Roethlisberger puts suspension behind him

PITTSBURGH - It's often said that "Big Ben" Roethlisberger is the toughest quarterback in the NFL to bring down. The Steelers icon put that theory to the acid test during the past year after being accused of rape last March in a Georgia nightclub.

It was the second time in less than a year that Roethlisberger had faced such a terrible accusation. He was not charged with a crime in either instance because of lack of evidence, but Roethlisberger couldn't escape a four-game suspension handed down by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's personal-conduct code.

Without question, his image took a hit he couldn't simply shrug off the way he does pass- rushers. His questionable behavior in the company of women was a stain on one of the NFL's premier organizations that demanded action. Yet Roethlisberger is still standing as the leader of the Steelers, who are favored to beat the Jets in the AFC Championship Game Sunday at Heinz Field and reach the Super Bowl for the third time in five seasons.

Athletes and fans alike confuse winning with a real desire to change as a person. But Roethlisberger's teammates believe his performance represents how far he has traveled down the road to redemption.

"This business is about winning," said Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel, who is one of Roethlisberger's closest friends. "I think it was motivation to him to work as hard as he could to get this organization into the playoffs and to get us winning again. Not only has he done that, but he's made the correct changes in his life to put himself in the position he wants to be in. Only he can make that change."

Understandably, Roethlisberger is loath to discuss the allegations made against him or the steps he has taken to modify his behavior. "That's about the last thing on my mind right now," he said in a midweek news conference. "I'm thinking about playing football . . . Win and just be me."

Roethlisberger offered only a one-sentence reply when asked how he might have grown as a person: "I just try to be the person my parents raised me to be."

But several players who know him well say Roethlisberger was affected deeply by the allegations and his suspension. "He was definitely hurt by it," tackle Chris Komeatu said. "We were hurt by it. We're one big family in here. Not to have him was a big loss, but we overcame it by sticking together. He came back with that mind-set where he had to play huge football for us."

Clearly, Roethlisberger felt guilty about letting down his teammates and the organization. What is more difficult to discern is whether he truly regretted his behavior and did more than pay lip service to the need to grow as a person.

"I think he just took a step back and really evaluated where he wants to go and the person he wants to be," Keisel said. "Sometimes we all need to get knocked off our high horse in order for us to be better. Sometimes it takes mistakes and owning up to the mistakes and working to not make them again.

"I can't say enough about how proud everyone is here of how he's taken everything and made it into a positive. Hats off to him."

Rumors abound in Pittsburgh that Roethlisberger recently became engaged, but he hasn't addressed that question and a Steelers official said the club doesn't comment on personal matters. Wherever Roethlisberger goes from here, he knows his teammates and franchise had his back, and there's no mistaking his gratitude.

"Any time I can be around these guys and play the game I love, it's an awesome thing," Roethlisberger said. "The success we've had this year as a team is a great thing. I've said all along we're a family. To have this opportunity to play a great team like the Jets at home in front of our fans is an awesome thing."