Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was cleared to return to Steelers practices earlier today. He’ll rejoin his teammates on the field Tuesday for his first practice since early January, with a bye week before his first game.

The bye will certainly help the rest of the Steelers offense adjust to a quarterback they haven’t worked with in months, but Roethlisberger laments the empty Sunday:

Roethlisberger gained an extra week of practice when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell trimmed his suspension from six games to four. He’ll practice for three days starting Tuesday, followed by a full pregame work week.

Still, he wishes there was a game this weekend. He never got comfortable watching games at home — he’d stand one minute, sit down the next and pace for a few more.

“I have no fingernails left,” he said. “It was hard, it really was, to watch them at home. I was on the edge of my chair, trying to keep busy. It was tough, but it was fun watching them win.”

For more on Roethlisberger and all things Steelers, stop by Behind The Steel Curtain.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger can now return to his teammates.

Roethlisberger's four-game suspension ended Monday morning meaning he can now return to the team.

In addition to being suspended four games for violating league rules Ben Roethlisberger is losing his captaincy during that time fram as well. Per Yahoo:

Roethlisberger, suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the season, was not chosen a Steelers captain in a vote by his teammates. He has been selected the previous two seasons. Wide receiver Hines Ward and tight end Heath Miller will be the offensive captains.

This makes sense, why have a guy who is not going to be around for a month to be a captain of their team.  A captain should not be someone who has not been in trouble with the law.  

"The captain's not just what you do on the field, it's what you do off the field,"  [Hines] Ward said. "Heath lives here (at the training facility), he's constantly here during coaching sessions and offseason workouts. It's well deserved."

Things are just not going Big Ben's way this past off season, and for his sake lets hope Roethlisberger is focusing on the upcoming season, as he said.

Shortly after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell lessened Ben Roethlisberger's suspension from six games to four, the Steelers issued a statement, saying the team is focusing on moving forward.

"Ben has done a good job this summer of growing as the person that he needs to be, both on and off the field. I am confident that Ben is committed to continuing in this positive direction. As a team, our focus is now on preparing for the regular season and getting off to a good start on opening weekend."

Additionally, the NFL released a statement of their own.

"You have told me and the Steelers that you are committed to making better decisions," Commissioner Goodell said in a letter to Roethlisberger. "Your actions over the past several months have been consistent with that promise and you must continue to honor that commitment."

Roethlisberger will be eligible to play against the Browns at home in Week 6 (Pittsburgh has a bye in Week 5). While he is suspended, he "cannot be at the team's practice facility, attend games, represent the club publicly in any way, have contact with any member of the coaching staff or other football operations personnel, or engage in any team football-related activities or discussions with teammates away from team facilities," according to the NFL. 

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Friday morning in New York City, and as was expected, his suspension was reduced to four games, as reported by NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

La Canfora added that Big Ben is already on his way back to Pittsburgh.

Roethlisberger was suspended earlier in the offseason for six games by Goodell, with the caveat that the punishment  could be reduced to as few as four games if the quarterback did all that was asked of him.

This means Roethlisberger will first be eligible to play at home against Cleveland in Week 6 (Oct. 17); the Steelers have a bye in Week 5.

It is especially good news for Pittsburgh, who watched Byron Leftwich leave Thursday nights preseason exhibition with a knee injury, and have likely lost him for at least the season opener against Atlanta. This likely means that Dennis Dixon, a 2008 draft pick with all of 27 career pass attempts, will start at QB for Pittsburgh.

For more, visit our Steelers blog, Behind The Steel Curtain.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was suspended this offseason for six games by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Goodell later said that the suspension could be reduced to as few as four games if Roethlisberger does all that's asked of him.

The two will meet in New York on Friday to discuss the suspension and the decision whether to reduce it will be made then.

The feeling right now is that Roethlisberger's suspension will be reduced to four games. Goodell said of Roethlisberger in early August, "He is doing what he's been asked to do -- and frankly more."

There's a report that he and his representatives will ask Goodell to reduce it even further to three games but it doesn't seem likely Goodell would go for that.

Check out Behind The Steel Curtain for more on Ben Roethlisberger's suspension.

Representatives meeting with Roger Goodell on Friday on behalf of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will ask the commissioner of a reduction of at least three games from his conditional six-game suspension, according to a report by ESPN's Sal Paolantonio.

When the suspension was first handed down in April, Goodell said that the suspension would be reduced two games if Roethlisberger passed a comprehensive behavioral evaluation and stayed out of trouble. Goodell remarked in early August that Roethlisberger has been "doing what he's been asked to do -- and frankly more."

Most observers believe Goodell will reduce the suspension to four games. Any more than that would likely be viewed as a capitulation from the commissioner's original stance.

