Steelers fans have their panties in a bunch like never before, and for a two-time champion who hasn't been indicted, let alone convicted, Ben Roethlisberger has damned few friends.
Occasionally some fan will point out that our star quarterback is a future Hall of Famer, that charges haven't so much been brought against him. Both points are true. It's not like the rest of us are somehow unaware of these facts. I wonder, though: is this reasoning any sort of comfort to Bills fans when they gaze upon the Hall of Fame bust of unconvicted murderer O.J. Simpson?
Given how queasy the thought of pulling on a Steelers jersey currently makes me, I bet not.
No, Ben has not been charged. But neither has he contested the following best-case facts: he bought shots for a 20 year old and her sorority sisters; when she could barely stand, he had his bodyguard take her to a tiny bathroom; he joined her in there, alone, while his bodyguard stood outside and prevented her friends from interceding; and several hours later, when the hospital gave her a rape exam, she had genital bruising and bleeding. All while Ben was already being sued for rape in Nevada.
I would really like you to deny this, Ben. Pick a part to deny, any part. I would really like to hear anything but you commending the investigators on a job well done and pronouncing this issue behind you, bring on the season.
Really would like to hear it. Won't.
I will not cheer for a team with, at best, a stupid, remorseless sexual predator under center. I will not wear their colors. I will not buy their tickets. Mr. Rooney, I will suffer another 25 years in the football desert, if necessary, but please jettison this disgrace to my team and my gender. I'd rather be ashamed of how my team plays than of who they are.
It's him or me.