Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Question for Big Ben: If not now, then when?

      I don’t understand why Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger refused to answer questions about his off-the-field issues during media day for Super Bowl XLV. There are no secrets about the bad choices he made which led to him being suspended for several games at the start of the 2010 NFL season.
      Big Ben had the opportunity to “fess up” about what he’s learned from all that’s happened to him over the past 12 months. Instead, he dodged answering any questions about his recent past. And he was skillful in doing so, in the same manner that he sidesteps blitzing linebackers.
       It would’ve been a good thing and the right thing for Roethlisberger to cease with the radio silence on what is clearly a touchy topic for him. Touchy topic or not, Big Ben should realize that folks can benefit from what he has to say. Youngsters who wear his No. 7 jersey would witness first-hand how a role model handles difficult situations. And given that the Super Bowl is such a public platform, there's no question that Roethlisberger would have a captive audience.
       Guess that will have to happen at some other time. Or, maybe it won’t happen at all. Big Ben told the media that Super Bowl week was not the time for him to reflect. For now, all his attention is focused on the game to be played on Sunday.
       My question about all that, is this: If not now Ben, then when?

No comments:

Post a Comment