Can someone plaese tell me what the HELL is wrong with pro atheletes?



Updated: June 12, 2006, 1:40 PM ET
Big Ben in serious condition after motorcycle accidentESPN.com news services


PITTSBURGH --Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who last season became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to lead his team to a Super Bowl title, was badly injured in a motorcycle crash Monday morning and set for surgery.



Roethlisberger, 24, was in serious but stable condition in an operating room, said Dr. Larry Jones, chief of trauma at Mercy Hospital. Jones spoke before going into surgery, The Associated Press reported.


Roethlisberger

"He was alert and conscious" at the scene of the accident, said Ernie Roman, shift commander for the Allegheny County emergency service, told AP.

ESPN.com's John Clayton reported that early indications were the injuries were not life-threatening.

Roethlisberger, the team's first-round choice in the 2004 draft, was transported to the trauma unit of nearby Mercy Hospital.

Witnesses told authorities that Roethlisberger's motorcycle collided with a car near a downtown intersection and that Roethlisberger's head hit the windshield and was bleeding.


Steelers officials have confirmed the accident, which occurred on Second Avenue near the intersection of 10th Street in Pittsburgh, around 11:30 a.m. The route is one often taken in traveling to the Steelers' facility in the Southside section of the city.


The Associated Press reported a silver Chrysler New Yorker with damage to the front passenger fender was removed and Roethlisberger's bike was loaded onto a flatbed truck. Police were detouring traffic around the crash scene as onlookers and media gathered.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Roethlisberger wasn't wearing a helmet.


In the wake of a motorcycle accident sustained by Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow last spring, Roethlisberger spoke about his own fixation with motorcycles and his penchant for riding without a helmet.



Roethlisberger continued to ride after Winslow's accident and that angered Terry Bradshaw, who quarterbacked the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s.



Visiting the Steelers' training camp last summer, Bradshaw remarked: "Ride it when you retire."

In May 2005, Steelers coach Bill Cowher lectured Roethlisberger on the dangers of riding without a helmet.


"He talked about being a risk-taker and I'm not really a risk-taker. I'm pretty conservative and laid back, but the big thing is to just be careful," Roethlisberger said at the time. "I'll just continue to be careful. I told him we don't ever ride alone, we always ride in a group of people, and I think it makes it even more safe."


One of his agents, Ryan Tollner, is in route to Pittsburgh for what was supposed to be a pre-planned trip and will arrive later Monday.

One witness told KDKA-TV that Roethlisberger was conscious but appeared disoriented before he was taken from the scene to Mercy Hospital.

ESPN.com writers John Clayton and Len Pasquarelli contributed to this story. Information from The Associated Press was also used in this report.

I'm sorry but, no helmet? What?


M

I have no sympathy for those who operate motorcycles or speed bikes without a helmet. People seem to think they are invincible and believe it won't happen. Best to protect that brain rather than be a vegetable or have a permanent brain injury for life.

My stepmom is gonna be pissed. She loves the Steelers.

It's a choice to ride without a helmet. I don't wish the injury on anyone, but I can't help but agree w/ the coach...ride it when you retire.


Get well soon

luv4u said:

even if it was a family member?????

Get well soon Ben!!!!!

kpowers said:

The problem here has nothing to do with the lack of helmet that is all over the news, it is the fact that a car took a left right in front of him.

paintsprayer said:

and because people don't act safely, others, such as this guy, need to wear the helmet so that it keeps worse accidents from happening. No one said the accident was his fault, but getting a head injury because you don't wear a helmet--that falls on him.

bluesbaby said:

Co-sign. It's like playing football without a helmet - you don't do it! WTF was he thinking?

paintsprayer said:

B.S. I've NEVER been in a motorcycle accident. You want 2 know why? Because I'm smart enought not to ride one.

Graycap23 said:

so if you get in a car accident does that mean you were stupid enough to get in a car?

paintsprayer said:

Let me explain it 2 u: When u r being paid millions of dollars based on your physical skills u do not take unnecessary risks. Does this make sense 2 u?
Is this 2 complicated 2 understand?

Graycap23 said:

Unless you are being paid millions, I don't believe that is what I quoted and commented on, but since you have changed the subject:

The fact that he makes millions puts him in a much better situation than the multitude of motorcycle riders who need their paycheck more than him, but choose not to live in fear.

luv4u said:

I wish everyone would wear a helmet while biking. I really do. But "no sympathy" seems rather harsh.

paintsprayer said:

The reason he makes those millions is because of what he can do with his body. You don't take unnecessary risks like that with so much at stake. It's a disservice to your team and the organization that has invested so much in you.

I hope he's ok.

uPtoWnNY said:

That's just silly, he has a job that pays well, he can afford to do whatever he wants. If you are a slave to your job what is the point of making the money.

uPtoWnNY said:

We all take unnecessary risks. It's not a risk I would take (anymore), but people are free to make choices, even bad ones.

Yes, there are people depending on him, but at the end of the day, it's an organization built around a game. They run and throw a leather ball around for our entertainment. The world will go on.

Hope he gets better.

Graycap23 said:

Then say that! Don't insult us motorcycle riders.


M

Universaluv said:

If u were one of the people who made living from this "game", how would u feel? It's a game 2 u. It's not a game, 2 the the people INSIDE this multi-BILLION dollar industry.

Graycap23 said:

Well, if it directly affected my job then I would be rich. I would think:

"That was fucking stupid.

Hey, check it out, I'm still rich! "

Universaluv said:

U obviously DON'T understand NFL contracts,,,,,

Universaluv said:

yeah....with a Superbowl ring to boot

paintsprayer said:

Living in fear and putting your life on the line for "fun" are 2 different things.

Graycap23 said:

U obviously don't understand a joke....

Universaluv said:

U were joking? Cool I get that but this is a SERIOUS`matter.

I hope he recovers 100 percent so I can put my foot in his you know what. It was irresponsible, pure and simple.

And yes, I'm a die hard Steeler fan for over 20 years.