GRID: Big Ben comes clean
A contrite Ben Roethlisberger says he got caught up in being a caricature called Big Ben, not the grounded player and person he once was, leading to his off-field problems — and affecting his play as the Steelers’ quarterback.
In his first detailed interviews since a Georgia college student accused him of sexually assaulting her in a nightclub bathroom on March 5, Roethlisberger told Pittsburgh TV stations KDKA and WTAE that he expects to be booed this season. He also apologized extensively for his actions, and promised to become the role model he should have been throughout his career.
“I got caught up being Big Ben the whole time. I lost track of who Ben Roethlisberger was. It’s not something I’m proud of,” he said. “I’ve made mistakes, I know I have.”
. Muhsin Muhammad retired from the NFL after spending 11 of his 14 seasons with the Panthers. The decision comes after the team didn’t re-sign the 37-year-old receiver in the offseason.
. Running back Ahman Green signed to play for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. NHL: Chicago celebrates The Blackhawks, led by Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, will parade through the streets of Chicago today with the Stanley Cup. Wednesday night’s Game 6 victory in Philadelphia ended the team’s 49-year title drought.
MLB: Bad news for Ellsbury Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who has played only nine games this season because of broken ribs, will be sidelined several more weeks.
Ellsbury, who broke four ribs in a collision with teammate Adrian Beltre on April 11, was examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles yesterday. Ellsbury will receive therapy and will work out doing non-baseball related activities in Arizona for a few weeks before the next course of action is decided.
. The Indians released right-hander Jamey Wright and infielder Mark Grudzielanek.
GOLF: Westwood grabs lead Britain’s Lee Westwood charged into a one-shot lead in the opening round of the St. Jude Classic in Memphis. Westwood covered his first nine holes in a blistering six-under 29 before finishing with a seven-under 63, a stroke in front of American Casey Wittenberg.
. Shanshan Feng shot an 8-under 64, taking a one-stroke lead over Juli Inkster and Na Yeon Choi after the first round of the State Farm LPGA Classic in Springfield, Ill.
. Damien McGrane and Luke Goddard shot 8-under 64s to share the lead after the first round of the Estoril Open in Portugal.
ETC.: Lightning hires Boucher
Guy Boucher, the 38-year-old former coach of the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, agreed to a contract to coach the Tampa Bay Lightning after turning down a chance to coach the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this week.
. Former women’s basketball standout Chelsea Newton is returning to Rutgers as an assistant coach.