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Refer to the article, “When Big Business and Morality Collide” to, maybe, figure out what’s got John upset… SMB

Well. Two negative responses to one article demands some sort of response. Do I apologize?
No.
Nothing was said that has not been said in private conversations, on national radio programs, or on ESPN’s Sportscenter. The Ben Roethlisberger situation is an emotional issue; there is no way around that. His lawyer stepping in front of cameras and offering the pitiful defense that he did, calling on the good ole boys network–even linking Roger Goodell to this club–was bound to upset half of the listeners.

And for what? They both insist that nothing was done wrong. Their actions and words would seem to indicate otherwise. Why else explain the “habits” of twenty-eight year old men? Why explain anything if nothing was done wrong?

However fair or unfair, most of the nation has made up its mind about Ben; if they even care. Sentiment is split, and we can’t escape the fact that we’re torn down gender lines. In general, men accept what’s happened and move on; they understand that he’s wealthy and famous, and important in his field. It will all blow over. It’s big business.

Many women, by comparison, have been in such situations. We understand that the ultimate defense that “no means no” should represent doesn’t always stop a predator. And the women are often the ones held responsible–because nothing can be proven.

When we learn that a six foot five, over two hundred fifty pound man separates a young inebriated girl from her friends–one who is documented as repeatedly saying “no”– putting his “posse” of equally large men between them, it’s disturbing. Those of us with young daughters cringe when reading the police report. It’s truly sad reading.

Does any of what is even known to have happened sound “right”? Is this a privilege awarded to young men because they play football well? If this had been a local boy, would he be sitting in jail now?

We can’t answer that; we can only speculate. We’ll hope nothing like this ever happens to our daughters. Or that our sons never show such “poor judgment”. And if they do, may they have the benefit of money and privilege that Ben does, although at the risk of sounding rude, I’d rather someone beat some sense and respect into them.

I’d rather deal with Santonio Holmes attitude than this, but sadly, I understand the value that Ben has to the Steelers. The fact that I do disturbs me; aren’t we always teaching our children that nothing can replace what’s right, what’s ethical?

Mr. Roethlisberger, I have no doubt, will come out of this just fine. He will continue his police charity work, and possibly add new causes. He will tow the company line, and behave himself, and continue to insist that he did nothing “illegal”.

He may even gain a couple more rings to grace his fingers in time.

Two women are out there somewhere, their lives possibly irrevocably altered. So I’m sorry, but there are times that I will refer to a huge sports celebrity in the same terms that I would any other…thug. Actions, after all, speak so loudly.

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