the multisystem trauma division.
"He is awake, alert, oriented and is resting with family by his side," the doctor said. "If all goes as planned, Mr. Roethlisberger could be released from the hospital in the next three to five days."
Dr. Jones listed the quarterback's injuries: fractures of the upper and lower jaws, facial bones and nose; a mild concussion; multiple head lacerations, and multiple abrasions and contusions; and two lost teeth and several chipped teeth.
His knees were not damaged, and a CT scan indicated there was no brain injury.
"Our continued observation shows that his brain is functioning normally," Dr. Jones said.
On Monday, a team of surgeons repaired the broken bones in Mr. Roethlisberger's face during a seven-hour surgery.
Dr. Daniel Pituch, who led the surgical team, "did a beautiful job putting him back together ... with tremendous artistry and detail," said Dr. Guy Stofman, Mercy's chief of plastic surgery. "My hat is off to him."
Mr. Roethlisberger will probably need to eat a soft diet for four to six weeks "to rest his jaw," Dr. Stofman said, and probably should not be involved in "high velocity contact" for seven to eight weeks.
He said that if Mr. Roethlisberger needs to undergo rehabilitation, it likely "will not be very intense."
"When we're satisfied that he's capable, he can start working out. That could be weeks," said Dr. Stofman, who has been involved in Mr. Roethlisberger's care.
"For the next four to six weeks, he will be closely watched and his activity level will be geared toward his progress."
Asked if he could have a full recovery, Dr. Stofman said, "that's what we're hoping for. He's a very brave and very strong-willed, super young man."
Team sources said Roethlisberger should be ready to participate in training camp, which starts in July, although he may not play in the first preseason game Aug. 12. But they are confident he should heal and be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 7 against the Miami Dolphins.
The biggest unknown in terms of his recovery is "what the future brings," Dr. Stofman said, noting there is "a physical, psychological and emotional component" to his injuries. "Only time will tell."
Dr. Stofman did not rule out the possibility that the Steelers quarterback could develop memory deficits or other cognitive problems that can sometimes occur after a traumatic head injury.
"I've seen tremendous head injuries that have had no long-term effects at all," he said, "yet I've seen bumps on the head that appear to be very innocuous or benign, if you will, turn into major, major problems."
Mr. Roethlisberger's doctors are pleased with his progress, but he will have to take one day at a time.
On the positive side, "early on, he knew where he was, was answering appropriately," Dr. Stofman said. "If he heals without significant complications and all the chips fall into place, his prognosis will be great. But none of us plays God. None of us predicts the future."
Upvote
0
