Coming into the 2011 season, Ben Roethlisberger had his fair share of off-the-field problems. Already known for being a playboy, he faced sexual assault allegations in Nevada in 2008 and again in Georgia in 2010. He was suspended for the start of the 2010 NFL season, but came back to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Super Bowl.
This offseason, Roethlisberger vowed to turn his life around and married girlfriend Ashley Harlan.
“It was like when Samson had all of his beautiful hair chopped off,” recalls teammate Troy Polamalu. “As soon as Ben lost his desire to rape, he became less aggressive on the field.”
A look at Big Ben’s numbers validate Polamalu’s claims. Through four games in 2011, he’s thrown just three touchdowns and five interceptions, has a pedestrian 80.2 passer rating and has led his talented team to a 2-2 record.
“Coming into the season he was one of the most efficient passers in NFL history,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “For the good of our team, someone needs to hand him some roofies and lock him in a sorority ASAP.”
October 5, 2011
SPORTS