Falcons

By WILIAM MITRO

June 12, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

NEWS OF BEN’S MOTORCYCLE STRUCK ME AS A BOLT OF LIGHTNING FROM THE BLUE. i AM A N AVID STEELER FAN. aLL OF OUR EXPECTATIONS IN PITTSBURGH COULD BE SHATTERED BY THIS UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT. I HOPE AND PRAY THAT HE COMES OUT OF THIS SURGERY SUCCESFULY

By Gary

June 12, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Well, I believe that a person can do what they want so that it does not cause physical or mental/emotional harm to someone else. That being said, in the cases of these athletes who get paid such large salaries, if they are involved in such an accident, they have to stand up and take consequences. If I was the owner of any professional frachise, I would make it mandatory for each and every athlete that I sign to agree to a contract that stated that if that athlete gets into an accident while riding a motorcycle, displaying reckless behavior, etc, the contract is null and void and the athlete gets no further payment. I don’t know the circumstances of Roethlisberger’s accident but I do know that anytime you ride a motorcycle, a helmet should be the first thing that is worn. I hope he is not seriously injured but he did not take the proper precautions and there are consequences to that. Sorry Ben!!!

By GTGD

June 12, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

i agree with Gary. i like Ben a lot, but only an idiot would ride without a helmet. and he deserves punishment, although his injuries are probably punishment enough. but if it costs him playing time, he should have to repay signing bonus, etc, or void the contract.

By Kev

June 12, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

First, well-wishes to this young man and a speedy recovery. Secondly, as a motorcycle rider I agree that he should have been wearing a helmet. I’m from SC, which does not have a mandatory helmet law like PN, and it is tempting to ride without a helmet at times. I grew up on motorcycles and know the risks all too well. However, having said that I don’t believe I could truly ever give up the feeling of relaxation and freedom I feel taking off on my bike with no destination or no sense of time.

People have to have the right to pursue the things that make them happy, as long as they are not posing danger to anyone else. As with any other activity, we have to teach safety for all motorists. A significant number of motorcycle acidents are due to errors committed by drivers of automobiles and not the driver of the motorcycle. I know it’s not an excuse if you die in a motorcycle accident but there are several other things one could die from just as easily.

By Kev

June 12, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Oh, and to the comments that are made about what he owes the Steelers - he owes them nothing! The owners do not own these players. If a player agrees to sign a contract giving up certain risky behavior, that’s fine. But I totally disagree with those who say it should be mandated in contracts that players not participate in risky behavior or their contracts be void. The players have the right to still enjoy life as they see fit. It’s their life after all. Should he die in his sleep, the Steelers would still have to find another QB. The owners do not own Big Ben! Require him to wear a helmet and leave the issue alone!

By JT

June 12, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Kev- I hear you…, but, the owners DO own the rights to Big Ben with resoect to playing football. Furthermore, the money they spend on a player is an investment and the franchises have the right to take reasonable steps to protect that investment. Just like companies invest in people to run a company, NFL teams invest in players to play the game. I this it is reasonable for a franchise owner to request that a player limit and/or alleviate overtly risky behavior (riding motorcylces- especially without a helmet, skydiving, etc.) when the player’s livelyhood and the teams success is based on their physical ability. Yes, the player is giving something up, but they are also being given a unique opportunity and privelege to play professional sports. If players are that adamant about participating in overtly risky behavior, then don’t play pro sports.

By BILL

June 12, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

DUMB A— SHOULD OF BEEN WEARING A HELMET.

By chichi

June 12, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

I feel that one he shouldnt be ridin the bike anyway because of his profession but he does so he should have atleast worn a helmet its only common sense. Iam sure hell wear one after this incident

By Harold

June 12, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Steve the 3ft Kiddie Pool is not a cliff!

By T

June 12, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Bill…AJ Hawk would have never made such a dumb mistake!

By Tom

June 12, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but what does this have to do with the Falcons?? This is called “Falcons Blog” Not Steelers!! If the AJC would report more Falcon NEWS, you know the “HOME TEAM” People might read it more!!

Yes, it is a shame he got hurt, but that does not change the FACT that this is a Falcon Blog MR. Steve Wyche. If you want to play ESPN reporter and report on ever team go get a job at ESPN!! The HOME TEAM Paper SHOULD report on the HOME TEAM in their Blogs,or change the NAME!!

By ATL fans

June 13, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

What an idiot! Would he play with out a helmet in the NFL if it wasn’t in the rules? D*A##

By BirdDawg

June 13, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this

Stupid is as stupid does.

Just because the law says you don’t have to wear a helmet doesn’t suddenly make the common sense of wearing a helmet senseless.

The only problem with common sense is that it just isn’t too common.

