Roethlisberger badly hurt in cycle crash

[Nomar4prez]

This is horrible. He's truly one of the good guys in the NFL, and, even though I'm not a Steelers fan, I always enjoy watching him play. I doubt he'll play this year, but I hope he eventually fully recovers and is able to get back on the field someday.

Now, before people start bashing him for not wearing a helmet or even riding a motorcycle at all, remember that most of these guys who play professional football work hard and play hard. You can't expect these guys to go get the s*** knocked out of them on the field, and then go relax and watch Lifetime movies. I know most people won't agree with me, but I have no problem players riding motorcycles or playing pickup hoops. Unless there was something written into his contract about this, then there is no way his contract should be voided.

work hard, play hard when you retire. these guys have millions of dollars. they can find something else to do with their time. ride the bike when you retire.

i've heard his contract permits him to ride the bike during the offseason although the steelers begged him to stop riding after winslow's accident.

I don't buy that at all. Here's an excerpt from an ESPN interview with Roethlisberger that pretty much sums up how I feel about it.

ESPN: What obligation does a professional athlete have in his free time to not engage in certain activities?
Roethlisberger: The obligation for us is on the days we practice and on Sundays, the days that we play. That is the obligation we have, to go out and be athletes toward what we do. In my free time, I can work out, which I do. I can throw, which I do. Or I can do anything else that I want to do -- as long as its not illegal or against the rules.

[RugbyD]

Now, before people start bashing him for not wearing a helmet or even riding a motorcycle at all, remember that most of these guys who play professional football work hard and play hard. You can't expect these guys to go get the s*** knocked out of them on the field, and then go relax and watch Lifetime movies.

That doesn't make him any less of a complete dumbass.

Darwin lives.

And the last time I checked, i don't think I saw a football player running around the field without a helmet.....

[j_d_mcnugent]

I don't buy that at all. Here's an excerpt from an ESPN interview with Roethlisberger that pretty much sums up how I feel about it.

ESPN: What obligation does a professional athlete have in his free time to not engage in certain activities?
Roethlisberger: The obligation for us is on the days we practice and on Sundays, the days that we play. That is the obligation we have, to go out and be athletes toward what we do. In my free time, I can work out, which I do. I can throw, which I do. Or I can do anything else that I want to do -- as long as its not illegal or against the rules.

you and ben are entitled to your opinions. my opinion is that molding yourself into a great athlete extends beyond game days and official practice times. being an athlete isnt something you do from 3:00-6:00pm on weekdays or whatever. thats the minimum effort. i've seen too many of my teammates take that attitude and not getting anywhere. being an athlete is something you are. you have to be it 24/7/365. every decision you make affects your performance and all the little things actually do add up to big things. its not just ben's season thats messed up now. its everyone on the teams season.

[Omaha Red Sox]

Quite a few people around here (on the Iowa side) ride there bikes without helmets (it's the law in NE). I don't think it's the brightest thing to do unless it's a long trip on a slower bike or something. If it's a crotch-rocket, bad idea.

[suppasonic]

Yep. Had he worn a helmet, accident probably would be a lot less series. No facial lacerations, no broken jaw, etc. etc.

Wear a helment next time, Ben.

Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is the same as riding a car without a helmet; you just dont do it.

[Omaha Red Sox]

Yep. Had he worn a helmet, accident probably would be a lot less series. No facial lacerations, no broken jaw, etc. etc.

Wear a helment next time, Ben.

Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is the same as riding a car without a helmet; you just dont do it.

You wear a helmet when you drive your car?

[Mugrila]

Yep. Had he worn a helmet, accident probably would be a lot less series. No facial lacerations, no broken jaw, etc. etc.

Wear a helment next time, Ben.

Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is the same as riding a car without a helmet; you just dont do it.

You wear a helmet when you drive your car?

You don't?

[CubsFan7724]

Yep. Had he worn a helmet, accident probably would be a lot less series. No facial lacerations, no broken jaw, etc. etc.

Wear a helment next time, Ben.

Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is the same as riding a car without a helmet; you just dont do it.

You wear a helmet when you drive your car?

I believe he meant seat belt. That or he's a race car driver.

Anyways, very sad, very stupid.

[mweir145]

Unless there was something written into his contract about this, then there is no way his contract should be voided.

Usually there is something written into contracts about riding vehicles like motorcycles, especially without a helmet.

[Trot Nixon]

Even though I hate the Steelers, I wish Ben the best of luck and a speedy recovery, sad day