Ben Roethlisberger's statement regarding his motorcycle accident

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_458240.html

In the past few days, I have gained a new perspective on life. By the grace of God, I am fortunate to be alive, surrounded by loved ones and lifted by the prayers and support of so many. I am sorry for any anxiety and concern my actions have caused others, specifically my family, the Steelers organization, my teammates and our fans.

I recognize that I have a responsibility to safeguard my health in the off-season so I can continue to lead our team effectively. I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws. I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me. If I ever ride again, it certainly will be with a helmet.

My deepest appreciation goes out to the Steelers organization and my teammates for the compassion they have shown me. The physicians and support staff at Mercy Hospital were simply amazing, and I will forever be grateful for their caring treatment.

I want to assure everyone I am committed to a complete and timely recovery. I look forward to being at training camp in Latrobe and to winning football games this season.

and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me..."

Well, maybe now you get it. It doesn't matter how good a biker YOU are--you should wear a helmet because what matters is how good OTHER drivers, bikers, cyclists, and pedestrians AREN'T!

:headbang:
rocknation

I'm glad he came out of this with a new perspective. Maybe he can speak out for bike safety, whether motorcycles or bicylces.

I have a feeling that the Steelers are going to want to redo his contract to put a 'no motorcycle' clause in there. That's what they'd do if they were smart. At least Big Ben might be a bit more willing to go along with it for this time around. It was dumb for him to do a risky activity like that that could have cost him 80 million dollars or so (assuming he'd play 10 more years of pro ball) if it were a career ending injury.

he's just damn lucky that injury wasn't career ending because the Steelers could have chosen to not honor the rest of his contract

but I could be wrong. Anyway, at that age you think you're bulletproof, & it seems Big Ben has had to learn the hard way that he's mortal.

Dulcinea
Steelers fan since 1974