Ben Roethlisberger in serious condition after motorcycle accident

[javibauer]

Anybody hera what happen to him?

ESPN reported he crashed on his bike, no helmet

[javibauer]

I heard it on ESPN radio online reported by Colin Cowherd. He said it happen at 11:30 am or so eastern time.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

He was driving his motorcycle without a helmet. Car turned in the wrong direction, hit the car, slammed his head into the windshield and rolled over the car. The front of his bike is demolished. :(

http://kdka.com/topstories/local_story_163114722.html

[Tahoegirl]

WOW, Not a good day for Big Ben.. Sure do hope he is ok. This is not good news for the steelers. Praying for Big Ben all is ok..

[Steeler-Blitz43]

This is why I agreed with Terry Bradshaw's comments pertaining to Ben driving a bike and I ended up getting reamed out by a few fellow fans.

Now look...........I feel sick.........

[Steeler-Blitz43]

well he's a grown man so it's his choice but like said about k2. you should do what you can to ensure your own safety.

He is a grown man and you would think he would make grown up decisions. Like wearing a helmet when you've only had limited experience on a bike.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

KDKA reported that he was up and walking around and talking.

[Donut!]

the guy wasn't wearing a helmet? :nonono: he better count his blessings. he could have easily ended up as the next motorcycle accident on rotten.com's website.

[Jumiah]

I wonder if his contract with the Steelers says he can't ride a bike. Didn't he say in an interview that he was upset he couldn't ride a bike because he's in the NFL?

[Steeler-Blitz43]

No, there was nothing in his contract pertaining to riding a motorcycle. At this point I don't care about the season, I hope the kid doesn't die or end up like a vegetable.

[A187]

geez that sucks, hopefully he is alright

[Steeler-Blitz43]

it doesn't sound that severe or anything close to it from the article you posted. possibly a concussion if that

There are conflicting reports on four different news channels here in Pittsburgh. One reports that he was mangled beyond recognition. The other reports that he was seen up and walking around. The other stated that he attempted to get up and a witness told him to lay down and stay still.

Conflicting reports all over. All we know for sure is that Ben was in a motorcycle wreck.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

here's a thread from one of the ravens boards

http://mb14.scout.com/fravensinsiderfrm1.showMessage?topicID=43920.topic

this way if someone had less than respectful wishes you can see that someone already said the dumb**** for you.

Yeah, I think I will avoid that site at this point in time. It's bad enough we have some of those nimrods on our site. I'm sure I will hear their opinions there.

[Tahoegirl]

Here is a little update I just found...

Steelers | Too early to tell how severe for Roethlisberger's injury
Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:35:11 -0700

Updating a previous report, John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (head) suffered a gash on his forehead during a motorcycle accident Monday, June 12. It is still too early to tell how severe his injury is, but the team is seriously concerned about his condition. Early indications are his injuries are not life-threatening.

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

I do hope Ben will be ok..

[Montana_Magic]

You're the starting QB for a team that just won the Superbowl. The teams hope for the next season greatly depends on you. Why not just wear the helmet? Why not just stop riding the bike until your playing days are over?

[Sweets]

What a doofus(sorry Blitz)....a helmet has ONE REASON for it's existence, guess he didn't learn anything from Winslow's accident.:crutch:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Ben is serious but stable by the doc. In surgery. He's coherant, talking and making sense. Very stable. That's all he stated. Would not get into details pertaining to the surgery.

[Tahoegirl]

Ben is serious but stable by the doc. In surgery. He's coherant, talking and making sense. Very stable. That's all he stated. Would not get into details pertaining to the surgery.

So let me get this right.. Big Ben is having surgery? If so, than most likely he has swelling in the brain and they are doing the surgery to release this. IMO.. Not a good sign.. If he is talking and making sense than that's a good sign. Where did you get this information?? Thanks for the update.

[jniner]

well he's a grown man so it's his choice but like said about k2. you should do what you can to ensure your own safety.

Yea he may be a grown man, but its not his choice, or at least it shouldnt be. NFL teams need to start putting that in contracts that bikes are not to be driven.

God forbid he is out for a few games this season, the Steelers will lose so much money. When you are worth as much as he is, you should bubble-wrap yourself until you retire.

[BrentJones84]

So the Madden curse is hitting the Steelers instead of the Hawks?

[Steeler-Blitz43]

So let me get this right.. Big Ben is having surgery? If so, than most likely he has swelling in the brain and they are doing the surgery to release this. IMO.. Not a good sign.. If he is talking and making sense than that's a good sign. Where did you get this information?? Thanks for the update.

From the doctor's mouth who held a press conference on the local news here in Pittsburgh.

[Ace Matherton]

Yea he may be a grown man, but its not his choice, or at least it shouldnt be. NFL teams need to start putting that in contracts that bikes are not to be driven.

God forbid he is out for a few games this season, the Steelers will lose so much money. When you are worth as much as he is, you should bubble-wrap yourself until you retire.
I dont agree that it shouldnt be his choice, it wasnt a smart move that much is obvious. If the Steelers decided not to make some sort of addendum after the K2 incident to Bens contract when it was reported by everyone he would continue to ride his bike, then they got what they deserve. Ben made a bad choice but I can remember afte the K2 accident, Cowher saying he stood by Bens decision. When a player goes to sign a contract its the duty of the club to build into that contract as many clauses as they can to protect the team and their assets (players). Being that there is no clause about riding a bike helmet or not, the Steelers gave the onus of the responsibility to Ben.

[Mace Windu]

So the Madden curse is hitting the Steelers instead of the Hawks?

He would have had to be on the cover for that to be the case. :wink:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

I think it had more to do with an out of town ***** driver making a left hand turn when she was not permitted.

[Donut!]

No, there was nothing in his contract pertaining to riding a motorcycle. At this point I don't care about the season, I hope the kid doesn't die or end up like a vegetable.

and oh yeah welcome to the boards Steeler blitz. always nice to see a diverse group on here :doubleup:

[Mace Windu]

Relax, it's called sarcasm.

We need to give blitz a break. What if Alex got hurt? Even though he is no where near where Ben is skills wise yet we would still be devastated.

[Monster49er]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2480830

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/monstermondragon/ben.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/monstermondragon/ben2.jpg

[Tracker]

News Break (Adam Shefter) on NFL Network just said that he is going in to surgery now but there are no reports on the nature of his injuries. They also said that Teammates and Steelers coaches, staff, and management are also at the hospital.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Relax, it's called sarcasm.

I am relaxed. Simply responded.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

We need to give blitz a break. What if Alex got hurt? Even though he is no where near where Ben is skills wise yet we would still be devastated.

Yeah, I'm just a little stunned and sick to my stomach here. He's a tough kid which he has proven time and time again. I have faith. Thanks MW.

[Joe the Jet]

Best wishes to Ben for a full and speedy recovery.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Thanks to the fans who gave their thoughts and prayers. Much appreciated and very classy. ;)

[sfsportsfan1963]

I am glad he is up and moving around. That is a great sign. I hope he will be ok.

[Mace Windu]

Yeah he looks to be ok. I was on the Steelers forum and they are saying that he has a broken Jaw and some scratches on his face. He seems to have no injuries that would stop him from playing football. Not that that is the most important thing.

[DraconisRex]

KDKA reported that he was up and walking around and talking.


I'm glad to hear that. But I hope he's got the worst case of MFing road rash in the history of road rash. I don't care how good you are, or think you are, you can't completely avoid idiots and a helmet + leather jacket & levis is a minimum to ride a bike. And even then, full leathers are better.

[DraconisRex]

So the Madden curse is hitting the Steelers instead of the Hawks?


Roethlesberger'll send his motorcyle over to Hasslebeck next week...

[DjJustiz]

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/9356067/detail.html#

[Mace Windu]

would he have to have surgery if he broke his jaw

Yes I would think so.

[Mace Windu]

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/9356067/detail.html#

Man that sounds more serious than what I read on the steelers site. Let me go check to see if there is an update.

[The Jerm!]

Ouch that puts a hamper on the Steelers team...:ohmy:

[DraconisRex]

possibly to wire that bad boy shut depending ont he break....

LOL @ drac. hopes for the best but still wants a lessoned learned.


Road rash is the best teacher. It's not fatal. It hurts like the ****ins.

[Mace Windu]

Yeah it looks like he may have some lower leg injuries after all. Man and they are saying he lost most of his teeth.

[A187]

from PFT

Per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, which broke the story of the accident minutes after it happened, Roethlisberger has fractured his left sinus cavity bone, sustained a nine-inch gash to the back of his head, suffered injuries to both knees and a broken jaw, and he has lost either "most" or "several" of his teeth.

[Mace Windu]

from PFT

Per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, which broke the story of the accident minutes after it happened, Roethlisberger has fractured his left sinus cavity bone, sustained a nine-inch gash to the back of his head, suffered injuries to both knees and a broken jaw, and he has lost either "most" or "several" of his teeth.

Man this is not good at all. Sorry blitz where ever you are. (He has not posted in a while).

[DjJustiz]

i always liked big ben, but he was hella stupid for this one....hope he gets well soon ...

[MasterShake]

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/9356067/detail.html#

A Quote from this link:

"According to a police source, Roethlisberger suffered a broken jaw, broke his left sinus cavity, suffered a 9-inch laceration to the back of his head, lost many teeth and has severe injuries to his knees from hitting the pavement."


Thank god these injuries do not seem life threatening, but the knees worry me for his career. As a QB he can get through it, but he could certainly miss serious time this season.

For now lets just hope the head injuries are no more severe than they seem....

[Monster49er]

I hope he ends up ok, not just for football.........................

[Steeler-Blitz43]

now he'll look more like a Steelers QB...Sorry Blitz i couldn't let a Bradshaw joke go untouched...

That's fine. Those two Steeler QB's combined have five rings....lol. That's something many other teams can't say.

[Tahoegirl]

I sure hope Big ben pulls threw. Look's like his season is over this year before it starts.. Stinks for the steeler fans. I like Big Ben great QB.. My prayers go out to him and his family and his team...

[NONAME]

A Quote from this link:

"According to a police source, Roethlisberger suffered a broken jaw, broke his left sinus cavity, suffered a 9-inch laceration to the back of his head, lost many teeth and has severe injuries to his knees from hitting the pavement."


