PITTSBURGH — At the same time Ben Roethlisberger was practicing with the Steelers for the first time this spring, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was telling a radio audience yesterday that the quarterback violated the NFL’s personal-conduct policy with his “pattern of behavior” and “bad judgments.”
Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old college student in a Georgia nightclub last month, although he will not face criminal charges. Roethlisberger does face disciplinary action by the NFL, including a likely suspension, following the release of documents outlining tawdry behavior by the two-time Super Bowl winner.
“The issue here is with respect to a pattern of behavior and bad judgments,” Goodell said on the Dan Patrick radio show. “You do not have to be convicted or even charged with a crime to be able to demonstrate that you’ve violated a personal-conduct policy, and reflect poorly not only on themselves, but all of their teammates, every NFL player in the league, and everyone associated with the NFL. That is what my concern is, and I have expressed that directly to Ben, obviously, and I’ll be making a decision as soon as I possibly can.”
The Steelers are anticipating a suspension lasting as many as four games that could be announced next week. Goodell also could issue a conditional suspension, much as he did in the Michael Vick case, in which the length of punishment isn’t determined for months.
Even if he is suspended, Roethlisberger could practice and take part in preseason games.