I had an interesting conversation with a friend the other day pertaining to "Big" Ben Roethlisberger the QB of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He asked the question is "Big" Ben a thug in my opinion? The question is an interesting one because we all know that Ben has a shady past but he has never been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. Also, I do respect Roethlisberger as a QB and the job he has done for the Steelers over his career.
No, I am not a big fan of "Big" Ben but I always try to be realistic when evaluating players and their performances. Roethlisberger has been very clutch in his career. Although he lost the Super Bowl to the Packers and didn't play his best game, Roethlisberger makes big plays in the clutch as often as any QB in the NFL. He has 2 Super Bowl rings and has now played in 3 Super Bowls. Whether you like him as a player or not, the accomplishments prove that "Big" Ben gets it done on the field.
Is he a thug, though? As I considered that question, it became very clear to me how PERCEPTION carries so much weight in our world. "Big" Ben has been ACCUSED of some very poor decisions and possibly criminal actions in the past by more than one person. No, he has never been charged, arrested, or convicted of any crimes. However, with all the clouds of accusation and differing accounts of what happened or didn't happen, one can't help but believe he has executed HORRIBLE judgement at the very least. But, when you consider "Big" Ben - star Super Bowl winning QB of one of the most popular and successful teams in NFL history, most people don't PERCEIVE him as a THUG.
Again, don't PERCEIVE HIM AS A THUG. How do we PERCEIVE THE MEAN, NASTY, DIRT EATING, NAIL SPITTING linebacker if he is accused of the actions that Ben has been accused of? How do we PERCEIVE THE FLAMBOYANT, ARROGANT, SELF CENTERED, BRAGGING wide receiver if he is accused of those same actions? How do we perceive the champion boxer or MMA fighter if accused on those same actions?
I define a thug as a person who bullies or runs over others with no consideration as they satisfy their own selfish wishes while either breaking the law or breaking society's law of human decency. Based on all the information that has emerged from the acts that "Big" Ben has been accused of - Yes, as of today I consider him a THUG. Great football player, but a THUG.
No, we don't know what happened last off season when Ben was accused of sexually assaulting a very intoxicated girl in her early twenties in a back room of a bar as the door to that room was supposedly guarded by 2 of his body guards. But when you put yourself in that position with what appears to be a very vulnerable person, I PERCEIVE YOU to be creating an atmosphere where you can bully someone with no consideration while either breaking the law or breaking society's law of human decency.
Again, it is amazing how the star QB can get the hall pass for shady behavior, when we would crucify others for those same actions. Will I ever give "Big" Ben the opportunity to change and prove he isn't a THUG? ABSOLUTELY, everyone deserves that opportunity. However, it will take years of consistent behavior to believe someone is truly different and has learned the error of their ways - whatever those errors may be.
What say you, is Ben Roethlisberger a thug?
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