Big Ben in Big Trouble?

When did Ben Roethlisberger issues become so big?

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely understand the nature of the allegations against him now and from last summer. However, the man was not charged with anything this time around, and his issues from a summer ago didn’t have any legs in criminal court. So why is this guy in so much trouble with the league and his team…allegedly?

There are columnists all around the web questioning whether or not Ben Roethlisberger should be in trouble for the things that he has (not) done.

The New York Times has blatantly asked the question, “Should NFL suspend Roethlisberger?”

The USA Today is taking polls on whether people are suspicious of Roethlisberger.

The NFL Spinzone is suggesting that Santonio Holmes trade to the New York Jets may have been an omen for Big Ben.

And CBS News, one of the most credible sources in journalism, is asking the question, “Is race a factor? Holmes, who is black, was cut loose after his transgressions. In the case of Roethlisberger, who is white, the team seems to look the other way.” (Stephen W Smith)

Wow!

I really didn’t see all of this coming. I thought the dismissal of criminal prosecution against Big Ben yesterday would have been a lot more positive for the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. Instead, the end of Roethlisberger’s criminal issues in Georgia seems to be only the begging of his issues with the NFL, his fans and the media that covers him.

Then of course there is the Steelers organization, which reportedly was just about ready to cut Santonio Holmes before finally getting a meager 5th round pick from the New York Jets. Holmes wasn’t convicted of any wrongdoing either, and yet the Steelers sent him packing. Could they do the same to Big Ben, despite a lack of charges?

Maybe.

And that’s what has everybody going crazy about this right now. This isn’t just about a possible suspension. This is about the first legitimate Pittsburgh quarterback in over 30 years possibly being booted out of the most football-centric city in America.

If that happens, the Big Ben issue will officially be bigger than I would have ever expected it to be.

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