Steelers QB Roethlisberger Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Fox News ^ | 12 June 2006 | AP

[Birdstrike]

PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured in a motorcycle crash Monday and taken to a hospital.

"He was alert and conscious," per Allegheny County emergency service.

In his second year in the NFL, Roethlisberger helped guide the Steelers to the Super Bowl championship last season.

The 24-year-old Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet when riding his motorcycle.

He has pointed out Pennsylvania's 35-year-old state law requiring helmets to be worn was amended to make helmets optional.

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.

[Birdstrike]

This is the kind of stuff that makes coaches (and owners and fans) prematurely grey. I know you have to "grab all the gusto you can the first time around" but for cryin in the beer, why do you have to ride a freakin' motorcycle before you've even reached your peak? You make millions and your body is the investment, Ben! It's not about being careful, it's about little old ladies pulling out that never even see you. Please, Ben, recover quickly and then hang up the leathers until your playing days are over...I just hope they're not already.

[Paleo Conservative]

The 24-year-old Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet when riding his motorcycle.

Maybe he should play football without on either?

[MarkeyD]

Good point

[Sgt_Schultze]

Wow. With Palmer out with a refurbishing knee, and Ben banging his head off car windshields, does that move the dreaded Ravens, now with McNair, to the front of the pack in that division?

[Energizer45678]

Terry Bradshaw and Bill Cowher, both, told him to "Park the Bike" about a year ago. He should have listened to them.

[Birdstrike]

I think there's got to be a Cleveland connection here somewhere also.

[BadAndy]

"The 24-year-old Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet when riding his motorcycle."

A pro football player how doesn't like wearing a helmet. You can't make this stuff up.