Roethlisberger calls meeting 'productive'
4/14/2010NEW YORK - The NFL is weighing possible disciplinary action against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who met with league commissioner Roger Goodell one day after learning he won't be charged in the alleged sexual assault of a Georgia college student.
Roethlisberger described meeting yesterday in Manhattan as "very productive," but gave no hint whether he expects to be suspended or fined for several off-field incidents that damaged his reputation and angered the franchise he's led to two Super Bowl championships.
"It's a very serious matter, one we take serious," Roethlisberger told ESPN as he and his representatives left the meeting with Goodell.
While Roethlisberger faces no criminal charges after being accused of assaulting the 20-year-old student in a nightclub bathroom, in a separate case he also is being sued in civil court by a former Nevada hotel employee for an alleged sexual assault in 2008. No criminal charges were filed in that case.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says the league will review the facts and will follow up with Roethlisberger and the Steelers. He gave no timeline.
Possible options include a suspension, fine, or having the $102 million quarterback undergo counseling or rehabilitation.
"Commissioner Goodell met today with Ben Roethlisberger and his representatives to discuss the recent incident involving his personal conduct," the league said in a statement. "In accordance with the league's personal conduct policy, our office will review all the facts and follow up at the appropriate time with the Steelers and Ben."
The team had no comment as it awaits the NFL's findings, and it isn't expected to discuss the issue until the league makes its ruling.
However, the Steelers are angered with their star player's conduct, and apparently are ready to discipline Roethlisberger even if the league doesn't. Team president Art Rooney II was upset by the sordid details of the incident in Milledgeville, Ga.
Roethlisberger is expected to join his teammates Monday for offseason practice, the first time he has taken the field since the Steelers' season-ending victory over Miami in January.