Big Ben has risked everything. His actions are selfish, because not only is he putting himself at risk, but the success of his team and his teammates, as well as the fact that his loved ones may never see him again.

Selfish and stupid. Why are athletes always this way?

By Jay

June 13, 2006 02:57 AM | Link to this

“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.”

Definately not the same. Youve been driving a car for most of your life with 1000s of hours of experience, a car is designed with your safety in mind, and a deadly wreck would most likely involve other people. While with your jumping (or bike in roth’s case) you most likely have much much less experience, the jumping wasnt designed to be 100% safe (or there would be no thrill), and you are jumping by yourself.

You could die from doing just about ANYTHING, so the comparison doesnt fly.

By larry w.

June 13, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

I am not unsympathetic, but I agree with Tom!

By Ezekiel

June 13, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this

I wish Ben a speedy recovery but I’m glad this wasn’t Vick because you would have half of metro Atlanta and most national media roasting him. He would be getting so much critism that it wouldn’t be funny. I can’t even imagine all the bias conversation that would be going on.

By Ezekiel

June 13, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

Tom, I agree with you man. I wish we could get more coverage on the birds. Even the small details and maybe even more opinion on what the Falcons are doing or how well they’re practicing. What about some Q and A with the coaches and players. the Falcon’s are the top dogs in this town when it comes to pro sports yet more than anything you get Braves Braves Braves. but don’t look for this to change because this has been an issue with the AJC for some time now.

By gdg

June 13, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Why is Big Ben not being berated by the media like Kellen Winslow was last year for the same similar action.

By Harold

June 13, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

Steve I agree with the other writers with the high energy activities going on with the OTA’s one would think you would be giving us MORE details on the Falcon’s. How is the locker room moral? OTA’s (Please keep in mind there are no pads) can really shed a lot of light on how the rookies and vets are going to perform this season and I for one feel cheated.

If you could also please give us a break down on the mood of the film room I am sure a lot happens there.

Last but not least could you please give us a break down on the cafeteria grub?

Once I have all of this I will be able to have an intelligent conversation at the end of my trailer park.

If you could also please give us a break down on the mood of the film room I am sure a lot happens there.

Last but not least could you please give us a break down on the cafiteria grub?

Once I have all of this I will be able to have a inteligent conversation at the end of my trailer park.

By Harold

June 13, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

GDG, why don’t you go back and watch the film of Mr Winslow and the 80mph wheelies in a private parking lot.

And I think even yourself would be smart enough to answer your own question.

By Joey

June 13, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Just so you are the first to know. Big Ben’s knees are also injured. You can’t sugar coat this……what an idiot

By gdg

June 13, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

Harold, I am also smart enough to know that riding a motorcycle without a helmet is just as dumb as popping wheelies in a parking lot. Both are reckless acts.

By Ike

June 13, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

AP didn’t go far enough back on there list of Bike wrecks to cover but wasn’t Brave Ron Gant injured in dirt bike accident in the 90’s?

By gdg73

June 13, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to say how fast Winslow was going in that parking lot based on that footage. I guess 80 mph sounds good to you. I guess you were there with your radar gun. Who are you anyway Roscoe P. Coltrane or Buford T. Justice?

By Andy

June 13, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Simple Steve:

You can cliff jump and Big Ben can ride his ‘cycle. Not doing so doesn’t guarantee you won’t be harmed. Not doing so increases the chance that you will not be harmed. It is all about hedging bets. Of course you could still get killed in rush hour traffic, but the chances are slimmer than cliff jumping.

Anyway, hoped you enjoyed the Caribbean and hope to hear about the Birds soon.

By Randy

June 13, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

I played in the NFL and I have an MBA, so that gives me a little more of a right to speak on this subject. Having said that, I feel no pity for Big Ben…especially after how defiant he was on the topic just 1 year ago. I’m not saying I wanted him hurt, but I feel no pity whatsoever. If he had an MBA, maybe I’d feel more for him.

I can’t wait to read Ken Strickland’s take on the matter.

Also, I know BirdDawg is Cafaro.

By uga_b

June 13, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Riding without a helmet was sheer hubris. IMO he has the right to ride his motorcycle; however, the club also has the right to terminate a contract that is breached by risky behavior. If Ben is willing to give up his football future and finances to ride that bike, more power to him. Terry Bradshaw was actually right: you can ride it when you retire.

By BirdDawg

June 13, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Never thought I’d say it as well, but Terry Bradshaw was more than right. I was driving home and Dan Patrick had some interesting things to say. He’s basically saying what we’re all saying, that Ben’s an idiot and selfish for what he was doing and did. It’s just refreshing to hear some of that from the media.