[Note: Apparently, Mike Wise, the source of this report, is bragging on the radio that he picked up Twitter followers by fabricating a story which means that the report below is not true.]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell this offseason suspended Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger for six games. He also included a possibility that the suspension could be reduced to as few as four games based on, among other things, good behavior by Roethlisberger.

Mike Wise of the Washington Post now reports that Roethlisberger's suspension will be reduced from six to five games.

The two are expected to meet after the Steelers preseason finale.

This means that Roethlisberger will miss games against the Falcons, Titans, Bucs, Ravens and Browns. The timing with the Steelers schedule isn't great for Roethilsberger's return. They have a bye in week five.

If this report is accurate, Roethlisberger would be eligible to return Monday, Oct. 18.

Check out Behind The Steel Curtain for more Steelers news.

At the outset of the Steelers-Broncos preseason game, it was reported on Fox that Jay Glazer has learned that Ben Roethlisberger will head to New York to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell following the Steelers final preseason game on Thursday against the Panthers.

The meeting will address whether Roethlisberger's conditional suspension will be reduced to four games from six, per the original terms of the suspension that stated that it could be reduced if Roethlisberger showed marked improvement in his behavior as the season approached.

Speaking to the press earlier this month, Goodell said Roethlisberger was headed on the right track toward rehabbing his reputation.

WTAE Channel 4 conducted a seven-minute interview with Ben Roethlisberger at his home.The reporter, Sally Wiggin, speculate that the reason for doing the first interview locally -- and not on a national program like Oprah or Larry King, as some have suggested -- was that he wanted to speak straight to Steelers fans because "that's who he cares about."

The full interview will be available tomorrow but here's Roethlisberger apologizing to all of his fans.

"I've wanted to apologize to them for so many things. For being immature, for being dumb, for being young, not knowing any better and getting caught up with everything that was thrown my way. I didn't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul and that's what I was doing.

From the bottom of my heart, I know I haven't been the best person, the best quarterback for the Steelers. I'm not talking just on the field, I'm talking off the field. I try my best and hardest to be a good role model for the kids and do things in the community but I know I can be even better. And that's what I want to do.

"I want to be the best. I strive everyday and I bust my butt to be the best quarterback in the NFL for these fans and for the Steelers. I'm going to strive even harder to be the best off the field, to be the best role model and the best community leader and whatever I can be off the field. I owe that to the fans because I have made a lot of mistakes.

From the bottom of my heart to them if I've ever wronged even one fan. I'm so sorry. I'm going to do everything in my power not to let it happen again."

Since Ben Roethlisberger has come out of the allegations made against him in a Georgia bar, folks have been wondering when he would sit down for a one-on-one interview.

He released a few statements during the police investigation. And then there was the two-question media session with reporters after practice last week.

But what about a one-one-one interview? Some thought that would come on a national stage such as Oprah or Larry King.

Nope. It happened with Pittsburgh's WTAE Channel 4 on Wednesday afternoon.

A portion of the interview can be seen at the WTAE website while the full version will be posted on Thursday afternoon.

TMZ.com has obtained video of the police interview with Ben Roethlisberger's accuser. Here is the transcribed version of the video:

Accuser: "We went and saw our friends and then I turned around and my friend was like, 'Oh my gosh, there's Ben Roethlisberger!' So we were like, 'Oh cool!' So we took pictures with him and he seemed really nice at first. We were just like hanging out with [him] and all these people kept coming up to him. I was like, 'Gosh that has to be really annoying.' So me and my friend went away. We weren't like standing around him the whole time. We went away and we were talking with all of our friends. It was just so scary because it happened so fast because the body guard escorted me. It was like they had planned it the entire night because we were like, 'Oh why are you here?' We asked him that at the beginning of the night. And he's like, 'Oh I'm just trying to change it up.' We were like, 'OK that's weird. You're in a college town.' He's 28 years old. That's weird.

Police: [Inaudible] "He had his penis out. Did you notice any sort of tattoos or marks on him?"

Accuser: "No. Because he like still had his pants on and still had his shirt on."

Police: "Do you remember what kind of pants he had on, or what kind of boxers or underwear he had on?"

Accuser: "No, because everything was still like up. It was just like he pulled his penis out of the top of his pants. I remember his shirt. He was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans."

Police: "Anybody else, besides your friends, saw you all go inside?"

Accuser: "I don't think so. Not that I know of. I mean, there was a bunch of girls back there so I don't know who saw what."

Though much (if not all) of the interesting information from the investigation into Ben Roethlisberger's alleged incident at a Georgia bar has been released, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is releasing today more than 50 DVDs of video interviews with key participants in the investigation.

