Goodell clears Roethlisberger to return next week

[hawaiiansteel]

Goodell clears Roethlisberger to return next week

Posted by Michael David Smith on May 27, 2010 6:35 PM ET


NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can participate in team activities starting next week.

League spokesman Greg Aiello announced that Goodell made the decision based on reports and recommendations of medical experts who worked with Roethlisberger. Goodell ordered Roethlisberger to undergo a thorough evaluation, and Roethlisberger had been barred from taking part in team activities until the evaluation was complete.

Goodell will continue to monitor Roethlisberger's progress and plans to meet again with Roethlisberger at a later date.

Roethlisberger has been suspended for the first six games of the regular season for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. He will be permitted to participate in organized team activities, training camp and the preseason before serving his suspension at the start of the regular season.

[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/05/27/goodell-clears-roethlisberger-to-return-next-week/"]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... next-week/[/url]

[RuthlessBurgher]

Who takes snaps with the first team when OTA's resume next Tuesday? Ben? Byron? Dennis? Charlie?

[hawaiiansteel]

Who takes snaps with the first team when OTA's resume next Tuesday? Ben? Byron? Dennis? Charlie?

good question...my guess is that Lefty has been running with the first team and will continue to do so since we need to prepare for Week 1.

[PT.]

now he needs to tell us that the suspension will only be 4 games

[hawaiiansteel]

now he needs to tell us that the suspension will only be 4 games

John Clayton was just saying on ESPN that Ben's behavioral evaluation went well and that Ben's suspension being reduced to 4 games is almost a foregone conclusion once Goodell meets with Ben.

[Flasteel]

now he needs to tell us that the suspension will only be 4 games

John Clayton was just saying on ESPN that Ben's behavioral evaluation went well and that Ben's suspension being reduced to 4 games is almost a foregone conclusion once Goodell meets with Ben.

That's what I was thinking as well. I mean, if further "tests" or evaluation were recommended, then I would think Goodell would have Roethlisberger attend to that before rejoining the team. Other than the waiting, it seems this thing over.

I could see where Roethlisberger has already begun some type of mandatory counseling. That wouldn't be discussed on any level due to HIPAA laws, but I'm pretty sure that Ben wouldn't stop going, beat up his couselor, or try to force himself on one of the female staff.

I doubt we'll see Goodell announcing a reduction in the suspension until the 4 weeks are basically up. The reduction is still contingent on Ben's behavior. That is going to necessitate a "wait and see" approach, especially in how he handles himself throughout the suspension.

[BigNastyDefense]

Well that is good news. I would probably split first team snaps 70% Lefty 30% Big Ben. Lefty needs to prepare for games 1-4 (hopefully just 1-4) but we can't let Ben just sit there and not get any work with the first string.

[Steelgal]

About time there was some positive news regarding Ben!!!

Who's ready for the 2010 season now

[Mendy34]

I'm glad Ben will be rejoining the team.

[Prok]

now he needs to tell us that the suspension will only be 4 games

Agreed. Hopefully we can go at least 2-2 out of those first 4 games then Ben comes with a chip on his shoulder the rest of the way.