Thank god these injuries do not seem life threatening, but the knees worry me for his career. As a QB he can get through it, but he could certainly miss serious time this season.

For now lets just hope the head injuries are no more severe than they seem....
Hope he is ok... That doesn't sound good at all!!!

I wouldn't even want to ride a motorcycle without a helmet though :wacko:

[Nikko]

ESPN's John Clayton projects Roethlisberger needing 7-8 weeks of "downtime" to recuperate and only "some" knee damage. That timeline would have Roethlisberger back before the end of training camp

[DeadlyNiners]

I hope he gets well soon. My prayers go out for him, his family, and his whole team. Should never ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Anything can happen.

[DeadlyNiners]

ESPN's John Clayton projects Roethlisberger needing 7-8 weeks of "downtime" to recuperate and only "some" knee damage. That timeline would have Roethlisberger back before the end of training camp
That's good to hear!

[Tahoegirl]

hope so. he's had a real magical career thus far and hate for that magic or that career to end over something like this.

I agree.. Hoping for a speedy recovery for Big Ben:francis:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

On that note........I think I'm going to go out and purchase a bottle of Belvedere and throw a few back. Talk to you all later and take care.

[Donut!]

i dont wanna beat a dead horse so hopefully people that ride w/o helmets will learn from this situation.

[Nikko]

Some reports are saying he could miss a year, maybe even two of football.. and a couple are saying he could be back in 3-4 months.

[Donut!]

Some reports are saying he could miss a year, maybe even two of football.. and a couple are saying he could be back in 3-4 months.

that is freaking horrible.

[Tahoegirl]

Here is an update, but it does not state anything about his football career..

Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney issued a statement regarding QB Ben Roethlisberger's (head, knee) motorcycle accident. Rooney said, "On behalf of everyone within the Steelers organization, I want to express my concern for Ben Roethlisberger. I am sure Ben knows that we are praying for his complete recovery. So far, we have been encouraged by the early reports from the medical team at Mercy Hospital. Our public relations staff will pass along any additional updates as we receive them from the hospital."

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

I will look around and see if I can find any more updated information

[D-Man]

I like Ben and I think he's a good guy in this age of selfish pigs. I cheered for him in the 'Bowl and I'll cheer for his quick recovery now. I hope he's under center for the season opener! Get well soon Big Ben!

[Nikko]

I like Ben and I think he's a good guy in this age of selfish pigs. I cheered for him in the 'Bowl and I'll cheer for his quick recovery now. I hope he's under center for the season opener! Get well soon Big Ben!

Acually, everytime they lost I found him making stupid excuses, or faking injury, and what not. That and he's a baby.

[D-Man]

Acually, everytime they lost I found him making stupid excuses, or faking injury, and what not. That and he's a baby.

Free yourself of the hatred, bro. T.O.'s gone now. :fishing:

[Nikko]

Free yourself of the hatred, bro. T.O.'s gone now. :fishing:

I was just insisting he's not as great of a person that everyone makes him out to be. :fishing:

I hope he's okay to go though.

[Pound th' Rock]

Anyone feel a Steelers / Raiders trade for Kerry Collins happening...

[DraconisRex]

from PFT

Per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, which broke the story of the accident minutes after it happened, Roethlisberger has fractured his left sinus cavity bone, sustained a nine-inch gash to the back of his head, suffered injuries to both knees and a broken jaw, and he has lost either "most" or "several" of his teeth.


http://www.thefdr.com/images/man-without-teeth.gif

[DraconisRex]

Anyone feel a Steelers / Raiders trade for Kerry Collins happening...


Collins is a FA.

[Pound th' Rock]

Collins is a FA.

Anyone feel a Steelers / Collins signing happening...

[A187]

LMAO Drac, nice pic

[Monster49er]

The lawyer stated when Ben came to, he thought he was a Raven QB at first :fishing:

[Tahoegirl]

They have to wait and see what his condition is and the estimated time for him to recover and if he can play football again.


Sure hope he did not just end his career.

[sgfried]

I feel bad for the Steeler's organization and thier fan base. We all know how dangerous riding a motorcycle is to begin with, add the fact that he refused to wear a helmet is just stupid. This is a team game, its not tennis or golf, he let a lot of people down with this accident. It doesn't matter who's fault the accident was, he could have put the whole teams 07 season in jeapardy. That is supremely selfish. I do not wish Ben any harm, but, when you play with fire, you have to expect to get burned once in a while. If you are running solo, so be it. But, when you are suppose to be a team player, this type of action is carp. Hope he is ok and heals up. More importantly I hope he learns what an ***** he has been and wises up. Not everybody gets another chance after a motorcycle crash (with or without a helmet).

[Pound th' Rock]

So far I've heard that he broke his nose and his jaw, but no further injuries have been revealed yet.

[Eaglesfandan]

He'll be fine. He's a "Soulja!!!" Oh wait wrong guy..........:whistling:

I think it's pretty safe to say he won't be ready for opening day. If he was I'd be shocked........

[Jumiah]

When you break you jaw and lose teeth (i.e. Kanye West), they will have to use wires, plates, and screws to get you back to normal. There is no way you could absorb an NFL hit with that stuff in your skull.

I put money on it that says he's out for at least one year. And I don't feel bad for him like I do the Steelers.

[Ace Matherton]

Looks like its BOTH knees, from early reports its had to believe he'll play this year. Perhaps Kerry Collins will have a job afterall.
Per Fanball.com

Roethlisberger's injuries extensive
THE NEWS
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is in serious but stable condition following a motorcycle accident Monday morning, but his list of injuries is extensive. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Roethlisbeger broke his jaw, fractured his left sinus cavity bone, lost most of his teeth, suffered a nine-inch laceration to the back of his head, and severely injured both of his knees. The Tribune-Review also indicated that a plastic surgeon has been called in. Reports indicate he collided with a Chrysler New Yorker, was thrown from his motorcycle and crashed head-first into the car's windshield, then rolled over the car and landed on the pavement. Roethlisberger, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, was coherent and moving his arms and legs before he went into surgery, Dr. Larry Jones, chief of trauma at Mercy Hospital told the Tribune Review.

Our View
At a minimum, Roethlisberger will have a tough time calling plays or putting on a helmet given the extent of the injuries to his head and face. The potential knee injuries are also cause for concern; remember that Browns tight end Kellen Winslow tore his ACL when he crashed his motorcycle last year. The Steelers indicated they'll release a statement later on, so until the true extent of Big Ben's injuries are known there's no use speculating on his prognosis.

[49ers 4 Life]

I hope Big Ben is alright,he should have use better judgement on wearing a helmet espeacially when he is driving a motorcycle.

[Nikko]

I hope Big Ben is alright,he should have use better judgement on wearing a helmet espeacially when he is driving a motorcycle.

Are you insisting he should be walking around with a helmet in case he walks into things? :ph34r:

[D-Man]

When you break you jaw and lose teeth (i.e. Kanye West), they will have to use wires, plates, and screws to get you back to normal. There is no way you could absorb an NFL hit with that stuff in your skull.

I put money on it that says he's out for at least one year. And I don't feel bad for him like I do the Steelers.

Plus, it would be impossible to hum the plays in the huddle. Someone else can call plays in the huddle and Big Ben hum the cadence....

[Tahoegirl]

I found this interesting article. A little more info on what happen, but no new news on his injuries..

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PIT/9493892

[Nikko]

That is completely different because you are not going 30mph or more when you walk.

I was kidding. He said "especially" when he's riding motorcycles. Why would he otherwise?

[Ace Matherton]

New News Knees not seriously hurt.
www.fanball.com

THE NEWS
The knee injuries suffered by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during his motorcycle accident Monday are not considered serious, according to ESPN's John Clayton.

Our View
Big Ben is still in serious condition with a broken jaw, fractured his left sinus cavity bone, lost teeth, and a nine-inch laceration to the back of his head. However, it was the knee injuries that had the potential to derail his football career. It now appears he's dodged a major bullet, but we'll continue to follow this story and break down the fantasy implications.

[Tahoegirl]

New News Knees not seriously hurt.
www.fanball.com


Thanks for the update.. Glad to hear he did not seriously hurt his knee's...

[Pound th' Rock]

Dont' knwo if this has been posted. Sounds gruesome.


(http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=rotowire-enoethlisbergereport&prov=rotowire&type=lgns)

" Update: In addition to a broken jaw, a broken left sinus cavity, a 9-inch laceration to the back of the head, and many lost teeth, Roethlisberger also suffered severe knee injuries, according to the Pittsburghchannel.com.

Recommendation: Roethlisberger remains in serious but stable condition, according to Dr. Larry Jones. We'll continue to update his status as more details become available."

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Once again.........on the local news here in Pittsburgh, there have been conflicting reports on his knees.

[jay_1699]

MSNBC has said that his head is fine, but he has several broken bones in various places and that his football career is likely over:-(

[Nikko]

MSNBC has said that his head is fine, but he has several broken bones in various places and that his football career is likely over:-(

His career isn't over. An MSNBC article updated a couple minutes ago says all the broken bones in his head were repaired and that those were his only serious injuries.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13279232/

[PsychoZombie]

OK having grown up on Harley's and spent alot of my younger/teen years going to Swap meets, biker rodeos, Sturgis and Daytona Bike Week's I want to clarify something about motorcycle helmets so their is no confusion.

Helmets should be the choice of motorcycle riders. They protect the head in case of an accident but do not neccassarily prevent harm, and actually can make a very small accident into a serious one.

A very HIGH percentage of motorcycle deaths are caused by the HELMET. Full face helmets, which is what you see on dirt bike racers, "crotch-rocket" riders, actually have a tendency to break the neck of riders when riders have hit the road head first at even low speeds. These are the WORST helmets to wear.

Secondly even half-helmets have caused deaths of motorcycle riders due to the fact that they have shattered and sent pieces of the helmet into the skull/brain of the rider causing death.

That's why alot of states do not have helmet laws because riders stood up to their local government with these type of statistics and explained by "forcing" motorcycle riders to wear helmets they may be forcing these riders to certain death.

In all reality the best policy if you don't want to suffer greatly in a motorcycle accident is not to ride at all.

But wearing a helmet may actually increase your chance of becoming a very scary statistic.