The name of Roethlisberger's accuser has not been released so her picture will be blurred in the videos and any information on who she is has been excluded.

Other key interviews include those of former Milledgeville police Sgt. Jerry Blash, one of the first officers to respond, who resigned after an uproar caused by his derogatory description of the accuser; Steelers lineman Willie Colon, who was with Mr. Roethlisberger at Capital City; and Pennsylvania state Trooper Edward J. Joyner, another member of the quarterback's group, whose permission to moonlight for Mr. Roethlisberger was rescinded following the trip.

Missing from the list of interviews will be Roethlisberger himself. He was interviewed shortly after the incident but officials never got a second interview from him.

A Georgia attorney explained the reasoning behind releasing the tapes, which are now a matter of public record.

"The theory behind it is that it's so people can see for themselves if law enforcement did a proper job or was there a cover-up. Has the alleged defendant been treated too favorably or too harshly? If you're going to have public oversight of law enforcement, you really have to have access to the records."

Read more Steelers talk at Behind The Steel Curtain.

Ben Roethlisberger will serve at least a four-game suspension to start the 2010 season if not longer. The decision to replace was expected to come down to Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich. According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it's becoming clear who the leader of the Roethlisberger-less Steelers will be.

Dennis Dixon has not practiced with the first team and it has become obvious Byron Leftwich will open the season as the starting quarterback. With the return of Roethlisbeger this week, Dixon has gotten more snaps and was No. 2 Thursday, but Leftwich ran the first team since minicamp April 30 until Roethlisberger's arrival Tuesday.

Leftwich has more experience than Dixon so if it's just for the short-term, he probably makes the most sense. Even if Leftwich plays well, it's hard to think Roethlisberger won't be the starter upon his return.

For more on the Steelers, check out SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain.

Ben Roethlisberger spoke to members of the media following the Steelers practice on Thursday afternoon. He didn't reveal anything new but said he was focusing on a new chapter in his life.

"I've put a lot of thought into my life, decisions that I've made in the past that I've been sitting at home thinking about things. I've been working closely with the commissioner on ways to make changes, corrections. So, I'm looking forward to the second chance and a second opportunity, not just in football because I think everyone knows what you're going to get in football, but in life. I think that's what's kind of more important."

He said those changes he's been talking to the Commissioner about are "personal things" and that this is an opportunity to re-evaluate his life as a whole.

"That's me ... evaluating what I need to do and be smarter when it comes to certain things. Like I said it's a new chapter and I'm looking forward to it and it starts with football. I'm glad to be back here ... I'll be talking to you guys a lot more."

"Yeah, it's been great to read and hear from those guys, not just text messages and calls they send to me but to read the things in the media they said. So I say it's great to be out here with my brothers because they really are family to me."

Quotes come courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Ben Roethlisberger has been silent since Commissioner Roger Goodell allowed him to return to Steelers OTAs on Tuesday. According to Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider, that will change today.

Roethlisberger is expected to speak with reporters following Thursday's practice at the Steelers facility.

We'll have full updates on what he had to say.

For a Steelers perspective on things, check out SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain.

An interesting part of the Steelers offseason will be how the quarterback reps are split up. Ben Roethlisberger has been the established starter since he came into the league so he's got plenty of experience with the offense. However, he'll be suspended at least the first four games of the season so at some point this offseason Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will have to increase the first team reps for whoever will take his place (expected to be Byron Leftwich).

This week Roethlisberger is handling the first-team duties, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"What we want to do is give Ben quality reps so he can get re-acclimated and improve and work on his game," Tomlin said. "And we want to continue to give Dennis reps because he is a young guy. When you're talking about working with four quarterbacks, of course reps are going to be scarce in some instances. For the purposes of this week, if there is going to be a reduction in reps it is going to be at the expense of Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch."

Meanwhile, Tomlin says he doesn't mind the "circus atmosphere" surrounding the Steelers OTAs because he "can control it." As he (correctly) explains, if they win, it's not a distraction and if they lose, it is a distraction.

Tomlin also said Roethlisberger, who was unavailable for comment after Tuesday's return to OTAs, would speak to the media at the appropriate time.

Ben Roethlisberger is trying to demonstrate to Commissioner Roger Goodell that he's making the necessary changes in his off-the-field life to more accurately reflect the image the NFL is attempting to portray. Likewise, he's also making changes on-the-field.

According to Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider, Roethlisberger looks to be in "much better shape" than he was at the Steelers minicamp in April.

This is a good sign for Roethlisberger and the Steelers. Even if it's a small sign, it demonstrates that he's taking his return to the field seriously.

Wexell is also reporting that Roethlisberger was a "little rusty as expected" in passing drills.

