Ben Roethlisberger (Credit: www.free-extras.com/)
Professional athletes can be spoiled millionaires without the life experiences to make wise choices. They can also be prima donnas that expect life’s rules and laws not to apply to them. The unfortunate part is that professional sporting bodies, the law courts (for the most part) and we fans give athletes leniencies that are beyond ridiculous.
We see Ben Roethlisberger leading Pittsburgh to the Super Bowl with a 24-19 win over the NY Jets. So, now his hero status is high and we all have forgotten about the 20 year old Georgia college student he “allegedly” sexually assaulted while his bodyguard stood guard preventing anyone from entering the room he held her in. In a recent article announcing Roethlisberger’s engagement, Fox Sports with Associated Press contributing, referred to the assault as “an alleged incident with a college student”.
Too often, athletes still in the midst of their careers, get a free pass with no charges, a fine that is laughable, and perhaps a suspension for a token few games. While athletes that are past their careers are treated as the rest of the population being charged with and convicted of crimes. Roethlisberger like Brett Farve should have been investigated more in depth and charges should have been laid. Yet, the NFL is happy to bow to the stars of their league with weak investigations and wrist slap fines and suspensions with the support of the inactivity of the District Attorney’s office.
Remember David Megget, formerly of the NFL, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for burglary and criminal sexual conduct after his retirement. Lawrence Taylor just received a soft sentence for third degree statutory rape because he helped with the investigation.
"He was pretty stupid," Pittsburgh resident and die-hard Steelers fan Terry Eggerton said. "He should have been a little smarter, but he's a terrific quarterback. If he weren't, he'd have been crucified." Even this fan subconsciously knows the bias toward star athletes.
Merchandise shops in Pittsburgh's popular Strip District began selling a different brand of Roethlisberger garb last spring after what can best be described as the sexually charged Mess in Milledgeville. There were many T-shirts spoofing a player who some fans once thought could walk on the water surrounding Pittsburgh. The regular Roethlisberger merchandise was heavily discounted and still didn't sell well.
That has slowly changed. Such articles as Roethlisberger jerseys and ski caps were back on display Wednesday along with standard Steelers goods. "Sales have picked up considerably," said Jimmy Coen, owner of the Yinzers in the Burg novelty shop. "It's picked up to where it's viable to carry items. Before, it was dead, dead, dead."
The same thing can be said of the DA’s efforts to protect innocent women who are preyed upon by these arrogant, spoiled stars.
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