Big Ben and his motorcycle??

[clevestinks]

Kellen tumbling over the bars, wasn`t that big of deal, but Ben makes me nervous.

Read on:

Roethlisberger to keep riding motorcycle

NFL.com wire reports

PITTSBURGH (May 6, 2005) -- Despite Kellen Winslow 's accident and his own coach's admonition, Big Ben isn't hopping off his big bike just yet.

Ben Roethlisberger was lectured by Steelers coach Bill Cowher on the dangers of riding a motorcycle without a helmet -- as Roethlisberger has been spotted doing recently -- but the quarterback isn't ready to get off his $20,000 cycle.

"He talked about being a risk taker and I'm not really a risk taker. I'm pretty conservative and laid back, but the big thing is to just be careful," Roethlisberger said as the Steelers opened their minicamp. "I'll just continue to be careful. I told him we don't ever ride alone, we always ride in a group of people, and I think it makes it even more safe."

Asked why he doesn't wear a helmet -- something he wouldn't think about doing on a football field -- Roethlisberger pointed out Pennsylvania's 35-year-old state law requiring helmets to be worn was amended two years ago.

"Obviously Pennsylvania doesn't think people need to (wear a helmet)," he said. "There's a law you've got to wear it in football."

Steelers linebacker Joey Porter was surprised to hear the NFL offensive rookie of the year is taking such risks so soon after Winslow's accident. The Browns tight end, drafted five spots ahead of Roethlisberger last year, was injured May 1 when he flew off a newly purchased motorcycle after running into a parking lot curb.

"Some guys are real good on motorcycles and know what they're doing, but accidents happen," Porter said. "I can't knock the guy for doing it, but it's probably not the wisest thing to do. I don't own a bike because I don't trust them."

Porter occasionally gets on a Jet Ski, but he said that's different from steering a motorcycle through heavy traffic. Roethlisberger acknowledged many drivers become distracted when they see him riding, shouting or waving at him.

"If I fall off a Jet Ski, I hit the water, and I like my odds," Porter said. "I'm going to get wet. What I say about motorcycles is that concrete is undefeated."

Of course, Roethlisberger was, too, as a rookie, going 13-0 during the Steelers' team-record 15-1 regular season before losing to New England in the AFC championship game.

The Steelers are understandably cautious about combining a first-round draft choice and a high-speed vehicle. Gabe Rivera, the defensive lineman they chose instead of quarterback Dan Marino in the 1983 draft, was paralyzed after wrecking his sports car midway through his rookie season and hasn't walked since.

Many NFL contracts prohibit engaging in dangerous activities, but Roethlisberger's deal apparently doesn't specifically ban motorcycle riding.

Cowher didn't criticize Roethlisberger's riding, but is visibly uneasy with it.

"I certainly don't condone that," Cowher said. "It (playing pro football) is a very small time in your life and you've got to be very careful -- you can see it documented with Kellen Winslow in Cleveland. There are choices and consequences ... not just in riding motorcycles, but where you go and who you associate with. You have control over them but once you make your decision, they control you."

Meanwhile, all players reported to the minicamp, the formal start to the final month of the Steelers' offseason workouts. Most players will remain in town through mid-June for "coaching sessions," daily workouts that technically are voluntary but usually are fully attended.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

OH man ben ... comon bro, wear that lid.. we like your head attached to your shoulders, not in pieces on the ground !!!! Man this really blows!! From one rider to another..Put that lid on ben!!

Remember, just because you can do something, doesnt mean you should!!

[Prosdo]

It is his choice, but I don't like it. I would think after seeing the deal with a fellow nfl player he might change. I just don't think it's a smart move at all. But again he is right he is not required to, his decision. :(

[AllAmericanSteelerGirl#7]

I don't agree with Ben's decision either. But I can see why he would do it. I mean, hes a young guy, just out of college, and he wants to have some fun. But the last thing the Pittsburgh Steelers need is to hear that Ben Roethlisberger was in a motorcycle accident. Ben is young and has an amazing future ahead of him, but if he doesn't keep his body in shape or if he continues to put his career or even his life in danger, his future will be short lived. Be Careful Ben!

~AllAmer~

P.S. Ben, just stick with golf, its safer!

[ironcitychef]

I think Ben is different. Was he doing stunts in a parking lot, or is he just riding with a group across a highway? Unlike Winslow, I think Ben has his priorities in line.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

one would think cowher will more talks w/ him about it, as will his agent and his team mates

[clevestinks]

I understand that he will be careful. But I know from being on motorcycles, I worry more about drivers not paying attention to me, And I wouldn`t think of riding without a helmet especially in the city.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

The majority of accidents happen because someone in a cage (thats a car for u non-bike riding people ;) ) says they didnt see the motorcyclist; ie, turning left in front of them, cutting them off in a lane change, etc. It doesnt take much ben, trust me, Ive been there.

[clevestinks]

Exactly right Blitz. My brother , PhyschoWard, just had a friend/coworker killed, two weeks ago, 19 years old. Woman driving her car never saw him. She was charged with failure to yield the right away.

Three years ago I was right behind my friend when a deer crossed in front of him on his Harley, he hit the deer went flying, i about shit, There is no doubt in my mind that his helmet saved his life. His helmet was a mess, he had a broken sternum and alot of bumps and bruises, but he was alive, because of the helmet. The funny thing was, he had been riding for 27 years at that point, and he owns 8 Harleys, but it was the first year that he has ever wore a helmet daily. And it saved his life. We laughed afterwards in the hospital, but it was one of the scariest things I`ve ever seen.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

Ive also seen deer accidents first hand, and let me tell me you, when ur riding behind someone, and a deer runs out infront of them, and there's nothing u can do to avoid it, its about the scariest thing u can imagine, especially if ur moving alot a decent rate of speed. hell, it doesnt even take a deer, a rabbit or squirrel can cause a loss of control too, and man without a lid, damn, I dont even wanna imagine it happeneing to Ben. Seeing it first hand when I was riding and also when running ambulance was enough for me.