Tuesday is the first of three consecutive days of OTAs for the Steelers.

Don't expect to hear anything from Ben Roethlisberger or head coach Mike Tomlin on the quarterback's return to the practice field.

A team spokesman says Roethlisberger will not speak to the media following the Steelers morning practice.

Tomlin is also not expected to speak after practice because of a scheduled appointment.

Also unavailable is Byron Leftwich who missed the session due to a previous commitment. Leftwich is expected to be the starter in Roethlisberger's absence to start the season.

After months of off-the-field news regarding Ben Roethlisberger, the star quarterback can get back to football. Roethlisberger will return to the practice field for the first time since Commissioner Roger Goodell told him to stay away following a messy investigation involving accusations of sexual assault in a Georgia bar.

Roethlisberger was suspended six games by Commissioner Goodell and ordered to stay away from practice pending the completion of a behavioral evaluation.

Roethlisberger completed the evaluation and last Thursday was told he could return to Steelers OTAs.

Roethlisberger and the Steelers will be having workouts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

The first one kicks off at 10:30 AM.

The NFL released a statement on Thursday evening announcing the return of Ben Roethlisberger.

Well, kind of the return. Roethlisberger can return to practices next week but his six-game suspension currently still stands.

Steelers President Art Rooney II released a statement in response to the league's statement:

"Commissioner Goodell informed us today that based on the information he received from the clinical evaluations, he has cleared Ben Roethlisberger to return to the Steelers' facility to take part in both meetings and practices," Rooney said in the statement. "We look forward to having Ben re-join his teammates on the practice field."

Read all things Steelers at Behind The Steel Curtain.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello has said Commissioner Roger Goodell advised Ben Roethlisberger he can return to team activities next week.

Commissioner's decision based on reports & recommendations of medical experts working with Ben. Commish w/continue to monitor his progres[s] and commissoner w/meet w/Ben against at appropriate time. No decision has been made on any modification to length of his suspension.

As a note of clarification, this announcement pertains solely to Roethlisberger's return to the practice field -- not the suspension.

His six-game suspension is still intact. The Commissioner will review his status before the start of the regular season and potentially reduce it to four games should he comply with everything.

The Steelers next OTA session is on Tuesday.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has completed a behavioral evaluation -- as ordered by Commissioner Roger Goodell -- but has yet to return to the field.

The Commissioner hasn't given him clearance to return to Steelers OTAs.

Speaking at NFL owners meetings in Dallas, TX on Tuesday, Goodell said he expects to have a decision on Roethlisberger's return within a week.

Roethlisberger is currently suspended for six games, a number that can be lowered at Goodell's discretion. The Commissioner has demonstrated in the past that he's willing to lower the penalty if things go well.

On Monday, QB Ben Roethlisberger took to the golf course with a few of his teammates. On Tuesday, his teammates hit the practice field but Roethlisberger was nowhere to be seen.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger has yet to be given the OK from Commissioner Goodell to return to the practice field.

As part of his six-game suspension, the league required Roethlisberger to submit to a behavioral evaluation. He completed that within the last few weeks but the Commissioner has yet to allow him back on the field with his teammates.

It was reported last week that the league was expected to move at a "well and measured pace" in regards to Roethlisberger's reinstatement.

At this point, it's probably best that the Steelers give as many reps as possible to the other quarterbacks. Byron Leftwich is expected by many to be the starter in Roethlisberger's absence so it makes sense that he would see increased reps.

For more on Roethlisberger and the Steelers, check out SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has completed his league-ordered clinical evaluation, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Now he'll wait to hear from Commissioner Roger Goodell on when he can return to the field with his teammates. Assuming the Commissioner allows him back on the field this offseason, he can participate until his six-game suspension begins in week one. 

Roethlisberger's camp is optimistic he will be able to return to the team soon, but club officials are not sure of the timetable. The quarterback has been working out privately and is said to be in good shape and eager to mount a comeback in many ways and to meet the challenges ahead of him.

If he completes everything in the fashion Goodell wants it done, then it's possible the suspension will be reduced.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games by the NFL last week. He waited until the draft was over to make a statement.

Here is his full statement:

"The Commissioner's decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family. I will not appeal the suspension and will comply with what is asked of me ─ and more.

Missing games will be devastating for me. I am sorry to let down my teammates and the entire Steelers fan base. I am disappointed that I have reached this point and will not put myself in this situation again.

I appreciate the opportunities that I have been given in my life and will make the necessary improvements."

Roethlisberger is becoming more PR conscious. Notice how he pointed out that no crime was committed.

For more on the Steelers and Roethlisberger, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will speak for the first time since the NFL suspended him 4-6 games.