[4therush]

As a motorcycle rider myself I wish him the best. They dont call em brain buckets for fun. Got to wear a helmet all the time. My thoughts are with him and his family tonight.:sad:

[xraided25]

From the doctor's mouth who held a press conference on the local news here in Pittsburgh.



It's actually jaw surgery probably broke his jaw and is getting it wired

[Tahoegirl]

ESPN.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger remained in serious but stable condition following seven hours of surgery that ended at approximately 9 p.m. ET, according to Dr. Daniel Pituch, Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Mercy Hospital. His condition is not expected to change throughout the evening, Pituch said at a news conference following the surgery.

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

Some new info on Ben.. Long time in surgery.. This boy is going to be hurting for a while..

[4therush]

MOTORCYCLIST FACTS

Motorcycles make up less than 2% of all registered vehicles and only 0.4% of all vehicle miles traveled, but motorcyclists account for over 9% of total traffic fatalities. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, 2005)

Fatalities among motorcycle riders have increased by more than 89% since 1997. (NHTSA, 2005)

In 2004, 66% of fatally injured motorcycle riders were not wearing a helmet in states without all-rider helmet laws, compared with only 15% in states with all-rider helmet laws. (NHTSA, 2005)

Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are about 21 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash and four times as likely to be injured. (NHTSA, 2001)

In 2003, 36 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, approximately twice the rate for drivers of passenger cars or light trucks. The percentage of alcohol involvement was 40 percent higher for motorcyclists than for drivers of passenger vehicles. (NHTSA, 2003)

Motorcyclist fatalities are rising fastest among motorcycle riders over age 40. In 2003 alone, fatalities increased by 16%. (NHTSA, 2003)

Helmets reduce the risk of death by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries to motorcycle riders. (NHTSA, 2001)

[PsychoZombie]

Deep in the plush recesses of any helmet approved by the Department of Transportation is a tiny warning label: "Some reasonably foreseeable impacts may exceed this helmet's capability to protect against severe injury or death." The unspecified "reasonably foreseeable impacts" are any collisions at speeds greater than 15 miles per hour. The department tests the protection provided by helmets by dropping them on an anvil from a height of six feet. This is equivalent to an impact at 14.4 miles per hour. So if you're riding to Laconia, keep your speedometer below 15 miles per hour.

But what about all those statistics purporting to prove that helmets save lives? Some studies indicate that there are fewer motorcycle deaths per one million residents in states with helmet laws than in states where helmets are not mandatory. But this is largely because there are more riders per capita in states that did not require helmets.

If you take those same statistics and count motorcycle fatality rates per 10,000 registered motorcycles rather than per general population -- a more sensible approach -- you find that nine states without helmet laws had a lower fatality rate (3.05 deaths per 10,000 motorcycles) than those that mandated helmets (3.38).


That sums up most of those "statistics".

[IowaNinersFan]

now he'll look more like a Steelers QB...Sorry Blitz i couldn't let a Bradshaw joke go untouched...
Big Ben's not quite there yet until he starts losing his hair. :laugh:

[Rexi]

god i feel so sorry for ben. so up and coming as a player. i have to say i would be very surprised if he ever took another NFL snap. lost most of his teeth, 9 inch gash in his head, probably a very severe concussion. some qb's get knocked out of the game from head injuries (including steve) and ben's injury sounds worse than 90% of any football injury. i think his career is over, though i hope i am proved wrong. he is really lucky he accomplished so much so early in his career, more than most in the league for 10 years+.

[Venom]

MOTORCYCLIST FACTS

Motorcycles make up less than 2% of all registered vehicles and only 0.4% of all vehicle miles traveled, but motorcyclists account for over 9% of total traffic fatalities. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, 2005)

Fatalities among motorcycle riders have increased by more than 89% since 1997. (NHTSA, 2005)

In 2004, 66% of fatally injured motorcycle riders were not wearing a helmet in states without all-rider helmet laws, compared with only 15% in states with all-rider helmet laws. (NHTSA, 2005)

Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are about 21 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash and four times as likely to be injured. (NHTSA, 2001)

In 2003, 36 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, approximately twice the rate for drivers of passenger cars or light trucks. The percentage of alcohol involvement was 40 percent higher for motorcyclists than for drivers of passenger vehicles. (NHTSA, 2003)

Motorcyclist fatalities are rising fastest among motorcycle riders over age 40. In 2003 alone, fatalities increased by 16%. (NHTSA, 2003)

Helmets reduce the risk of death by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries to motorcycle riders. (NHTSA, 2001)


Yeah, it's not rocket science. Driving any vehicle carries some risk. Driving a vehicle where an accident will lauch one into the air is exponentially more dangerous. Why someone would want to take this risk without protecting their head, even if the helmet is only marginal protection, is beyond me.
The thing is, the Big Bens and Kellen Winslows of the world make the same dumb mistakes that we all do. They are just under the media's microscope unlike the rest of us. I hope Ben can fully recover from this and he learns a valuable lesson. Maybe some young thrill seekers out there might want to pause and process this incident too.

[Eaglesfandan]

Being a former Sportster owner myself I kinda agree with Psycho myself. Helmets can cause as much harm as they can help. If you ride a motorcycle you aren't surronded by steel in case of an impact, plain and simple. YOu need to drive that thing like everyone is trying to kill you. Now I know it wasn't his fault, but he made the choice himself to take that risk.

Anything from the neck down isn't helped by a helmet when you are on a motorcycle, and when you are a football player that is very important. No helmet would have saved him from the other injuries besides his head so he needed to make a choice: Drive the motorcycle because he is "Young and Invincible," or get ran over and lose millions of dollars. It was his own choice. I hope he recovers, but I don't feel sorry for him in terms of the football career. It was a choice he made, and even after the K2 incident and watching him lose everything for now, he still got on the bike and rode around.

[Eaglesfandan]

http://www.mustangworld.com/forums/images/smilies/tard.gif

Sure buddy.. Must be nice living on cloud 9..



:nolisten:

the crown of my helmet slamed into a rock when I went over my bars at 30mph. All that got me was 20min of lost time and a nice concussion.

Helmets, full faced or half SAVE lifes more often then take them.


It should be mandatory in all the States to wear a helmet on a bike. US TAX payers shouldn't have to pay because someone chose not to wear a lid and get his brain splattered on the ground.
You flew off and landed on your head I'll give you that. I'm guessing a dirt bike. Would that helmet have helped you though on the interstate if you, "Hit a rock," and landed in the middle of rush hour with cars running your over?

Not saying that helmets don't help at all, but dirt bike riding and riding on the actual road are two totally different things. Something he decided was worth giving up millions of dollars for. At least he got hit by a dumbarse driver and was at no fault as compared to the "Soulja," trying to practice reverse wheelies in a parking lot having NO IDEA how to ride and NO BUSINES trying to do what he was doing.

[49ersCatch]

I just read the whole report on the NFL.com frontpage.. that's terrible. He's lucky to have lived, hopefully everything heals up fast and nothing else is wrong other than the jaw and nose. Glad to hear it was only that, he got extremely lucky. I'll be prayin for him.

[iheartniners]

As much as i hate the steelers, i still hope that Ben reovers nicely and comes back to win another SB, after we win 2 more

When i was watching the NFL network stuff on him it didn't seem like it would really bar him from playing so i doubt the steelers are in a lot of trouble

[Kamron]

You flew off and landed on your head I'll give you that. I'm guessing a dirt bike. Would that helmet have helped you though on the interstate if you, "Hit a rock," and landed in the middle of rush hour with cars running your over?

Not saying that helmets don't help at all, but dirt bike riding and riding on the actual road are two totally different things. Something he decided was worth giving up millions of dollars for. At least he got hit by a dumbarse driver and was at no fault as compared to the "Soulja," trying to practice reverse wheelies in a parking lot having NO IDEA how to ride and NO BUSINES trying to do what he was doing.

"Hit a rock," and landed in the middle of rush hour with cars running your over?" It may not protect all of your body, but it's better than nothing at all, especially the most important part of the body.
Helmets may break when they hit something very hard, get crushed etc., but how in the hell is someone head any better. Helmets will HELP more than they hurt. One of the only things I think of is you have better vision without a helmet, and that's about it.
Regardless if it was Ben's fault he still should have worn it. Let's see him not wear a helmet during a football game take a head to head hit and say, hey at least it wasn't his fault!
Now, unless someone has some sort of government conspiracy theory saying that the government is just trying to make money or kill people..........

[Donut!]

you gotta assume with such a long procedure that ben had his mouth wired shut. they say it takes at least 2 months to heal but does that equate to football readiness? i would think it's going to take even longer given that the man is paid to basically take hits to the face and head on every snap. ben needs to count his blessings. he could be six feet under. i hope he truly realizes now that he's not invincible. you can be the best motorcyclist in the world but if you get into an accident it's still your *** on the ground.

[djdino]

WOW....I hope he recovers well and best wishes to him and his family. From the looks of the vehicle that was involved, I'm surprised that Ben did not sustain more severe injury.

[DraconisRex]

OK having grown up on Harley's and spent alot of my younger/teen years going to Swap meets, biker rodeos, Sturgis and Daytona Bike Week's I want to clarify something about motorcycle helmets so their is no confusion.

Helmets should be the choice of motorcycle riders. They protect the head in case of an accident but do not neccassarily prevent harm, and actually can make a very small accident into a serious one.

A very HIGH percentage of motorcycle deaths are caused by the HELMET. Full face helmets, which is what you see on dirt bike racers, "crotch-rocket" riders, actually have a tendency to break the neck of riders when riders have hit the road head first at even low speeds. These are the WORST helmets to wear.

Secondly even half-helmets have caused deaths of motorcycle riders due to the fact that they have shattered and sent pieces of the helmet into the skull/brain of the rider causing death.

That's why alot of states do not have helmet laws because riders stood up to their local government with these type of statistics and explained by "forcing" motorcycle riders to wear helmets they may be forcing these riders to certain death.

In all reality the best policy if you don't want to suffer greatly in a motorcycle accident is not to ride at all.

But wearing a helmet may actually increase your chance of becoming a very scary statistic.

Jeeze... Reminds me of the old safetybelt arguments from the 1960's...



