Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

[flippy]

Says the media reports that Ben is being traded are not real and Ben wants to be and expects to be a Steeler and the Steelers want him.

[JAR]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

also that Goodell wanted 8-10 games, but Ben telling his side of the story had him drop it to 4-6.

[Shawn]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

Yeah but this guy is a lawyer...he is paid to lie.

[Oviedo]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

I personally think that Ben will redeem himself whether it be with the Steelers or not. I hope it is with the Steelers. We are seeing "tough love" with regards to him right now.

Ben will always be considered a scumbag by a large part of the general populace just like Ray Lewis is considered a murderer no matter what he does and Tiger Woods is a scumbag no matter what he does. Ben just needs to accept that and live with it.

[JAR]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

It's PFT, but..

In a compelling and comprehensive interview on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike in the Morning, lawyer David Cornwell was asked to identify the specific wrongdoing in which his client, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, engaged.

In a word (actually, two), Cornwell described it as "poor judgment." Though he seemed to take issue with Commissioner Roger Goodell's assessment that Roethlisberger "contributed to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol by purchasing (or facilitating the purchase of) alcoholic beverages for underage college students," Cornwell acknowledged that Roethlisberger's error was placing himself in a situation where excessive alcohol was being consumed, regardless of whether he was buying it or furnishing it to persons who were legally too young to be drinking.

Regarding the rampant trade rumors and reports, Cornwell said that Roethlisberger wants to stay in Pittsburgh. Cornwell also believes that Roethlisberger will not be traded.

Cornwell said that both he and Roethlisberger were "disappointed" by the length of the suspension, and Cornwell said that Roethlisberger views the six-game conditional suspension as a four-game suspension, since he fully intends to overcomply with the requirements for a reduction. Cornwell added that it could have been worse; over the weekend, Goodell told Cornwell that an "indefinite" suspension was possible.

Cornwell also shared an intriguing nugget. He said that, when he and Goodell were 28, they worked together at the league office. And Cornwell explained that they had the benefit of maturing into men without the glare that comes with being an NFL quarterback.

We've got two points to make in response. First, most NFL players are in their 20s and maturing under the glare of a very bright spotlight. And most of them are not accused of doing anything wrong, ever. Second, we have a hard time believing that Cornwell or Goodell ever did anything closely resembling the allegations made against Roethlisberger, including walking around like Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg, sans boxes.

Finally, we were a bit troubled by Cornwell's suggestion that the media's portrayal of the allegations in Georgia has been "somewhat one-sided." It has been "somewhat one-sided" because Ben has chosen to hide behind the Fifth Amendment, in order to secure his liberty. While he's got every right to do that, Cornwell has no right to complain about media portrayal's being one-sided when Roethlisberger refuses to share his side of the story.

[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/22/cornwell-says-roethlisberger-admits-to-poor-judgment-wants-to-stay-in-pittsburgh/"]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... ittsburgh/[/url]

[BURGH86STEEL]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

I hope Ben is able to get help for his "issues" whatever they are.

[JAR]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

I hope Ben is able to get help for his "issues" whatever they are.

yes, being 28 and single has a cure.

[JAR]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

David Cornwell: 'Ben was disappointed in the number of games he was suspended'
Roethlisberger attorney comments on quarterback's suspension
Aaron Wilson
APRIL 22, 2010, 08:53 AM EST

In the first public comments from the Ben Roethlisberger camp, attorney David Cornwell appeared on ESPN Radio this morning and commented on the four to six game suspension of the embattled Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback.

Roethlisberger was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault in Georgia, but no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence, according to district attorney Fred Bright.

"Obviously, he was disappointed by the number of games he was suspended," Cornwell said. "He knew throughout this process we were eventually going to have to deal with the commissioner under the conduct policy. Ben made the commitment to be held accountable for his conduct. His conduct was not criminal. He recognizes there are some judgment issues. He was disappointed by the number of games, as was I quite frankly."

Cornwell said that Goodell was contemplating an indefinite suspension or as much as eight to 10 games at one point.

