Roethlisberger's suspension reduced; breaks down in front of team

Less than 12 hours before Ben Roethlisberger learned his fate from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, he tearfully addressed his teammates about his impending departure.

Roethlisberger learned late this morning that his suspension was reduced by Goodell from six games to four games because of his adherence to the guidelines set forth by the commissioner. But even before he round out about the decision, he spoke to his teammates after the final preseason game last night in Pittsburgh.

According to Steel City Insider's Mike Prisuta, Roethlisberger wept while speaking to his teammates.

"He broke down," wide receiver Hines Ward said after the game. "The reality sets in. He's feeling the pain because now it's hitting home."

Roethlisberger can't have any contact with the team for the duration of the suspension.

The Steelers expressed support of the franchise quarterback in a statement released after the suspension was finalized.

“Commissioner Goodell informed us today that Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension has been reduced to four games," team president Art Rooney III said in a statement issued by the team. "Ben has done a good job this summer of growing as the person that he needs to be, both on and off the field. I am confident that Ben is committed to continuing in this positive direction. As a team, our focus is now on preparing for the regular season and getting off to a good start on opening weekend."