No charges brought against Ben Roethlisberger, but he’s still punished

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wasn't charged in a sexual assault case, but was punished anyway.

Ben Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault by a 20 year old woman. Police performed a thorough investigation and decided there wasn’t enough evidence to bring charges against him. Think about this: Not only was there not enough evidence to convict him, but there wasn’t even enough evidence to bring charges. Despite this, Ben Roethlisberger will be punished.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has decided to suspend Roethlisberger for the first 6 games of the season. The suspension will cost Roethlisberger nearly $3 million in salary, and could be even longer if the League isn’t satisfied with the progress of his behavioral evaluation. Goodell readily recognizes that Roethlisberger wasn’t charged, but in a letter, he points out other actions that evening that undermine the “integrity” of the NFL:

“As the District Attorney concluded, the extensive investigatory record shows that you contributed to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol by purchasing (or facilitating the purchase of) alcoholic beverages for underage college students, at least some of whom were likely already intoxicated. There is no question that the excessive consumption of alcohol that evening put the students and yourself at risk. The Personal Conduct Policy also states that discipline is appropriate for conduct that ‘undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players.’ By any measure, your conduct satisfies that standard.”

To summarize, Roethlisberger is being suspended for 6 games and losing nearly $3 million because he drank excessively and bought alcohol for a woman who was months shy of her 21st. Yet, Ray Lewis wasn’t suspended for any games after he was indicted on two counts of murder and later pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice.

Does this make sense? There isn’t enough evidence to bring charges against Roethlisberger, and he’s “guilty” of buying alcohol for a 20 year old. What does he get? 6 games and $3 million. Ray Lewis is actually indicted for the murder of two men and obstruction of justice, and he walks away with a $250,000 fine and no suspension. Isn’t there something wrong here?