"The commissioner had an open mind, he came down to the four to six range," Cornwell said. "We had hoped four be the starting point and we would be able to work it down to two. The commissioner was initially not receptive. On Sunday, he indicated that he was open to that concept."

Cornwell was asked what Goodell's tone was toward Roethlisberger in their meeting.

"Very serious, very serious, the dynamics of this thing are very complicated," Cornwell said. "The commissioner sees a clear distinction between the assessment of law enforcement and the district attorney and the impact of Ben's conduct on Ben's stature and reputation and the popularity and reputation of the NFL and NFL players. That's what he's enforcing through the conduct policy."

Cornwell said that NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith was consulted through the process, but he thought it would be better if the NFLPA didn't play a leading role in the Roethlisberger situation. That's because of the ongoing labor dispute.

Cornwell was asked specifically what Roethlisberger is acknowledging he did wrong.

“It really is difficult to put your finger on it, on poor judgment," Cornwell said. "As the commissioner noted, there was a consistent theme of alcohol contributing to this controversy. The undertone of sexual issues may offend the sensibilities of some fans and the Rooneys and the NFL. That's all part of the assessment. Ben understands that. We have to move forward."

Has Roethlisberger learned his lesson?

"Ben understands that he's going to have to conduct himself differently going forward," Cornwell said. "As far as we're concerned, it's a four-game suspension. Ben will meet the conditions and then some and earn the respect. He's committed to do it. He's a winner. He'll get it done."

Addressing the trade rumors surrounding Roethlisberger, Cornwell predicted that Roethlisberger will remain in Pittsburgh.

"I think the reality of what's been portrayed in the media is not really where the Steelers' head is at," Cornwell said. "Ben wants to be a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers and we believe the Pittsburgh Steelers want Ben to be part of the organization."

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/...suspended.html"]http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/...suspended.html[/url]

[proudpittsburgher]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

This makes me feel better, but I won't get the knots out of my stomach until the draft is over, at least the first round anyway. If I hear the words "we have a trade to announce" I think I will assume the same pose (head in hands) that I did when Sid Bream crossed home plate in 92.

[SteelAbility]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

Says the media reports that Ben is being traded are not real and Ben wants to be and expects to be a Steeler and the Steelers want him.

That's what I'm hoping works out. IMO, the biggest encouragement that Ben won't have problems going forward is that he realizes he has a legitimate chance to win 4 or 5 SBs with the Steelers. If he wins 5, he will go down, in the minds of many, as the G.O.A.T for NFL QBs. At the very least, he will be in the conversation.

If he stays out of trouble going forward, then I'll give Ben a 1 1/2 year half-life for winning back lost fans.

[proudpittsburgher]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

If he stays out of trouble going forward, then I'll give Ben a 1 1/2 year half-life for winning back lost fans.

The fact is we are in the offseason so people will say what they want to say. But I guarentee you a decent percentage of the people who are saying "just trade him and get this over with" will change their tune when the games start and Ben starts playing. Then at least half of the remaining will change their tune completely if Ben plays the way he does, and stays out of trouble for the forseeable future.

[pfelix73]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

Well, again- the NFL is run by a bunch of hypocrites..

Underage drinking- ha- just go to a game and check out all the underage drinking INSIDE the stadiums....

[feltdizz]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

Well, again- the NFL is run by a bunch of hypocrites..

Underage drinking- ha- just go to a game and check out all the underage drinking INSIDE the stadiums....

I don't think it's encouraged by the league... I think that falls on the stadium not the NFL.

just sayin'

[feltdizz]

Re: Ben's Lawyer on Mike and Mike

If he stays out of trouble going forward, then I'll give Ben a 1 1/2 year half-life for winning back lost fans.

The fact is we are in the offseason so people will say what they want to say. But I guarentee you a decent percentage of the people who are saying "just trade him and get this over with" will change their tune when the games start and Ben starts playing. Then at least half of the remaining will change their tune completely if Ben plays the way he does, and stays out of trouble for the forseeable future.

The same could be said for those who claim they will sell their tickets or boycott if Ben is traded.

Real Steeler fans cannot turn their back on the team once the game starts.