Ben Roethlisberger will make a statement Monday regarding the four-to-six game suspension he received Monday from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, agent Ryan Tollner told the Post-Gazette Friday. Tollner said Roethlisberger wanted to wait until after the NFL draft.

Read all things Steelers at Behind The Steel Curtain.

When the NFL announced Ben Roethlisberger would be suspended 4-6 games as a result of his alleged sexual abuse, the immediate speculation was that it would be reduced to four games pending his participation in some type of league-mandated counseling, å la Mike Vick last year. Now we know at least part of what that will entail: a series of personal interviews.

According to the National Football Post, Roethlisberger will undergo psychological testing as part of a comprehensive behavioral analysis. The league's own medical personnel will perform the tests, and Goodell and Co. will reportedly have full access to their findings.

Roethlisberger's attorney has indicated that the Steeler quarterback plans on complying with all of the league's recommendations.

The rumor mill has been churning this week with the possibility of the Steelers trading QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Nearly half the league has been connected to Roethlisberger through rumors and reports.

That can now all come to an end.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a Steelers source calls it "extremely unlikely" that Roethlisberger will be traded.

If he's going to be traded, it'll happen before the top ten picks are decided on draft night.

Steelers president Art Rooney II held a press conference following the news that the NFL had handed down a six-game suspension for Ben Roethlisberger.

The timing was especially nice from a media point of view because it had just been reported that the Steelers were contacting teams with top 10 draft picks about a possible trade.

However, Rooney avoided any and all trade talk during the session.

"We really can't answer any questions about trades, particularly this time of year," Rooney said. "We go into every draft with the idea we're going to do anything we can to make our team a better football team. So we just have to stick with that and not discuss trades in advance."

He also said he agrees and supports the NFL on the suspension.  He does not expect Roethlisberger to appeal and expects the other players on the roster to step up and play without him.

Read up on the Big Ben story at Behind The Steel Curtain.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday morning that the Steelers were considering trading Ben Roethlisberger and had already begun the process of calling teams with a top ten pick.

Schefter now has the list of teams that the Steelers have called: Rams, 49ers, Raiders, Bills, Jaguars, Seahawks and Browns.

Those represent the 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th picks in the upcoming draft. The 49ers have the 13th and 17th picks.

He reports the Rams and Bills are the only "known no's" at this point.

Stay tuned to this story at Behind The Steel Curtain.

The NFL made it official suspending Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger for four to six games, depending on certain conditions.

According to a NFL spokesman, Roethlisberger must undergo "comprehensive behavioral evaluation" as part of the process.

Roethlisberger and the Commissioner will then meet prior to the season and determine if Roethlisberger has done enough to merit a four-game suspension instead of six. In the instance things are not going as planned by that point, the Commissioner reserves the right to extend the suspension past six games.

As we've previously explained, this suspension is coming from the NFL and not the team. This means that any appeals by Roethlisberger will be heard by Goodell. That said, Roethlisberger is not expected to fight the suspension.

Keep up on this story at Behind The Steel Curtain.

Earlier today Adam Schefter reported that the NFL would suspend Ben Roethlisberger for 4-6 for his violation of the league's conduct policy. However, that suspension has yet to be announced by the League Office or even mentioned by any league officials for that matter.

Now Dan Wetzel is reporting that Roger Goodell is denying that the NFL has officially suspended Roethlisberger, and that he has not yet made a decision regarding his case.

Whether or not Goodell has put his John Hancock on the final paperwork for the suspension, we know that some form of punishment is inevitable. We may just have to wait until an official league announcement to find out the severity of that suspension.

Ben Roethlisberger may miss more than just four-to-six games with the Steelers — he may never play for them again.

Adam Schefter is reporting that the team is shopping their quarterback for a top 10 draft pick. Apparently, one team is already interested. We’ll go out on a limb here and make a guess: Raiders.

Mike Tunison, noted Steelers fans and blogger with an affinity for apes and winter holidays, speculates that Pittsburgh could ship Roethlisberger to Oakland for their 2nd or 3rd round pick and Nnamdi Asomugha.

Regardless, based on how upset Art Rooney II reportedly is with Roethlisberger, a trade seems completely feasible at this point.

Now that we know Ben Roethlisberger will indeed be suspended for at least four games of the NFL season, the next question becomes: Will he fight it?

ESPN's Chris Mortensen says he won't appeal the suspension.

Ben previously has told Steelers & league he will accept punishment; he would have to initiate any challenge by union. Don't expect that.    

This jives with other reports that have been floating around. Roethlisberger did not have a union presence at his meeting with Commissioner Goodell last week so the lack of an appeal wouldn't be a surprise.

Also of note is that this suspension is coming from the NFL and not the Steelers. So if Roethlisberger wanted to appeal it, Goodell would be the one hearing the appeal.

