Big Ben Roethlisberger got a six game suspension for violating the league’s Personal Conduct policy. While I have called for the suspension for Ben, because of his pattern of unacceptable behavior, I have to wonder if it was a fair suspension. Sure he has acted like an idiot, and he has lost sight of the fact that playing in the NFL is a privilege not a right. However, with that being said, would a less high profile player have gotten the same suspension?
I get it; he is a QB, a two time Super Bowl Champion and likely headed to the Hall of Fame when his playing days are done. However Eric Foster DT of the Indianapolis Colts was also accused of sexual assault and his case has been largely ignored. Sure there is no black and white, everything is a shade of grey and each incident must be dealt with separately. I get all that, but I would be surprised if anyone cares what Mr. Foster did or did not do.
Some of that is the fault of the media. I understand that Big Ben is a, much bigger story then Foster, but from a league standpoint should these players not be dealt within the same manner? They are players in the same league, and members of the same union, should they not be treated equally?
It is a really tough question to ask, even tougher to answer but I think it is an issue that needs to be addressed. If I were to commit a felony, and one of my fellow writers here were to commit a felony would we not get the same punishment? Maybe, but maybe not.
