Steelers, NFL will discipline Roethlisberger after draft

The Steelers plan to punish embattled quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for his involvement in an alleged sexual assault last month, despite the fact no criminal charges were filed over the incident.

Steelers president Art Rooney II said at a news conference Thursday that the Steelers, in consultation with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, will decide on an appropriate punishment. That decision isn't expected to come until after next week's draft.

"When we get to the point where we have agreed with the commissioner on what that action will be, that's when it will be imposed," Rooney said during his first media session about the Roethlisberger case. "After imposing an appropriate level of discipline and outlining the steps we feel will be necessary to be successful as a player and a person, we intend to allow Ben the opportunity to prove to us he is the teammate and citizen we all believe he is capable of being."

In light of the Roethlisberger situation, Goodell sent a memo last week to NFL owners, executives and head coaches underscoring the importance of following the league's personal conduct policy. Under the policy, any NFL employee can be punished over inappropriate behavior, even if no criminal charges are brought.

Unfortunately, in recent weeks there have been several negative incidents, the memo stated. These incidents include subjects that we have previously identified as particularly troublesome, such as alcohol-related offenses, allegations of violence against women, and weapons offenses. The policy makes clear that NFL and club personnel must do more than simply avoid criminal behavior. Players must conduct themselves in a way that is responsible, that promotes the values upon which the league is based, and is lawful.

Roethlisberger reported to the team's offseason workouts on Tuesday, his first appearance since the program began March 29. He also issued an apology this week, but has not taken any questions about the situation.

Roethlisberger is involved in a civil suit alleging he sexually assaulted a woman at a Lake Tahoe resort last year, but Rooney said Thursday that any disciplinary action about to be taken is related to last months case in Milledgeville, Ga.

"I have made it clear to Ben that his conduct in this incident did not live up to our standards," Rooney said. "We have made it very clear to Ben that there will be consequence for his actions, and Ben has indicated to us he is willing to accept those consequences."

Rooney also acknowledged that both the Steelers and Roethlisberger have taken an image hit over the incident.

"It's a situation that he's going to have to work hard to rehabilitate his image that, no question, has taken a hit," Rooney said. "It's a long journey back and he's going to have to be up to the challenge.

Roethlisberger did get some support from another Class of 2004 quarterback, Eli Manning of the Giants, who said Thursday he is hoping for the best for the Steelers quarterback. "I think that just as athletes you've got to be careful where you are and what you're doing," Manning said. "You try to be conscious of it. But also, if you want to have fun - you're still a person and you have a right to enjoy yourself - but you've got to be careful about what's going on." Manning added: "You just hope everything works out and he'll be able to come back and play and play at a high level. He's a tremendous talent."

Rooney said the Steelers decision to trade former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes to the Jets for a fifth-round pick on Sunday was due to Holmes off-field problems. Holmes has been suspended the first four games of the 2010 season for repeated violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy. He was arrested in October, 2008 for possession of marijuana.