May 05, 2010

The Hangover: Roethlisberger: AN NFL SUPERSTAR'S REPULSIVE BEHAVIOR, THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF ATHLETIC ENTITLEMENT RUN AMOK, HAS FORCED EVEN THE MOST DIEHARD FANS TO QUESTION THEIR TEAM AND THEIR FOOTBALL FAITH—AND MADE A SMALL TOWN IN GEORGIA WISH HE'D NEVER PAID A VISIT

posted by cjets to football at 11:46 AM - 9 comments

Just starting to dig through this. Thanks for posting. Highlight from page one:

"If I ever ride again," he said afterward, "it certainly will be with a helmet." . . . A few months after the accident, a reporter and a cameraman for KDKA-TV, the CBS affiliate that broadcasts Steelers games, were driving on I-376 in Pittsburgh when they saw two men on motorcycles and recognized one as Roethlisberger, who was not wearing a helmet. They began shooting footage, which showed Roethlisberger giving them the finger as he sped away, but the video never aired. The station's news director at the time, John Verrilli, and its current assistant news director, Anne Linaberger, deny that any such tape existed, but several people who saw the video gave SI similar accounts of the tape; sources believe the story was killed out of fear that it would damage KDKA's relationship with the Steelers.

posted by yerfatma at 01:34 PM on May 05, 2010

Story pretty much hit the nail on head.

posted by Debo270 at 01:37 PM on May 05, 2010

Not that I don't believe Ben is a total dick wad (cause I really do), but publishing an article with a re-hashing of various stories (almost all from people who wish to remain nameless and can't be substantiated) seems about the lowest common denominator a publication can sink. I mean is that SI or the enquirer? Seriously, how many "didn't want to give their names" were there in that article? My best friend's girlfriend said that he was a jerk? What's her name? Oh, it doesn't matter...I'll put that quote down as "anonymous".

If you walk around your hometown and talk to various people, you can hear dozens of stories about various famous people pulling the "do you know who I am?", tipping poorly, being an ass to fans, etc. I've heard them here in Houston for Warren Moon, Carl Lewis, Craig Biggio, and various other area athletes back when I made the bar circuit (Half the time the stories leave out the parts about interrupting the guy while he's trying to eat his food, etc)

Like I said, not trying to discredit what a jerk he is..but the article seems a bit piling on to me, without adding any real value.

posted by bdaddy at 02:30 PM on May 05, 2010

Crouchie's having his nachos!!!!

posted by holden at 12:36 AM on May 06, 2010

I used to frequent a restaurant called "Websters." Owned by Alex Webster the long ago running back and coach of the NY Giants. You couldn't have found a nicer friendlier guy. Always willing to chat and so often he's buy a round of drinks and have them sent to our table. Not all of them are assholes and or stupid. BTW he's now broke and has two very bad knees. Is collecting and living on SSI. Where is the Players Union for a man like this?

posted by wildbill1 at 10:23 AM on May 06, 2010

Seriously, how many "didn't want to give their names" were there in that article?

I didn't count, but it sounds like several were threatened with retaliation in one form or another.

Not that I don't believe Ben is a total dick wad (cause I really do)

Sure could have fooled me. You've been busting your ass trying to poke holes in every negative thing anyone's said about him.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 10:59 AM on May 06, 2010

I actually believe everything negative that's been said about him... but I agree that this is nothing more than a lowest common denominator hit piece. It's the kind of thing I'd expect to see in TMZ or Deadspin, not SI.

posted by Bernreuther at 05:26 PM on May 07, 2010

I mean is that SI or the enquirer?

If SI is reporting it, I believe the quotes are from legitimate sources who the magazine checked out. You make too many excuses for Roethlisberger. He's been living his life as if he was unaccountable to anyone for his behavior, and it caught up to him.

posted by rcade at 06:39 PM on May 07, 2010

Wait, WHY IS THIS POST IN ALL CAPS!?

posted by StarFucker at 01:50 AM on May 12, 2010

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