AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > June > 12
Monday, June 12, 2006
Roethlisberger’s risky behavior
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As I return from one of my favorite hobbies -– cliff jumping in the Caribbean -– I’m greeted with reports of Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger getting into a nasty motorcycle wreck Monday morning. Though reports are preliminary, Big Ben suffered some serious, but non-life threatening injuries. He also was not wearing a helmet, according to reports.
After Browns tight end Kellen Winslow tore apart his knee and missed last season after a motorcycle wreck, Roethlisberger spoke freely about not giving up his penchant for riding and his preference not to wear a helmet. Those remarks may come back to haunt him.
As a thrill-seeker myself, this type of news always makes me uneasy. Sure, I could get hurt if I don’t execute my jumps off the cliffs with care, but I also could get taken out just as easily driving northbound on I-85 at rush hour. At least that’s my rationale.
I’ve never been one to judge athletes who get hurt water skiing, riding motorcycles or playing pick-up basketball because most of us partake in some type of activity that could ruin our livelihood. However, with the limited playing careers of athletes and the money teams invest in them, it would seem reducing the risk of off-field injuries would be a priority. Players also typically sign contracts that include provisions limiting certain off-field activities.
I know some of you typically don’t like to answer questions, but I’d like to get some opinions on this issue because it seems that every year an athlete suffers a major injury away from their sport while doing something that is considered dangerous to some and normal to others.