Myth 3: Motorcycle Helmets Break Necks

It seems logical—you put more weight out there on the end of your neck and when you get thrown off the bike, that extra weight will create more pendulum force on your neck. Turns out, it doesn't work that way. In fact, the energy-absorbing qualities of a DOT motorcycle helmet also absorb the energy that breaks riders' necks in impacts. Studies show that helmeted motorcyclists actually suffer fewer neck injuries when they crash compared to riders who crash without helmets.

Darn those real-world statistics and studies. Get in the way of a well thought-out bar-room myth every time... But wait, there's more:

Myth 4: Helmets Block Your Ability to See or Hear Danger

The thing you learn when you dig into the research is that motorcycle riders who use helmets crash less frequently than those who don't. Maybe that happens because motorcyclists who decide to wear helmets have a better or more realistic attitude about riding. Maybe it's because putting on a helmet is a reminder that what you are about to do can be dangerous and the act of accepting protection puts you in the right mindset. Maybe it's because a helmet provides eye protection and cuts down wind noise so you can actually see and hear better. Maybe its because, by cutting wind pressure and noise, a helmet reduces fatigue. Whatever the reasons, wearing a helmet clearly does not increase a motorcyclist's risk of having an accident and wearing one correlates to reduced likelihood of an accident.

Myth 5: A Helmet Won't Help in Most Crashes

# People look at the seemingly low impact speeds used in motorcycle-helmet testing and assume that if you are going faster than that, the helmet will no longer be up to the job. That ignores a few critical facts: Most accidents happen at relatively low speeds.
# Most of the impact energy is usually vertical—the distance your head falls until it hits.
# Helmets (or at least helmets that meet DOT standards) perform spectacular life-saving feats at impact speeds far above those used in testing.
# When a helmeted rider suffers a fatal head injury, it frequently doesn't matter, because, to hit hard enough to sustain that fatal injury, he sustained multiple additional fatal injuries to other parts of his body. In other words, the fact that the helmet didn't prevent the head injury was of no consequence.
# The numbers clearly say that riders using DOT helmets simply survive crashes more successfully than those without them.

Myth 6: A Helmet Will Leave You Brain Damaged in an Crash When You Would Have Simply Died

Of course that's possible—your helmet attenuates the impact energy enough to keep the injury from being fatal but not enough to keep all of your eggs from getting scrambled. However, that's rare, and if you hit that hard, you are likely to get killed by some other injury. It's actually the un-helmeted rider who is likely to cross from animal to vegetable kingdom, and often from a relatively minor impact that would have damaged nothing but his ego if he'd been wearing a DOT helmet.

Myth 7: A Skilled Rider Should Be Able to Handle Almost Any Situation

The sharpest, most skilled motorcyclist in the world isn't going to be up to the task when a car turns or pulls out in front of him a short distance ahead and stops directly in his path broadside. Believing that your superior skills will keep you of trouble is a pipe dream, even if they are as good as you think. No matter how skilled you are, it's better to ride to avoid situations that can turn ugly. Slow down, scan farther ahead, and think strategically. And dress for the crash.

Not only did this get Roethlesberger, but it got my brother and myself, both of us who have more experience (and were probably better riders) than Roethlesberger. Except for road rash, we both survived impacts worse than Roethlesberger's with no head trauma. Since we both also wore leathers, even when it's hot, I got minor road rash and a broken leg. He got minor road rash and a broken wrist.


http://motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/dangerous_motorcycle_safety_myths/


And if you don't like the commercial source, here's an abstract from PubMed. I can't link the full article because the account is my wife's and I have no business letting others access it. However, it's a WELL STUDIED area by INDEPENDENT SCIENTISTS. Not drunks in a bar.

Motorcycle helmets and spinal injuries: dispelling the myth.

Orsay EM, Muelleman RL, Peterson TD, Jurisic DH, Kosasih JB, Levy P.

University of Illinois, Chicago.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between spinal injuries and helmet use in motorcycle trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Twenty-eight hospitals in four midwestern states--Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin--representing urban, suburban, and rural settings. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive sample of motorcyclists treated at the participating centers. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The major variables evaluated were helmet use, ethanol use, and significant head or spinal injuries. RESULTS: 1,153 cases were analyzed. Helmet use was not significantly associated with spinal injuries (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence intervals, 0.79, 1.58) whereas head injury was markedly decreased with helmet use (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence intervals, 0.23, 0.53). Ethanol use was a significant variable in both head (odds ratio, 3.89) and spinal (odds ratio, 2.41) injuries. CONCLUSION: In contrast to a significant protective relationship identified for head injuries, helmet use was not associated with an increased or decreased occurrence rate of spinal injuries in motorcycle trauma.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8161050&dopt=Abstract

[DraconisRex]

Did not know that....


Of course you don't! It's not true! It's a MYTH put out by the same kind of people that don't like to wear seatbelts.

[DraconisRex]

That sums up most of those "statistics".


No it doesn't. You're getting a product liability notice to cover frivolous lawsuits by the estates of morons. A helmet can only go so far in protecting a person from being a moron. Just like airbags and seatbelts can only go so far in protecting people from being morons.

[bsy]

Nothing is fullproof but who rides a hayabusa, considered one of the fastest production bikes in the world, without a helmet? If he was wearing a fullface, he might still have his teeth. As for his knees, they weren't in the best condition in the 1st place so can understand people worrying. Oh, cower is going to have a fit.

[Eaglesfandan]

"Hit a rock," and landed in the middle of rush hour with cars running your over?" It may not protect all of your body, but it's better than nothing at all, especially the most important part of the body.
Helmets may break when they hit something very hard, get crushed etc., but how in the hell is someone head any better. Helmets will HELP more than they hurt. One of the only things I think of is you have better vision without a helmet, and that's about it.
Regardless if it was Ben's fault he still should have worn it. Let's see him not wear a helmet during a football game take a head to head hit and say, hey at least it wasn't his fault!
Now, unless someone has some sort of government conspiracy theory saying that the government is just trying to make money or kill people..........
Ssssssssssssssh!!!! You weren't supposed to reveal my plan yet......:nonono:
http://people.csail.mit.edu/rahimi/helmet/ali2.jpg

[DraconisRex]

HOW TO WASTE ADVERTISING DOLLARS

In perusing the ESPN.com coverage of the Ben Roethlisberger accident, we noticed an advertisement that probably won't generate much interest in the short term.

Here's a photo of the screen.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/YamahaAd.jpg

One of life's little ironies...


http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

[Tahoegirl]

BEN DIDN'T even Have a Motorcycle Liscence......... :falldownlaugh:


He didn't have a liscence for the state of Pennsylvania........and listen to this.....he wasn't at fault from early reportings and now he could be at fault since he didn't have a frickin liscence.........talk about stupidity from not wearing a helmet to not having a liscence

Here is info..

KDKA.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (head, knee) apparently does not possess a Pennsylvania motorcycle license. Sources say Roethlisberger does have a license to operate a car. City accident investigators are not commenting, but a confidential source told KDKA that a review of motor vehicle record in Harrisburg, Pa., shows he has never had a Pennsylvania motorcycle license. The source said he had a learner's permit that allowed him to ride a motorcycle, but the permit expired March 29.

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Roethlisberger's injuries only on face, should be ready for opener
Tuesday, June 13, 2006

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The injuries to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger were confined to his face and the Steelers are confident he should heal and be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 7 against the Miami Dolphins, sources told the Post-Gazette today.

Roethlisberger has a broken jaw, a broken nose and some injuries to his teeth but otherwise came through his motorcycle accident on Monday with nothing else but some scrapes and bruises. Published reports that detailed injuries to his knees and shoulders are untrue, sources said.

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.

The quarterback had seven hours of surgery yesterday afternoon and evening to repair facial fractures caused when his motorcycle struck a car on Second Avenue at the 10th Street Bridge.

After the surgery, doctors said the facial fractures were successfully repaired but they would not elaborate. They did say that there appear to be no brain, spine, chest or abdomen injuries. - PPG

Might as well put this article in this thread. Messed up by putting it in the AFC North thread.

[Mace Windu]

Roethlisberger's injuries only on face, should be ready for opener
Tuesday, June 13, 2006

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The injuries to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger were confined to his face and the Steelers are confident he should heal and be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 7 against the Miami Dolphins, sources told the Post-Gazette today.

Roethlisberger has a broken jaw, a broken nose and some injuries to his teeth but otherwise came through his motorcycle accident on Monday with nothing else but some scrapes and bruises. Published reports that detailed injuries to his knees and shoulders are untrue, sources said.

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.

The quarterback had seven hours of surgery yesterday afternoon and evening to repair facial fractures caused when his motorcycle struck a car on Second Avenue at the 10th Street Bridge.

After the surgery, doctors said the facial fractures were successfully repaired but they would not elaborate. They did say that there appear to be no brain, spine, chest or abdomen injuries. - PPG

Might as well put this article in this thread. Messed up by putting it in the AFC North thread.


Good to hear.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

While it is very encouraging news, I'll believe it when I see Ben behind Hartings on September 7 when we play the Miami Dolphins.

[Nikko]

While it is very encouraging news, I'll believe it when I see Ben behind Hartings on September 7 when we play the Miami Dolphins.
I just don't see that happening. I think he'll back sometime this season, but not right away.

[jojob101]

I hate it when our NFL players get hurt like this. I mean I know it is going to happen regardless based on population and all..... but it sucks.

Sorry Steeler fans.... I feel for you all...:crutch:

I think I heard that the state of Pitt. took away the helmet law 2 years ago. Not that, that might have helped because riding a Harley you tend to wear an open face mask....

It's a tough call but as an owner of the Steelers I might have put these clauses in the contract. Just like the military ... you can be held responsible if you are out putting your life on the line..

Good luck on a speedy recovery Ben.

This could have been much worst!!

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Not that, that might have helped because riding a Harley you tend to wear an open face mask....

It was not a Harley, it was a street bike. A 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa, one of the fastest street bikes manufactured.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Doctors Upgrade Roethlisberger's Condition

Harold Hayes
Reporting

(KDKA) PITTSBURGH Doctors at Mercy Hosptial have upgraded Ben Roethlisberger's condition from serious but stable to fair; and they say he could get out of the hospital in the next three to five days.

At a news conference this afternoon, doctors said Roethlisberger was resting comfortably with his family.

While he suffered a fractured upper and lower jaw, a fractured nose, as well as other facial fractures and head lacerations, docotrs say there was no evidence of major structural damage to his knees.