Read more about this story at Behind The Steel Curtain.

We finally have word on the punishment for Ben Roethlisberger, and it’s severe: ESPN reports the Steelers QB will be suspended four-to-six games, with conditions attached.

We’re awaiting further details of the conditions, but this likely means he’ll only miss four games if he displays good behavior and attends some sort of league-mandated courses or counseling.

At the least, it looks like Roethlisberger will miss games against the Falcons, Bucs, Titans and Ravens. Pittsburgh will have to go into those games with Charlie Batch and the newly-reacquired Byron Leftwich.

For all things Steelers, head to SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain.

The wait may soon be over. According to a report in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are expecting to learn Roger Goodell's decision in the Ben Roethlisberger case on Wednesday.

Roethlisberger was not charged in the case in Milledgeville, Ga., in which he was accused by a 20-year-old college student of assaulting her in a nightclub bathroom. But he is expected to be suspended by the league for what Goodell referred to as repeated bad judgment.

Art Rooney II said in a press conference last Thursday that the Steelers will work with Goodell to determine the punishment, which would include the length of the suspension.

The world is expecting NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to hand down a suspension to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. While that's still the case, it just won't be coming today.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reported over the weekend that a suspension was likely to be announced on Monday or Tuesday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter, however, reports that the suspension will not be announced today.

Still, an announcement is expected before the draft despite Steelers president Art Rooney saying last week that a suspension wouldn't come until after the draft.

The NFL/Steelers will not announce the punishment for Ben Roethlisberger on Monday, according to Adam Schefter. A Yahoo! report released Sunday claimed that Roethlisberger would be disciplined by the league on Monday. Schefter also reports that the announcement could come as early as Tuesday.

Starting tomorrow, anything possible.

Already on Sunday we learned that Ben Roethlisberger is expected to make his 2010 debut at Steelers practice tomorrow, according to the AP. And now, Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole is reporting that a decision on the troubled quarterback's future will come much sooner than a couple weeks from now, which was the original thinking -- Roethlisberger's expected suspension will be announced on Monday or Tuesday, according to sources.

While NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said he has been given no timetable for a decision, the question remains whether Goodell will keep the suspension to one or two games or make it four games or longer. It is also unknown whether the Steelers will levy an additional penalty upon Roethlisberger or if a punishment will be factored into the league’s suspension. Over the weekend, two league sources said Goodell was growing angrier by the day as more information from the investigation became public.

Roethlisberger is "unlikely" to appeal any suspension, hoping that everything can be put behind him as soon as possible.

“Ben understands where this is going and he knows there’s punishment he’ll have to take,” one of the aforementioned sources close to Roethlisberger said. “He knows how much this hurt the team and the league. He wants to make this right.”

Big Ben's back! Kind of! According to an Associated Press report, Ben Roethlisberger is expected to join his teammates for the opening of Pittsburgh's practice on Monday:

Ben Roethlisberger will line up under center, take the snap and throw his first pass to a teammate since the Steelers ended the season Jan. 3.

The Steelers return to the practice field Monday for the first time since their 9-7 record wasn’t good enough to get them into the playoffs. Roethlisberger is expected to be among them, one week to the day since prosecutors decided not to charge him after a college student accused him of sexual assault.

While there won’t be a criminal proceeding that could have disrupted the Steelers before, during or after the season, the fallout from Roethlisberger’s latest off-the-field problem and its impact on a team that regularly contends for championships could be long-lasting.

It's interesting that he won't be taking any more time off to deal with this issue that's still hanging over his head, but without criminal charges pending, there isn't much reason for Roethlisberger not to practice. He's likely going to be suspended for multiple games over this, but that wouldn't and won't affect his status in practice.

Of course, Roethlisberger's presence also indicates support from the front office, something for which he ought to be grateful. The Rooneys are notoriously ruthless when it comes to chopping popular players when their price tag gets too big or they become a distraction to the team; it may be the case that only Charlie Batch's status as backup quarterback is the only thing keeping Roethlisberger in town. Hey, the Rooneys may be cold-blooded, but they're not suicidal.

Not only is Ben Roethlisberger expected to be suspended for his off-the-field actions this offseason, the Steelers will be punished as well, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Two years ago, the NFL added language into its personal conduct policy allowing the NFL to fine the teams if multiple players ran afoul of the law. 

If (and when) Roethlisberger is punished, the franchise is facing a fine upwards of six figures -- possibly in the neighborhood of $200,000 -- for the behavior of Roethlisberger and former Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes, according to a league source.

This can't sit well with the Rooney family, who was reportedly "disgusted" by Roethlisberger's actions.

