Big Ben Roethlisberger has been suspended 6 games for violating the Leagues personal conduct policy, resulting from multiple accusations of sexual abuse towards women. The most recent being an incident at a bar that resulted in a full scale investigation of the Steelers Quarterback.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell handed down the punishment today, stating:
“I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you. My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor. That said, you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans.”
Almost as soon as the suspension was handed down, rumors of a Roethlisberger trade began swirling around the NFL. When plied for info, it has been confirmed that the Steelers are in fact shopping around the 2 time Super Bowl winning quarterback, and would be looking for a Top 10 draft pick in this years draft.
So that leads to the question: Who would make this trade? For starters, the Washington Redskins would have been the perfect candidate, a team that rarely looks at the bottom line when making a trade or signing a player, but they just signed Donovan McNabb at QB.
The next logical choice would have been the Rams, but as soon as that speculation started, it was squashed by the Steelers - they already spoke to the Rams on the weekend and they turned it down!
The Browns? Nope, division rivals.
So who’s left? What team could use a proven winner entering his prime and would be willing to not only take on a ridiculous contract, but bail on a top 10 pick AND be crazy enough to know that he was going to be parked for 6 weeks?
There can be only one.
The Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders fit this mold like Al Davis in a sarcophagus. And at #8, the Steelers still have a great shot at a decent QB to develop. The deal would most likely include the Steelers #18 pick, which still gives the Raiders an opportunity to baffle the pundits and pick Tim Tebow to se at halfback.
Most of Ben’s pay came by way of bonus anyway, so regardless the Steelers have to eat the salary, they might as well get something going for the money they already spent.
We’ll know within 24 hours when the draft kicks off tomorrow, until then, keep an eye on the NFL Draft betting Odds, if the Steelers jump into the top 10, those numbers will change big time!