Although he did suffer a mild concussion, his brain was functioning normally.

Doctors say Roethlisberger could get out of the hospital in the next three to five days.

[Tahoegirl]

Doctors Upgrade Roethlisberger's Condition

Harold Hayes
Reporting

(KDKA) PITTSBURGH Doctors at Mercy Hosptial have upgraded Ben Roethlisberger's condition from serious but stable to fair; and they say he could get out of the hospital in the next three to five days.

At a news conference this afternoon, doctors said Roethlisberger was resting comfortably with his family.

While he suffered a fractured upper and lower jaw, a fractured nose, as well as other facial fractures and head lacerations, docotrs say there was no evidence of major structural damage to his knees.

Although he did suffer a mild concussion, his brain was functioning normally.

Doctors say Roethlisberger could get out of the hospital in the next three to five days.

Good news.. Thank you for the update..:doubleup:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Good update, but I am not sure he will play this season

This season? He has a broken upper and lower jaw for the most part. That takes 6-8 weeks to heal. I'm not denying he may miss a few games, but the whole season? No way.

[val49erfan]

I don't even think that he'll miss any games at all....Hope for the best for him.

I hope this knocked some sense into his hard head about wearing a helmet.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

I hope this knocked some sense into his hard head about wearing a helmet.

Personally, I'll go even further and agree with Terry Bradshaw. "Put the bike down". Helmet or no helmet, eitherway he crashes and breaks both of his legs, he's out for the season. After the kid retires he can ride his bike as much as he wants. Until then, take it easy.

Back in the day Bradshaw showed up at the Steeler practice facility in a brand new corvet. As he was pulling into the parking lot Art Rooney Sr. went up to Bradshaw and told him he doesn't ever want to see him in that car until he's retired. From that moment until he retired Terry drove a pick up truck...lol. Man I miss the Chief.

[Giedi]

I don't even think that he'll miss any games at all....Hope for the best for him.

Same here Fabie, he's a good athlete. He'll be missed by the steeler fans of course, and anybody who plays the steelers without big ben knows they aren't playing the real steelers.

Giedi

[NinerCubBoiler]

here's my thing.

all these people saying to put the bike down have their arguments focused in the wrong direction. how many athelete invovled motorcycle incidents have we ever seen?

How many drunk driving Athelete involved incidents have we seen?

If you're telling people to wait til they are retired to take risk with the bike why not champion other causes as well. (yes i understand that the other stuff should involve more common sense but it obviously needs more guiadance than originally thought).

you have a valid point... but when you are getting paid millions of dollars a year and millions upon millions of people are counting on you to lead your team don't you think you would want to make sure you do your utmost to be safe and healthy?

[Giedi]

here's my thing.

all these people saying to put the bike down have their arguments focused in the wrong direction. how many athelete invovled motorcycle incidents have we ever seen?

How many drunk driving Athelete involved incidents have we seen?

If you're telling people to wait til they are retired to take risk with the bike why not champion other causes as well. (yes i understand that the other stuff should involve more common sense but it obviously needs more guiadance than originally thought).

Accidents happen, and stupid accidents happen becuase somebody did something stupid. In regards to Big Ben :unsure: -- was it his fault or perhaps not? Was he swerving to avoid something, someone? Or was he really the ***** that some folks think he was as he rode his bike?

Given his youth and that he's an athlete - the probabilities are that he might have been doing something stupid. But I've seen motorcycle accidents caused by a law abiding granny driving a four door at 20 MPH failing to look before making a turn.

Giedi :crutch:

[Giedi]

you have a valid point... but when you are getting paid millions of dollars a year and millions upon millions of people are counting on you to lead your team don't you think you would want to make sure you do your utmost to be safe and healthy?

Certainly Big Ben owes it to his family to be safe, as he is probably the lead provider for his family (whether he's married or not).

I'd say the more you are paid, and the more that the team depends on you as a star athlete in the mould of Joe Montana, Jerry, Steve, Troy Aikman, Garrison Hearst and the like -- that you do have a responsiblity to your team to not endanger your own health.

Non-star athletes - in the mould of PJ Fleck, and the like - still have a responsiblity to their immediate families, but to the team not really - considering they are not starters or *key* starters.

Giedi

[Giedi]

from what i understand of the accident, the person that hit Ben made an unsafe turn. So this really does fall under the Accidents do happen. As the other times he's ridden that bike without his helmet and not got hurt had he called up the local news and said "i told you so" we'd all have been annoyed with him, but the one time out of numerous times of him riding someone else does something wrong and Ben gets hurt now we have to hear people lecture Ben. IMO, it's ridiculous and people are placing blame partially where it doesn't belong.

The **** in my personality if given the chance and being in Ben's shoes would have said something to the point of, I'll give up my Bike the day the NFL takes a stronger stance with people like Leonard Little...how many people must he kill and yet i'm being told how to ride my bike...:madgal:

I agree.

I think it's more a issue of whether or not the Steelers took the risk seriously or not, and contracted for it. The rams with Little, can contract in their agreement, no more alcohol or you will get docked in pay. (or something like that) and truly if there was an agreement between the Steelers and Big ben about bike riding - and he rode his bike and broke a condition of his contract, then Big Ben clearly can be held responsible.

But if neither the Steelers, Ben's agents and employees, never had a formal legally binding agreement for Ben to stay away from bikes, there isn't a rule that I know of that would preven Ben from lawfully riding his bikes. No matter what the public says or Art roony or whoever. If there isn't something in writing between the parties, Ben can do anything legally he wants with the bike.

Giedi

[Fez]

So, should we take this one step further and do like the Titans did to Steve Mcnair and consider that justified now?
They did say they were trying to protect their $20mil in cap space in case of injury.

Big difference: Those are football-related injuries.

[Fez]

Ben didn't wear a helmet, however the way the accident went down was the fault of another driver so it's quite possible that he could have gotten hurt simply trying to cross the street on foot and yet we're stuck listening to another go around about helmet laws when in all actuality the athelete who has millions at stake was not speeding, doing tricks, or riding his bike in a manner that broke any state laws but instead went against what some people believe should be common practice. What about the previous bike ride he went on when he returned home safe and sound how come no fuss from any of us, and how come no "i told you so's from Ben" reason being because he abided by state laws and nothing happened.

So yeah, it was the fault of another driver... however, and F'in the Pennsylvania traffic laws, I think it is just common sense to wear a darn helmet. I'm pretty sure that, had he wore it, none of these complaints should've been heard. It could've passed as yet another traffic accident involving a professional athlete, as some we've heard about in the past.

[Fez]

car vs car maybe....car vs motorcycle. not always...
My point is, nobody would be focusing on the helmet issue.

Haven't read the entire thread, but I don't think there's one single person blaming him for the accident. Between Ben and KWII there's a world of difference, responsibility-wise, but you can't ignore the big "what if" of Ben not wearing a helmet... like: what if he had broken his skull and died? :nonono:

[Fez]

chances are that if he did, that means he was hit hard enough that with the helmet on it would have happened cause the car would have had to have been speeding...

Now I don't understand what you're trying to say... are you justifying the fact that Ben ignored his well-being by not wearing a helmet, "because a harder hit with his helmet on would've killed him anyway"?

[Fez]

http://forums.49ers.com/messageboard/showpost.php?p=68157&postcount=162

So, a lot of bike riders are unlicensed... big deal, that does not make it right for Ben to ride a bike without one.

"I am wrong, but look! Thousands do the same!" is hardly a justification.

[Fez]

Exactly................I don't understand that logic either.............it's actually a commonly known fallacy known as ad populum(latin).

Thanks, that's what I was looking for before posting that. :biggrin:

[jay_1699]

you and fez need to understand that two things are read.

a) alot of riders are unlicensed and uninsured, sad. (see how the sentence ends)

then

b) i addressed fault in an accident and how it is played out LEGALLY whether Ben is licensed or not it doesn't give the driver of another vehicle the right to disobey the rules of the rode as well. I further explained that if PA has a law in place like CA's prop 213 then the only negative affect on Ben is that he can't get any pain and suffereing $$$ which is money above and beyond his property damage (motorcycle repairs) and medical bills.


That SB ring is like intravenous morphine...just rub it and your pain goes away.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

We don't know if there are other things they have missed or what the doctor may say to him.

And that's why it's not safe to make the assumption he's going to miss the whole season. But if I had to guess, going by the reports that i have read in my hometown, I don't think he will miss the whole season.

[TheWiz]

I have not read this entire post.

Currently, my best sources on this topic which are 90% common media, don't suggest he will miss much time if at all. Everything I know suggests that he will need at least 2 months to heal from his facial injuries and even then the club will be overly protective. I give him a 25% chance of starting in week 1, and an equal increase each week of starting in week 4 at 100%

The problem is that given an article I read, PIT really does have a very hard first-half schedule. They play playoff capable teams each week but they have lost their power short running game and their wildcard WR. If anything they need their QB to perform some chemistry magic and move from the 20-pass safe QB to the 30-pass production QB. I think he will miss at least half of training camp due to his injuries but he will be throwing at the start of it all. But he probably won't see any actual game time as a QB in preseason and for that fact alone the team may split snaps in the early season to rebuild the rapport for week 3 or 4.

My prediction is this. Just to be safe, the team will not put him in pads in August. He will throw the ball in early August, but not with anything on and with a weak rush. By late August he will have pads on with no contact but he won't play in the preseason games. He will share snaps in weeks 1-3 and will be starting in weeks 3-5 at the latest this year because of the touchy situation revolving around facial injuries.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Like I said, nobody knows for sure because we are not inside the hospital room. Once again, I don't believe he will miss the whole season but I would not be shocked if he misses the first two or three regular season games.

[Venom]

This season? He has a broken upper and lower jaw for the most part. That takes 6-8 weeks to heal. I'm not denying he may miss a few games, but the whole season? No way.

That's my guess--week 8 or so, he'll be back and he'll be full speed by playoff time.

[bsy]

Bill is probably boiling up inside because he told of the dangers of riding

I can see it now, the chin jutting, spittle flying, ben taking cover. Joking aside, I think cowher is going to have a loooooong jed clampett type of talk with that boy. Might as well do it while his jaw is wired shut.

Looks like ben will be ok. Maybe it's time for a honda cub or a vespa with a helmet of course.