Roethlisberger won't be disciplined until after the draft. A suspension of two to four games is expected.

Steelers president Art Rooney II spoke with the media at a 2:30 PM press conference and confirmed that Ben Roethlisberger will be disciplined.

"I've made it clear to Ben that his conduct in this incident did not live up to our standards," Rooney said. "There will be consequences for his actions."    

Rooney indicated any discipline would come after the NFL draft next week. He also said he will be working with Commissioner Roger Goodell on the discipline.

The team can suspend him up to four games for conduct detrimental to the team.

As we explained before, it's important from a public relations standpoint that this discipline comes from the team and not the league. If the NFL issued some sort of suspension, it could create the perception that the Steelers were unwilling to discipline him, which would be taken negatively in the Pittsburgh community.

Once thought to be unimaginable, the Steelers have had internal discussions regarding trading Ben Roethlisberger, according to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network.

According to the source, Steelers ownership remains dismayed and embarrassed by Roethlisberger's actions in a Georgia college town this offseason and finds his string of off-the-field incidents troubling. The team has been closely monitoring the public backlash against Roethlisberger.

"The Rooneys are livid," the source said.

La Canfora makes it clear that these are just internal discussions and no talks with other teams have taken place.

Steelers president Art Rooney II will address the media shortly although no suspension is expected to be announced at that point.

If Rooney doesn't make it loud and clear that Roethlisberger is not for sale, then expect the trade rumors to continue to crop up.

When the Steelers announced team president Art Rooney II will hold a 2:30 PM press conference to announce the Ben Roethlisberger situation, a lot of folks assumed that would be to announce that Roethlisberger has been disciplined in some way.

ESPN's Adam Schefter now reports it "doesn't sound like" Rooney will announce any sort of suspension.

This doesn't mean it won't happen. In fact, the prevailing sentiment is that he will receive some sort of suspension but it won't be announced at this press conference.

Stay tuned to all Steelers news at Behind The Steel Curtain.

Steelers president Art Rooney II will hold a 2:30 PM press conference regarding the situation surrounding Ben Roethlisberger, according to a statement released by the team.

On Tuesday, Roethlisberger met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

A lot of folks expect him to be punished in some manner -- possibly a suspension. If the NFL didn't hand down a suspension by now, then if it's going to happen it'll likely come from Rooney at the press conference today.

The best guess going around regarding the length of a suspension is two games for conduct detrimental to the team.

It's best to let the Steelers, and not the league, issue a suspension because it gives the perception that they won't tolerate issues like the ones Roethlisberger has faced in the last year.

Catch up on the Roethlisberger situation at Behind the Steel Curtain.

Ben Roethlisberger's name has been all over the news the last month but we haven't heard from the quarterback himself.

The Steelers have issued a statement, as has his accuser and the Georgia DA. Now we hear finally hear from the man himself:

I'd like to begin by expressing gratitude for the thorough investigation process in Georgia. In the prosecutor's decision not to bring charges, I know without a doubt is the right conclusion.

I don't intend to discuss any details related to the events in Georgia and I'm happy to put this behind me and move forward.

I am truly sorry for the disappointment and negative attention I brought to my family, my teammates myself, my coaches, the Rooney's and the NFL.

I understand the opportunities I've been blessed with is a privilege and much is expected of me as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I absolutely want to be the leader this team deserves, valued in the community and be a role model to kids. I have much work to do to earn this trust. I'm committed to improving and showing everyone my true values.

I am excited to get back to work with my teammates and I'm more determined than ever to have a great season. I intend to make my family, friends and Steeler nation proud on all fronts.

His statement came from the Steelers locker room and not the conference room. His statement was not allowed to be filmed live and reporter's questions were not allowed.

Next move for Big Ben: Meeting with Goodell on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Steelers president Art Rooney II has issued a statement on the situation concerning Ben Roethlisberger.

The investigation process in Georgia has been deliberate and the District Attorney's decision regarding Ben Roethlisberger speaks for itself.

During the past few weeks I have met with Ben on a number of occasions, not only to discuss this incident, but also to discuss his commitment to making sure something like this never happens again. The Pittsburgh Steelers take the conduct of players and staff very seriously. Ben will now have to work hard to earn back the respect and trust of Steelers fans, and to live up to the leadership responsibilities we all expect of him.

In the coming days Ben will meet with Commissioner Goodell to discuss his resolve to abide by the league's personal conduct standards. After consultation with the Commissioner, our organization will determine the next steps in this process.

That last paragraph is crucial. It might suggest that if the NFL doesn't discipline Roethlisberger, then the Steelers will. ESPN's Chris Mortensen speculated that a suspension was coming for Roethlisberger.