And Randy, I have a few questions. Who did you play for? What was your position? When did you play? Where did you go to school?

And as for me being anyone else besides Bill Jones, The Chop Chick already took care of that on her blog. Cafero, or someone posing as him decided it would be funny to hijack my handle, and she had his IP Address blocked permanately.

In fact, I sent her a blog and an email, just so she compare the two IP Addresses, and she told me, and the rest of the bloggers, that we wouldn’t have to worry about him / her anymore. As she put it, “The truth is in the IP Address.”

So, if you want to act like a child, and make false accusations, go right ahead. But that doesn’t fit someone with an MBA, as you claim to have. But, it’s a free blog.

By Truth is in the IP

June 13, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

Birddawg, that doesn’t prove you’re not Cafaro. All it proves is that someone was hijacking your “new” name. It’s funny how hardly anyone on here uses their real names, but yours (Bill Jones) just happens to be the most generic name this side of John Smith. No wonder you toss it around so freely.

See you during football season.

By keeping it REAL !

June 13, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Randy you are full of BS to the first you degree.you say you played pro football. first where and were you drafted are you just a want-a be. One reason I know you are full of it you say #61 and #62 will be fine. Look at the game tape before they got hurt as stater you are clueless,#61 and #62 helpless when they played caroliner and tampa.NOTE* VICK HOPE YOU CAN RUN FOR YOUR LIFE. OFFENSE LINE MANAGEMENT ON PASS BLOCKING CLUELESS!!BIG BEN FALCONS ARE WINNER THIS YEAR IF O-LINE HOLDS UP!!!

By BirdDawg

June 14, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

But that someone purports to be Cafero, so what’s your point?

I’m sorry if you think my name is generic. I guess my momma could have named me Antonio or Bubba, something exotic like that. But she chose William, and then when I was little, I chose Billy. Now I’m just Bill. My business card still says William, though. As for my name, why would I have a problem with sharing it? I chose BirdDawg as my handle because I love the Falcons and Dawgs, and have since I was little, way before you got your MBA, I’m sure. But BirdDawg isn’t my name. The generic sounding Bill is. But I shouldn’t have to explain myself who seems to be a full of crap as you are.

Randy the pro football player, the MBA graduate.

Son, your head seems to be filled with some interesting un-truths.

By The point is...

June 14, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

The point is that you seem to go out of your way to deny that you are Cafaro by making up “Bill Jones,” and now intentionally misspelling YOUR name “Cafero”. You think you’re slick, huh?

Plus, I actually liked Cafaro until he mysteriously disappeared…which is about the same time you appeared. Cafaro loved the dawgs, falcons, braves, etc. Then here you come, making the same arguements, writing essays, being extremely critical of Knapp. C’mon man!!

And by the way, that was so weak for you to complain to chop chick…big baby.

By Dirrtybird

June 14, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

Why does randy start every blog with “I played in the NFL and I have an MBA, so that gives me a right…”? Second, what does that have to do with riding a motorcycle with no helmet?

By BirdDawg

June 14, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Blah, Blah, Blah.

Randy, you’re something else. Your string of conspiracies are as loaded with crap as Oliver Stone’s and Jim Garrison’s in JFK. I’m sorry you miss your boyfriend, no matter how you spell his name, but he’s been blocked.

If he hadn’t been an @$$, than there wouldn’t have been the need. So you can drop your stalkerish behavior. Come on Enis, just quit him for crying out loud.

I’m done arguing with a child who feels the need to lie about his college education, or lack of one, and his wonderful pro football career on a silly blog.

By L.J.

June 14, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

You guys are hilarious!! But please bring back the paid blog. That’s when we stuck to football. Personally, on this BirdDawg/Cafaro theory, I do recall Cafaro always making movie references…Who cares. Just get back to the issue. Uh, what was the issue again?

By Ballator

June 15, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

How irresponsible is it to begin with that a state does not require a helmet on motorcycles? If Pennsylvania had acted responsibly then I’m sure Ben would have also.

By Grendel

June 15, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

Please can we stay on task and may be comment on what leverage the Steelers have in controlling Big Ben’s off field risky behavior!

By Hadden Knough

June 15, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

He’s a dumb ### like we all are at that age. Hopefully we reach maturity before we suffer some self-inflicted disaster, kill ourselves, or kill someone else. Those of us who survive can only stand by, watch, and pray for those who follow us because you can’t tell a dumb ### anything.

By Randy

June 15, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

My coach required us to wear helmets when we rode motorcycles. It’s a good thing, because I would not have been able to get an MBA with brain damage.

By Spitttin Venom

June 16, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

Oh, I am sorry. I thought this was a Falcon blog. How’s the weather up there in Pittsburgh?