[PowerfulDragon]

Mike and Mike's sportsticker said that he'd be out of the hospital in 3 - 5 days. i think he'll miss the preseason, and MAYBE game one.
[edit]
http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PIT/9496041

Roethlisberger could be discharged in 3-5 days Click here to find out more!
NFL.com wire reports

PITTSBURGH (June 13, 2006) -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could be out of the hospital in a few days and appears likely to play this season after a bloody motorcycle accident in which his helmetless head shattered a car windshield.

The Steelers' Super Bowl-winning quarterback was upgraded to fair condition at Mercy Hospital a day after the scary 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.

Doctors did not discuss Roethlisberger's condition in detail, at the request of his family, but the quarterback's only major injuries were to his face: a broken upper and lower jaw, a loss of two teeth, a broken nose, broken facial bones and various cuts and bruises.

Jaw injuries can vary greatly in nature and, because of the rather limited protection provided by a football helmet, have the potential to sideline a player for a lengthy period. But the surgeons who operated on Roethlisberger for seven hours June 12 said all of his fractures were successfully repaired.

If that is the case, then Roethlisberger might miss part or most of training camp but could be ready for the Sept. 7 opener against Denver. For the Steelers, who would otherwise go into the season with backup Charlie Batch and rookie Omar Jacobs at quarterback, that is the best possible scenario after an accident that left huge splotches of Roethlisberger's dried blood on a city street.

Dr. Larry Jones, the chief of Mercy Hospital's trauma unit, said Roethlisberger's brain was functioning normally, although he has a concussion.

"He is awake, alert, oriented and is resting with his family by his side," Jones said during a news briefing, in which reporters were not allowed to ask questions.

The 24-year-old Roethlisberger, the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, initially was listed in serious but stable condition following the accident.

Considering that Roethlisberger wasn't wearing a helmet while riding his 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa, a model that weighs less than 600 pounds but can easily reach 200 miles per hour in a modified state, the Steelers realize how much worse the accident could have been.

Coach Bill Cowher has said nothing publicly since making a hasty return to Pittsburgh from a North Carolina vacation the night of June 12, and it is unlikely any team official will comment about Roethlisberger's football future until he is out of the hospital. According to Jones, Roethlisberger could be released in three to five days.

In an additional development, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh reported 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 him in 2004.

"Maybe the first persons it'll hit is all the quarterbacks," NFL Player Association president Troy Vincent of the Buffalo Bills said. "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. "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."

[Giedi]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9496082


nflpa chimes in

the NFL agrees with me. Heh.

Giedi

[PowerfulDragon]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ROETHLISBERGER-BEN-AUTO-MOTORCYCLE-16x20-PHOTO_W0QQitemZ8813643453

[Giedi]

Steelers warned Ben about riding Bike

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2483239

The roonys typically take care of their players - that's a positive for Ben. Also the injury isn't a career ending one - another positive.

Still if the contract is not specific about bike riding - it's still a tough road to hoe with regards to the Steelers trying to recover their bonus money.

Giedi

[Venom]

I wonder if the Steelers would lend us Roethlisberger as a mentor until he heals and is game ready? After all, he's got a SB ring too and even in his current condition, he's still a better QB than Trent Dilfer.:stirthepot: :D

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Jealousy is a *****: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06166/698372-66.stm

and

He is home: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06166/698521-66.stm

IF Ben misses any of the season, Batch can cover for Ben for a few games. Also, since his jaw is not wired shut, he won't lose as much weight as people think.

[Sweets]

I wonder if the Steelers would lend us Roethlisberger as a mentor until he heals and is game ready? After all, he's got a SB ring too and even in his current condition, he's still a better QB than Trent Dilfer.:stirthepot: :D

Dilfer has a SB ring...

[Venom]

Dilfer has a SB ring...
That's why I said "too". I know Dilfer has a ring but Big Ben has a ring and skill.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

That's why I said "too". I know Dilfer has a ring but Big Ben has a ring and skill.

And getting that ring at the age of 24 while playing in his second year in the NFL.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Roethlisberger issues statement
Thursday, June 15, 2006

Ben Roethlisberger was released from Mercy Hospital shortly before midnight on Thursday, less than three full days after being transported there by paramedics after a motorcycle accident.

Now continuing his recuperation at home with his family at his side, Roethlisberger issued the following statement:

"In the past few days, I have gained new perspective on life. By the grace of God, I am fortunate to be alive, surrounded by loved ones and lifted by the prayers and support of so many. I am sorry for any anxiety and concern my actions have caused others, specifically my family, the Steelers organization, my teammates and our fans.

"I recognize that I have a responsibility to safeguard my health in the offseason so I can continue to lead our team effectively. I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws. I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me. If I ever ride again, it certainly will be with a helmet.

"My deepest appreciation goes out to the Steelers organization and my teammates for the compassion they have shown me. The physicians and support staff at Mercy Hospital were simply amazing, and I will forever be grateful for their caring treatment.

"I want to assure everyone I am committed to a complete and timely recovery. I look forward to being at training camp in Latrobe and to winning football games this season."

[jojob101]

Roethlisberger issues statement
Thursday, June 15, 2006

"I want to assure everyone I am committed to a complete and timely recovery. I look forward to being at training camp in Latrobe and to winning football games this season."


Big Ben should be looking forward to some fat fines, maybe a lawsuit by the person who hit him.... maybe some fines by the Steelers.... and DMV..


Good job ben you jack ***** ... You shouldn't be on the streets driving illegal. That means he didn’t have insurance too. Can't have insurance if you don’t have a legal license...

MORON....

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Big Ben should be looking forward to some fat fines, maybe a lawsuit by the person who hit him.... maybe some fines by the Steelers.... and DMV..


Good job ben you jack ***** ... You shouldn't be on the streets driving illegal. That means he didn’t have insurance too. Can't have insurance if you don’t have a legal license...

MORON....

Well let's see where do we start?

Fines? Sure. But not from the Steelers. I don't see our organization taking money away from Ben. They realize (unlike other classy folks who never made idiotic decisions in their early 20's) that the kid has been through enough. He's paying the price and I'm sure the authorities will also make him pay a price and rightfully so. Many hours of community service, fines and maybe a licence suspension.

Lawsuit? Maybe, but I doubt it. It was the ladies fault. Some seem to look past that little fact.

Moron? Well, there is no doubt it was a moronic decision on his part but I would not go as far as to call him a moron. I do find it amusing that this kid is taking more heat than that thug P.O.S named Chris Henry who has been arrested four times in the last six months. Call me crazy.....or a "moron". :)

[jojob101]

Well let's see where do we start?

Fines? Sure. But not from the Steelers. I don't see our organization taking money away from Ben. They realize (unlike other classy folks who never made idiotic decisions in their early 20's) that the kid has been through enough. He's paying the price and I'm sure the authorities will also make him pay a price and rightfully so. Many hours of community service, fines and maybe a licence suspension.

Lawsuit? Maybe, but I doubt it. It was the ladies fault. Some seem to look past that little fact.

Moron? Well, there is no doubt it was a moronic decision on his part. The kid is paying the price. I do find it amusing that this kid is taking more heat than that thug P.O.S named Chris Henry who has been arrested four times in the last six months. Call me crazy.....or a "moron". :)

Hey man.. i understand you are a Steeler fan so you are going to try and sugar coat it.. But truth... he wouldn’t be hurt if he wasn't driving his bike illegally. And yes, my Mom is in the insurance business, the older lady still has a right to sue regardless, Big Ben wasn't supposed to be on the road bro.

Aslo.. Start a Chris Henry thread.....

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Hey man.. i understand you are a Steeler fan so you are going to try and sugar coat it.. But truth... he wouldn’t be hurt if he wasn't driving his bike illegally. And yes, my Mom is in the insurance business, the older lady still has a right to sue regardless, Big Ben wasn't supposed to be on the road bro.

Aslo.. Start a Chris Henry thread.....

First off, I'm not trying to sugar coat anything. Did you skip the part where I stated that the authorities should take action and he should pay the price and that it was a moronic decision on his part?

Secondly, I'm confused here. So if he was driving legally, that piece of plastic we like to call a license would have protected his facial area? Yes, he should have been driving legally, but to state "he wouldn't be hurt" if he was driving legally is simply crazy and makes absolutely zero sense.

As for the old lady. I never stated the lady did not have the "right" to sue. I stated that I don't think she will sue judging that the accident was her fault.

As for Chris Henry, just making a comparison and putting things into perspective. Thanks for the advice though. I'll definately take it into consideration. :rolleyes2:

And for those who never screwed up while in their young twenty's. Here's a cookie and a pat on the back.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

I am not saying Ben is at fault, yet I don't believe anything has been determined to be conclusive at this point in time, especially on a high profile case such as this. It will probably take another week before they finalize a complete police report.

Either way the usual turn around time on a typical police report is about a week to two weeks depending on the state.

I gotcha brother. Going by local witness reports, it's not sounding good for the old lady. And if she does decide to sue him, Ben can reach into his couch and pay the lady. I'm sure that's the least of his worries.

[Venom]

You'd rather have Roethlisberger as a mentor than Dilfer? Hopefully you're not serious. Roethlisberger is physically more gifted than Dilfer which makes him a better QB. .

Dead serious. Big Ben actually earned his SB ring. Dilfer made his team put his sorry butt along. The best way for Dilfer to "mentor" Alex is to show him old tapes and say:

"OK kid, you see what I did here. OK, don't do that....and don't do that....and well. pretty much if you saw me do it, then do the opposite."

[Venom]

And getting that ring at the age of 24 while playing in his second year in the NFL.

To me, his season and the Steelers title will always be defined by that game saving tackle in Indy.Not only did he demonstrate great presence of mind but also unexpected speed and astounding dexterity for a 260lb man. I'll never get enough of watching that play. It was as impressive as any TD he's ever thrown.

[Fez]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/MRAVEN/lambertbenteeth6yh.jpg

LOL

[Nikko]

I thought it was a fact that Roethlisberger is on one of the easiest teams to manage.. He doesn't win games, he manages them. Most QB's can be in an offense where all they do is hand the ball off and occasionally make a throw to one of the leagues best recievers in Ward with the safeties playing up, and always having nice field position thanks to good special teams and defense.

[BrentJones84]

Dead serious. Big Ben actually earned his SB ring. Dilfer made his team put his sorry butt along. .


