NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, acting as juror, judge and executor, sentenced Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a six game suspension without pay for violating the NFL personal conduct policy. Roethisberger was also ordered to undergo a behavioral evaluation.

Goodell handed down the decision after a 20 year-old college student accused Roethlisberger of sexually assaulting her in a Georgia nightclub back in March. Ben was suspended even though Georgia prosecutors decided not to charge Roethlisberger for sexual assualt.

Goodell, in a letter sent to the former 2-time Super Bowl champ said, “I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you,”

“My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor. That said, you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans.”

As part of the suspension, Roethlisberger must undergo a behavioral evaluation by medical professionals before he can participate or attend any team off-season activities.

Goodell left open the possibility that he could reduce the suspension from 6 games to 4. The Steeler QB could lose close to $3 million in salary if he sits out 6 games.

Many in the NFL expressed shock at the length of the suspension, given he was not charged with a crime. However, this is not the first time Ben Roethlisberger has been accused of improrieties. Back in the summer of 2008, a woman named Andrea McNulty in Nevada accused Roethlisbeger of sexual assault.

Will the suspension of Ben Roethlisberger mean the Steelers won’t make the NFL playoffs in 2010? Not necessarily, especially if the sentence is reduced to 4 games. The Steelers are scheduled with a bye in NFL Week 5, allowing the Steelers to give Roethlisberger all the reps to get ready for NFL Week 6. Here is Steelers schedule for the first six games in 2010.

Sunday, September 12 - Atlanta Falcons - Home
Sunday, September 19 - Tennessee Titans - Away
Sunday, September 26 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Away
Sunday, October 3 - Baltimore Ravens - Home
Sunday, October 10 - BYE
Sunday, October 17 - Cleveland Browns - Home
Sunday, October 24 - Miami Dolphins - Home

source: foxsports.com, espn

The Pro Bowl has become NFL biggest joke. And the 2010 Pro Bowl was perhaps the biggest Pro Bowl joke of all. It was obvious that nobody cared - not the players, not the fans and not even the television networks.

There were some changes to this year’s edition of the Pro Bowl. The venue was changed from Hawaii to Florida and the date was moved to one week before the Super Bowl. But that shouldn’t have an effect on the integrity of this supposed NFL Player Showcase.

Another reason it has become such a joke is that many NFL players don’t take the game seriously. More than a dozen Pro Bowlers opted out of the 2010 Pro Bowl contest. Player interest was so bad that one NFC Pro Bowl selectee was actually dismissed from the team for excessive absenteeism.

There was a time when it was considered an honor just to be nominated for a Pro Bowl spot. Once upon a time, players considered making the Pro Bowl an accomplishment, a medal of honor. It meant they had come of age in one of the most popular sports - but not anymore!

Yes it is true that the NFL shares the same All Star selection concerns with Baseball and Football. The fans make the All Star selections but it has become more of a popularity contest than anything else? But that shouldn’t matter one bit!

There is no denying that with the loss of the players from the two best teams (Colts and Saints) and the addition of Pro Bowl alternates, the talent level is watered down. Maybe the NFL made a mistake in moving the venue and date of the game because it has certainly had its affect.

But the biggest joke of all is the level of intensity in the game itself. The Pro Bowl has become more like an NBA All Star Game, where the defense stands around watching the offense score. It has become a travesty and disrespectful to everyone who loves football. It has gone from a competition to an exhibition.

Is it time to end this joke of a game? Should the game go back to Hawaii and be played after the Super Bowl? This may be one issue that even NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can’t solve.