Roethlisberger injured in motorcycle accident

[David]

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PIT/9493892

PITTSBURGH (June 12, 2006) -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured in a motorcycle crash and taken to a hospital.

"He was alert and conscious," said Ernie Roman, shift commander for the Allegheny County emergency service.

Steelers Dave Lockett, outside Mercy Hospital, confirmed the accident but did not provide additional details.

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

Calls to Roethlisberger's agent, Leigh Steinberg, were not immediately returned. In only his second year in the NFL, Roethlisberger helped guide the Steelers to the Super Bowl championship last season.

 

[David]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/s_457685.html

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a serious head injury this morning after his motorcycle collided with a car on Second Avenue near the 10th Street Bridge, police said.
Roethlisberger, who was not wearing a helmet, collided with a Chrysler sedan shortly before 11:25 a.m. and was thrown off his motorcycle, flying headfirst into the car's windshield "with a pretty good force," said a veteran city police officer.

Roethlisberger was taken to Mercy Hospital, said a Steelers spokesman, who declined to provide other information.

The car, which has Maine license plates, was turning left onto the 10th Street Bridge from Second Avenue and Roethlisberger was driving straight on Second and apparently was not looking when he collided with the car, police said.

 

[indyrob]

Shit happens, but I think I would prefer to be a bit safer when it comes to my multi-million dollar contract and the ability to perform.

I remember seeing an interview with him last year saying something about his motorcycle and how his agent is trying to get him to stop riding, guess he didn't take the advice.

 

[Terrasco]

I heard there were some knee and leg injuries, also.

 

[tubaman]

Apparently he never heard of a helmet. Idiot :stickbeat

 

[cvm4]

This kind of stupid stuff happened to a Bulls basketball player not too long ago. The guy should really think before he risks his entire career.

 

[caudio51]

Didn't he see the Program. No riding.

And to not wear a helemet, moron!

 

[kirscovitch]

i know that some pro athletes have stipulations in their contracts that prohibit "high risk" activities...

 

[98smokes]

there's a reason paramedics call them donorcycles

 

[pharmgator]

there's a reason paramedics call them donorcycles

Or murdercycles

 

[cvm4]

Motorcycles don't kill people (granted there are a few that make the entire sport look bad), it's the people not wearing helmets and the people that don't pay attention to their surroundings that get most killed(cutting in on top of them, pulling out in front of them, etc.).

 

[texas_stang]

He was just on (phone call) sports radio 610 here in Houston. I think the wreck happened about 3 hours after the interview.

 

[tedski]

I heard this on the radio on the drive home. They say he broke his jaw, nose, knocked out most of his teeth and sustained significant injuries to both knees.

I stopped riding years ago when my brother and his wife were almost killed when a car hit them from behind. People in general don't seem to see motorcycles while driving - and when they do they seem to view them as an annoyance. Combine this with no safety gear and inattention while driving and you are asking for disaster ... which was provided.

 

[Headbanger]

i know that some pro athletes have stipulations in their contracts that prohibit "high risk" activities...

Kellen Winslow Jr. from Cleveland Brown last year prime example. He missed the entire season last year cause he was playing with his bike in a parking lot. It was on a video showing him trying a wheelie just before he crashed. The team recouped that years salary and that year of his signing bonus as well. Not sure if he is ready for this coming season. The agent also would not be paid in this instance cause the player was not paid for that year.

 

[DocLogic77]

I have also heard suicycles. I'm almost too depressed to post about Ben right now. There is supposed to be an update on his condition at 1pm. I have heard the knees are merely contusions, but there is concern that some swelling of the brain might be present. The guy could die from this still. I want him to play but right now I'm just praying he lives.

 

[Eric]

There's a report out that claims he didn't even have a motorcycle license.

 

[DocLogic77]

That's the word out of Pittsburgh. The most recent update on Ben looks optimistic. I'm feeling a little better.

 

[Poni]

Just this morning I heard on ESPN he would be back no later than the start of the season, possibly pre-season. Things must have turned for the worse

 

[DocLogic77]

Nah, just some stupid rumors. The latest update was very good. He will probably have to play with a protective helmet but should be ok.

 

[tubaman]

Nah, just some stupid rumors. The latest update was very good. He will probably have to play with a protective helmet but should be ok.

But he still won't have to ride his bike with a helmet, by law.