Um..... In their respective Super Bowls...

Dilfer had 25 atttemps, 12 completions, 153 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTS.

Roethlisberger had 21 attemps, 9 completions, 123 yards, 0 TDS, and 2 INTS.


Dilfer may not have had a great performance, but he did better than Big Ben did on their respective days.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Um..... In their respective Super Bowls...

Dilfer had 25 atttemps, 12 completions, 153 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTS.

Roethlisberger had 21 attemps, 9 completions, 123 yards, 0 TDS, and 2 INTS.


Dilfer may not have had a great performance, but he did better than Big Ben did on their respective days.

How old was Dilfer compared to Ben on their "respective days"?

[PsychoZombie]

Um..... In their respective Super Bowls...

Dilfer had 25 atttemps, 12 completions, 153 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTS.

Roethlisberger had 21 attemps, 9 completions, 123 yards, 0 TDS, and 2 INTS.


Dilfer may not have had a great performance, but he did better than Big Ben did on their respective days.

Ouch...............:closed:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Never stated anybody took a shot at Ben. I've seen enough idiots doing that this past week. But your right buddy....lol. Lose/Lose situation here, not worth the fight.

[jojob101]

Never stated anybody took a shot at Ben. I've seen enough idiots doing that this past week. But your right buddy....lol. Lose/Lose situation here, not worth the fight.

How's Ben today? Have you sent him any balloons?

:unsure:


http://florists.ftd.com/pics/products/EO-6035.jpg

[jojob101]

Never stated anybody took a shot at Ben. I've seen enough idiots doing that this past week. But your right buddy....lol. Lose/Lose situation here, not worth the fight.

How's Ben today? Have you sent him any balloons?

:unsure:


http://florists.ftd.com/pics/products/EO-6035.jpg







:nana: :wink:

[Venom]

Oh okay. I thought I wad dealing with someone serious. Carry on. I mean really. Roethlisberger earned his way to the Super Bowl but he had arguably the worst game of his career once he got there. A 22.6 passer rating with a 43% completion rate is not "earning" your ring. Parker, Randle El, and Ward earned their rings. Roethlisberger? Nuh-uh.

Dilfer threw for a whopping 12 TDs and 11 INTs in 2000. WOW! YIPPEE! hoo-ray!! The sad thing about this is it was one of his best years!! Had the Ravens been reliant on his noodle arm and seemingly web footed legs, the Ravens would have been nowhere near the playoffs. So I still contend that ******* was just along for the ride. He was in there for one reason: avoid a screw up.

[Venom]

The point was being made that Roethlisberger would be a better mentor than Dilfer. As good as Roethlisberger has played since coming into the league, he's still learning himself and is in no position to be "mentoring" anyone else. That's all I was saying.

Just about anyone would be a better mentor than Dilfer. We could get a pack of certs to mentor Alex and it would be better than ******* --who should have retired.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Try for a third? lol. Special Ed on the PC.

[funky-monk]

I could care less for what the outcome is to Big Ben, but for the Pitt /Ben fans out thre, I'm going to shed a little light on what has just happened to your starting QB. Back in '03, I had almost the exact same injury riding a bicycle at a skate park here in Louisville. I fell about 7' straight onto the front of my face. I broke my jaw in both sockets, fractures my lower mandible, fractured both eye orbits (one in two spots), fractured both my cheek bones and sustained a mild concussion. My brother in law tells me that after I hit the ground, I got up and walked to a spot to sit down, 20 mintes later the EMT showed up and revived my mentally with a pen light. That the first thing I remembered since a few seconds before I crashed. The injuries, the way he was physically moving but incoherent just sounds like deja-vu to me.

I had my mouth wired shut for about 6 weeks. I ate through a straw for that entire time. I lost almost 35 lbs. I felt like I had a glass jaw for about a year. I dont care what they feed Ben, without good solid foods, hes going to lose weight, and that first shot he takes on the chin could finish his year.

Its been 3 years now, and I still have problems from the accident. I know Ben didnt have and MAJOR spinal injuries, nor did I. About 8 months after the wreck, my neck and shoulders became almost concrete stiff. See, when you land on your face, your neck gets compressed back. I guarantee that Bens did the exact same thing. Thats physical therapy to get that right. The tightness he will feel on his neck and jaw will be horrible. Since he cant wear a helmet on the field to protect with jaw, I'm serious that I believe one good shot to the neck/jaw area will end his year.

[DallasNiner]

You're argument makes sense if we were arguing who the better QB was. But who the better QB is has little to do with who is the better teacher. Mike Holmgren was an average to poor QB himself but has successfully mentored many pro QBs. How does that work?
:clapping: Those who can--do, those who can't--teach...Good post Large_Ant

[Venom]

I could care less for what the outcome is to Big Ben, but for the Pitt /Ben fans out thre, I'm going to shed a little light on what has just happened to your starting QB. Back in '03, I had almost the exact same injury riding a bicycle at a skate park here in Louisville. I fell about 7' straight onto the front of my face. I broke my jaw in both sockets, fractures my lower mandible, fractured both eye orbits (one in two spots), fractured both my cheek bones and sustained a mild concussion. My brother in law tells me that after I hit the ground, I got up and walked to a spot to sit down, 20 mintes later the EMT showed up and revived my mentally with a pen light. That the first thing I remembered since a few seconds before I crashed. The injuries, the way he was physically moving but incoherent just sounds like deja-vu to me.

I had my mouth wired shut for about 6 weeks. I ate through a straw for that entire time. I lost almost 35 lbs. I felt like I had a glass jaw for about a year. I dont care what they feed Ben, without good solid foods, hes going to lose weight, and that first shot he takes on the chin could finish his year.

Its been 3 years now, and I still have problems from the accident. I know Ben didnt have and MAJOR spinal injuries, nor did I. About 8 months after the wreck, my neck and shoulders became almost concrete stiff. See, when you land on your face, your neck gets compressed back. I guarantee that Bens did the exact same thing. Thats physical therapy to get that right. The tightness he will feel on his neck and jaw will be horrible. Since he cant wear a helmet on the field to protect with jaw, I'm serious that I believe one good shot to the neck/jaw area will end his year.

I'm sorry to hear that, bro. Just the retelling of that makes me wince. However, you make an interesting point. There could indeed be unseen complications to Big Ben's accidents. I certainly hope not but it wouldn't surprise me.

[Venom]

You're argument makes sense if we were arguing who the better QB was. But who the better QB is has little to do with who is the better teacher. Mike Holmgren was an average to poor QB himself but has successfully mentored many pro QBs. How does that work?

It's simple: Holgren gained coaching experience and a different perspective on the game. If Dilfer was just coming in here as a seasoned QB coach, I wouldn't have as much of a problem with the scenario.

[Venom]

I think it's naive to believe that Dilfer hasn't gained experience and a different perspective on the game. Dilfer's never gonna be a great QB. Doesn't mean that he's not now or will never be a great teacher/coach. Now if the question is "Who would you rather have as your backup QB..." well duh.


Any former QB/currently long time vet QB could give Alex advice.Whatever he's supposedly going to teach Smith isn't worth a roster spot. It's certainly not worth putting the offense in *******'s hands if Smith gets hurt. How difficult would it have been to hire a new QB coach or get some ex NFL qb to spend time w/ Smith like Steve Young did with Mike Vick?
Not only did we get no value for Dorsey but we also gave up a DP to get *******. So instead of a couple of late rounders that may have contributed to the team, we going to give Alex a few good tips. OH JOY! This is easily Nolan's worst decision to date.

[Giedi]

I could care less for what the outcome is to Big Ben, but for the Pitt /Ben fans out thre, I'm going to shed a little light on what has just happened to your starting QB. Back in '03, I had almost the exact same injury riding a bicycle at a skate park here in Louisville. I fell about 7' straight onto the front of my face. I broke my jaw in both sockets, fractures my lower mandible, fractured both eye orbits (one in two spots), fractured both my cheek bones and sustained a mild concussion. My brother in law tells me that after I hit the ground, I got up and walked to a spot to sit down, 20 mintes later the EMT showed up and revived my mentally with a pen light. That the first thing I remembered since a few seconds before I crashed. The injuries, the way he was physically moving but incoherent just sounds like deja-vu to me.

I had my mouth wired shut for about 6 weeks. I ate through a straw for that entire time. I lost almost 35 lbs. I felt like I had a glass jaw for about a year. I dont care what they feed Ben, without good solid foods, hes going to lose weight, and that first shot he takes on the chin could finish his year.

Its been 3 years now, and I still have problems from the accident. I know Ben didnt have and MAJOR spinal injuries, nor did I. About 8 months after the wreck, my neck and shoulders became almost concrete stiff. See, when you land on your face, your neck gets compressed back. I guarantee that Bens did the exact same thing. Thats physical therapy to get that right. The tightness he will feel on his neck and jaw will be horrible. Since he cant wear a helmet on the field to protect with jaw, I'm serious that I believe one good shot to the neck/jaw area will end his year.

Just reading it made me feel like my head was smashed in. Good lord, I didn't know that, and Ben might go the way of Ahmed in terms of a diminished desire to play.... maybe. :unsure: Boy hope your injuries heal up and you recover 100%. Man what a painful story.

Giedi

[funky-monk]

Just reading it made me feel like my head was smashed in. Good lord, I didn't know that, and Ben might go the way of Ahmed in terms of a diminished desire to play.... maybe. :unsure: Boy hope your injuries heal up and you recover 100%. Man what a painful story.

Giedi
Yeah, I mean, I feel 95% better today, only having some minor issues with my neck and my jaw locking up. The message I was really trying to display is that no matter what the doctors do to make Ben feel better, as far as I know, there is no miracle fix for what a bone feels like once its been broken. Hes gonna have a glass jaw this year, and trust me when I say that his jaw will be in the front of his mind if he plays early. As a LB or DE, I would put a bullseye on the bottom of his helmet or neck. He really shouldnt play until after October.

[jojob101]

asking if you think Big Ben will be back by 9-7-06... go vote..

Honestly.. i think Ben has lost his touch, lil touch at that, and his life has forever changed. I dont think Ben will be the same.

He use to throw 15 passes a game :francis: now might throw 7.....