During the Ben Roethlisberger press conference on Monday afternoon, the DA Fred Bright said the accuser had sent a letter to him several weeks earlier asking that the matter not be pursued.

Courtesy of ESPN, we've got the full letter.

The Cliff's Notes version is that the media attention in the case "would not be in the best interest" of the accuser.

As you know, we represent the complainant in the referenced matter, and it is about that that I write you at this time.

After a great deal of deliberation, our client has instructed us to advise you that she does not want to prosecute this matter further. While I am well aware that the prosecution decision rests with the Distinct Attorney, and not the complaining party, it is appropriate that you be aware of this fact as you make your decision.

What is obvious in looking forward is that a criminal trial would be a very intrusive personal experience for a complainant in the situation, given the extraordinary media attention that would be inevitable. The media coverage to date and the efforts of the media to access our client have been unnerving to say the least.

In short, no matter the outcome of a criminal trial, our client has had sound professional advice since this incident that participating in a public trial would not at all be in her best interest as she goes forward with her life. That is a decision that we, as her attorneys, fully support. As should be clear from what I have said here, this decision does not reflect any recanting of our client's complaint, but simply a realistic, personal decision as to what is in her best interests, and what it would be like to go through a trial with the expected media attention.

Please let me know if you need any further information.

David Walbert

Several Steelers players have spoken with ESPN's Rachel Nichols after the announcement from Georgia DA Fred Bright that Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged with sexual assault.

Nichols said several players have a "feeling of relief" after the announcement.

One player said to me that he was disappointed to hear that contradiction. That hte woman had reported the assault then went back alter and said he didn't want the case to be prosecuted. And a [Steelers] player said, 'Hey the damage is done by now'.

According to the DA's statement, the woman had requested that charges not be pursued over two weeks ago, which makes the prosecutor office's decision not to pursue charges make a lot more sense.

One player said to me, 'The thing you notice, to me, in cases like this before', and the player brought up Kobe Bryant, 'Is they never get in trouble again'.

Actually, the above statement doesn't make any sense considering this was second time Roethlisberger has been accused of something like this.

It doesn't matter on Sunday. In the end, in this town, all they want us to do is win. People will forget about all of this.

That's the truth. In sports, winning cures all.

Fred Bright, Ocmulgee Country, GA district attorney, has announced his decision on the Ben Roethlisberger case.

As ESPN reported over the weekend, charges will not be filed against Roethlisberger for an alleged sexual assault in a Georgia bar. Bright said:

A woman has the right to be safe from attack. But every case must be viewed in the context of its circumstances. Here, the overall circumstances, do not lead to a viable proseuction. If they did, I would pursue it vigorously.

We are not condoning Mr. Roethlisberger's actions that night but we do not prosecute morals. We prosecute crimes.

We learned that Roethlisberger provided alcohol to the group the alleged victim was in and later a security guard led her to the bathroom, followed by Roethlisberger, where the alleged assault took place.

Bright also said he received a letter from the alleged victim two weeks ago that stated she did not want to pursue charges. He also met with her and her family in person where they again reiterated that they did not want this matter pursued.

Bright also indicated that because Roethlisberger played for the Steelers, he did not get a pass.

You should have no question that who Mr. Roethlisberger was made no difference. If he was Joe Q. citizen that was poor and had the local public defender, or no lawyer at all, the result would be the same.

There's still no word on whether the woman will seek a civil lawsuit. There's a lower standard for conviction but the process would entail more media coverage for everyone involved.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen suggests the Commissioner will be "disgusted" by some of the details brought forth by Bright.

I can assure you he was disgusted, just knowing Roger Goodell. The league will have a statement later in the day ust to state that he's going to meet with Ben Roethlisberger soon.

Mortensen also says his "gut tells him" Roethlisberger will be disciplined by the NFL whether that's a suspension or placement into the league's substance abuse policy.

As if the Steelers haven't had enough bad news recently, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports Commissioner Roger Goodell will meet with QB Ben Roethlisberger this week regarding recent allegations of sexual assault.

A woman is claiming Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her in a Georgia bar. ESPN reported over the weekend that charges are not expected.

An official announcement from the DA's office will happen Monday afternoon.

Roethlisberger could face civil charges, which would be the second civil suit for an alleged incident of sexual assault.

Goodell has said before that criminal charges aren't a necessity when determining a league-imposed suspension. He has said on numerous occasions that the NFL holds its players to a higher standard and it would seem that Roethlisberger has violated that standard.

Will a suspension come? Early speculation is indicating no.

However, it's possible the Steelers could impose their own suspension. In my opinion, this would be the best move for the Steelers.

Santonio Holmes was shipped off Pittsburgh because of character and legal concerns so a Roethlisberger suspension could quell some of those calls of a double standard.