:stirthepot:

[Venom]

You're drifting now and arguing a whole different point. We've gone from "Roethlisberger would be a better mentor than Dilfer" to "We're wasting a roster spot on Dilfer". Like I said, it's pretty obvious who you'd rather have as the number two QB on your team (as if Big Ben would ever have to back-up Smith but...). But that's another topic. Your sig pretty much tells me where you'll continue to steer the conversation back to so...

Big Ben's career has been short but in that time he's been in the unenviable position of being a young man who has had to put his team on his back at times. I know the Steelers are uber-talented but there have been times when it's been up to BR to lead the team and he has done so. He lead a game clinching drive in Texas Stadium as a rookie, he made a season saving tackle in the playoffs last year. I can't remember anything Dilfer has done that would make him the leader of his team. In Tampa, Sapp& Brooks led. In Baltimore, Lewis led. If the D didn't win the games for those teams, the games wouldn't be won.
Moreover, I'm not making a different argument. Dilfer is here as a "mentor" which implies that his prescence means he can show Smith some special things within the confines of the backup QB position. That is irrevocably tied to performance as well. There are other vet backups that could have imparted knowledge to Smith and still had enough left in the tank to justify their signing. My original assertion still holds- Big Ben would be a better mentor as would most of the QBs in the league who have seen signigicant playing time.

[Venom]

And my assertion of you being obtuse still stands. Just two years ago Dilfer did for the Seahawks what he is being asked to do for the Niners and did it well. Besides, all of the many QBs you speak of don't come with an intimate knowledge of the reigning division champs playbook, tendencies, and coaching style.

That "intimate knowledge" isn't nearly enough. It's unlikely that the 49ers are going to beat the 'Hawks regardless on familiarity. I'm sure JP will impart a few 49er secrets to the 'Hawks as well.
If you think I'm being obtuse now just stick around. Dilfer bashing has been a hobby of mine since '98. It's only the preseason. I'm just tuning up the band.

[Venom]

:laugh:

Okay, now that was actually funny.

You should see my Anthony Clement impression.:laugh:

[Mace Windu]

Looks like Roethlisberger will be cited for failure to wear a helmet and not having a motorcycle license. I got this from CNN's website. You can only not wear a helmet in PA if you have a PA motorcycle license.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Looks like Roethlisberger will be cited for failure to wear a helmet and not having a motorcycle license. I got this from CNN's website. You can only not wear a helmet in PA if you have a PA motorcycle license.


Woman cited in crash; Big Ben cited for helmet, permit
Monday, June 19, 2006

By Jonathan D. Silver, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh police today announced that a woman involved in last week's accident with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger failed to yield the right of way when she made a left turn in front of his motorcycle.

The woman, whose name was not released by police but who was previously identified as Martha Fleishman, 62, of Squirrel Hill, will be cited, with the fine usually set at $106.50, said police accident investigation Officer Dan Connolly.

Roethlisberger will be cited for failure to have a permit to operate a motorcycle. He also will be cited for failure to wear a helmet, which is required for motorcyclists who have not completed a safety course or who have not completed two years operating a motorcycle with a valid license.

He faces fines totaling $388, Connolly said.

Roethlisberger and Fleishman crashed on Second Avenue at the 10th Street Bridge last Monday. Connolly said the car ahead of Fleishman's turned on a yellow turning arrow but there was no arrow by the time she made the left turn. Both drivers had green lights, which means she had to yield to Roethlisberger, Connolly said. He added that Roethlisberger was traveling 35 mph in a zone with a posted 35 mph speed limit.

Roethlisberger had extensive facial injuries and spent several days in Mercy Hospital.

Police Chief Dominic Costa said police did not want to identify the driver because she has received several threats by telephone. Police are investigating.

[jojob101]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2490987

"The Super Bowl champion quarterback rammed his Suzuki Hayabusa into a woman's Chrysler New Yorker on June 12 when she was making a left turn in front of him. Both had the green light."

He rammed it because ... well... he wasn't supposed to be riding it.

Right??

[Steeler-Blitz43]

He rammed it because ... well... he wasn't supposed to be riding it.

Right??

Yes. That's been established already. Hence, the fines.

[jojob101]

Yes. That's been established already. Hence, the fines.

but rammed?? That was kind of harsh....

[Steeler-Blitz43]

but rammed?? That was kind of harsh....

Well, that's ESPN for you...lol. There is a reason why the woman is also being cited. It's called failing to yield. So I don't think Ben had the choice of either ramming her car or being involved in a minor fender bender. I'm sure if he had the choice, he would have chosen the fender bender.

[jojob101]

Well, that's ESPN for you...lol. There is a reason why the woman is also being cited. It's called failing to yield. So I don't think Ben had the choice of either ramming her car or being involved in a minor fender bender. I'm sure if he had the choice, he would have chosen the fender bender.

Maybe she was a seachicken fan??

:spy:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Maybe she was a seachicken fan??

:spy:

Home in Maine and Pittsburgh......pretty far from Seattle. But I wouldn't know.

[jojob101]

Home in Maine and Pittsburgh......pretty far from Seattle. But I wouldn't know.
maybe she was $$$ :spy:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

maybe she was $$$ :spy:

Yeah....maybe.........that could be it buddy. :ok:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Personally, I would be going after Jerammy Stevens if I were a Seahawks fan.

[jojob101]

We would have gone after Hines Ward. Roethlisberger didn't do anything for us to be upset about.

:stirthepot: :tung:

Umm... if I recall....the ball didnt cross the goal line .. so umm....


Ok. but that's in the past :tiptoe:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

pfffhh....:wacko:

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Right.......I'm not even going to bother getting into the Super Bowl discussion. Spent the last three months dealing with crying Seahawk fans (not all, some actually have commonsense and football knowledge) and Mike Holmgren's comments.

[jay_1699]

Right.......I'm not even going to bother getting into the Super Bowl discussion. Spent the last three months dealing with crying Seahawk fans (not all, some actually have commonsense and football knowledge) and Mike Holmgren's comments.


It's the FA era..the texans could win the SB next year. Honestly, what's there to argue about....the steelers won the games that counted most last year; end of discussion.

[daredevil2-5]

Calm down you two, before I call Ronnie Mex up in here.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

All I have to say about the Super Bowl topic.........

1. The Refs didn't give up the longest run in SB history...Seattle's defense did.

2. The Refs didn't bite on a 43 yd trick play, Randle to Ward for a TD...Seattle's defense did.

3. The Refs didn't allow Ben to scramble around on a 3rd and 28 and complete a long pass to the 2 yd. line...Seattle's defense did.

4. The Refs didn't miss two field goals - that was Seattle.

5. The Refs didn't fail to step out of bounds late in the 1st half to stop the clock in Pitt territory in a crunch time situation...Seattle's offense did.

6. The Refs didn't let the 1st half clock tick down from 48 seconds all the way down to 13 seconds before finally running their next play at Pitt's 36 yd line...Seattle's offense did.

7. And on this play, 3rd down, 53 yds. away from a FG, it wasn't the Refs who tried and failed to go deep for a TD rather than a safer 5-7 yd play and timeout setting up a much easier FG attempt....that, again, would be Seattle's offense.

8. The Refs didn't get confused by Pitt's zone defense and throw an INT...that would be Seattle's QB.

9. The Refs didn't let a little physical contact intimidate them from catching 4 very catchable passes...that would be the Seattle TE Jeremy Stevens.

10. With approx. 20 seconds left in the game, knowing they need a TD and FG, in no particular order, and in easy FG range on 4th down, it wasn't the Refs who ignored the FG and elected to throw up a prayer trying for a TD...that AGAIN would be Seattle.


And Seattle, if you're reaching for excuses...


11. The Refs didn't constantly punt deep into the end zone, repeatedly giving Pitt the ball at the 20 yd line...that of course was Seattle.

12. It wasn't the Refs who received a Christmas gift wrapped easy INT lobbed in perfect position to return deep into Pitt territory...the lucky beneficiary of that break would be Seattle.

13. It wasn't the Refs who got a break when a Steeler DB dropped an easy interception early in the game...that too would be a break for Seattle.

14. It wasn't the Refs who caught a break when a Steeler WR dropped a very catchable TD pass...that break again would go to Seattle.

15. It wasn't the scapegoat Refs that received a break when a WR caught the ball, turned, stepped, was hit hard enough to cause a fumble, and then ruled INCOMPLETE...that would be of course, another chance for Seattle.
(this was an interesting call considering that after Troy's famous overruled Int, the NFL stated that it WAS a catch. If so, than this definitely WAS a catch)

16. The Refs weren't the ones who caught a break when at the conclusion of a 2nd qtr play, as a Pitt DE was walking away, the Seattle Center blindsided the defenseless player, leveling him to the ground. This mysteriously unseen crime was again another break for Seattle.

17. It wasn't the Refs who got a break when Pitt QB Big Ben was blocked in the back as he pursued the DB who he'd tossed an interception to...that again would go to Seattle.

18. It wasn't the Refs who stopped Seattle RB Alexander in a few key situations. That would be the Pittsburgh Steelers.

19. It wasn't the Refs who converted many of their 3rd downs, yet stopped their opponent on 3rd down often...that would be the Pittsburgh Steelers.

20. And the very bottom line is this...On plays when there wasn't any penalties...One team made plays and one team didn't. The end result was the final score. Seattle was outcoached and outplayed.

Those "fans" can keep crying. Only makes their organization look like a complete joke. The head coach is already doing a good job with that. Opens his mouth every time he's in front of a camera.

[Steeler-Blitz43]

Calm down you two, before I call Ronnie Mex up in here.

Nothing to calm down about. We have the SB ring and any logical and knowledgable thinking football fan can face facts. For those who can't are lost causes and are not worth holding conversating with......idiots basically. :smile:

[daredevil2-5]

I told you two to calm down. That's it. One more time and You'll both spend a night on Mexico....

[daredevil2-5]

Shutup seachicken, you better not be late for SB loser club meeting next week!

[BrentJones84]

Shutup seachicken, you better not be late for SB loser club meeting next week!

Oh, and it just so happens you're also a member of that same club. :tung:

Those pesky Broncos.

[daredevil2-5]

Hey DD, talk to yourself often? :fishing:
No, but without you guys I have to listen to the Bills talk about how great they were and how great the Panthers should be :angry:

Brent, of course I'm in the club. I'm proud of our ugly ring :)

[Donut!]

ole seachicken always taking the high road