Ben Roethlisberger in serious conidition after bike crash

[jellybeany]

Source: Espn.com

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger, the youngest quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl championship, broke his jaw and nose in a motorcycle crash Monday and underwent surgery.

Roethlisberger was in serious but stable condition Monday afternoon, said Dr. Larry Jones, chief of trauma at Mercy Hospital. The player's agent, Leigh Steinberg, described the injuries to The Associated Press and said he did not know if there was further damage.

"He was talking to me before he left for the operating room," Jones said before the operation. "He's coherent. He's making sense. He knows what happened. He knows where he is. From that standpoint, he's very stable."

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, citing a police source, reported Roethlisberger also broke his left sinus cavity, suffered a 9-inch laceration to the back of his head, lost teeth and has knee injuries from hitting the pavement. A plastic surgeon has been called in, the source said.

Steelers president Art Rooney said the team was "encouraged by the early reports from the medical team" at the hospital.

"I am sure Ben knows that we are praying for his complete recovery," he said.

The 24-year-old Roethlisberger likes to ride without a helmet, a habit that once prompted coach Bill Cowher to lecture him on the dangers.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Roethlisberger wasn't wearing a helmet. The Associated Press reported it wasn't clear whether he was wearing a helmet or not.

The crash happened at an intersection at the edge of downtown at about 11:30 a.m. A pool of blood was still visible there by early afternoon.

Police spokesman Lt. Kevin Kraus said police and homicide units were investigating the crash, something standard when there is an accident with critical injuries. Kraus would give no details on the extent of Roethlisberger's injuries or if anyone else was injured.

The accident occurred on Second Avenue near the intersection of 10th Street in Pittsburgh, around 11:30 a.m. The route is one often taken in traveling to the Steelers' facility in the Southside section of the city.

Several teammates, including backup quarterback Charlie Batch, linebacker Joey Porter and safety Mike Logan, arrived at the hospital emergency room but did not comment.

A silver Chrysler New Yorker with damage to the front passenger fender was removed and Roethlisberger's bike was loaded onto a flatbed truck. Police were detouring traffic around the crash scene as onlookers and media gathered.

One of his agents, Ryan Tollner, is in route to Pittsburgh for what was supposed to be a pre-planned trip and will arrive later Monday.

In only his second year in the NFL, Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl championship. He was 23 when he did it last February.

Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet. He has pointed out Pennsylvania's 35-year-old state law requiring helmets to be worn was amended to make helmets optional.

In May 2005, Cowher warned him about safe riding after Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. was injured in a motorcycle accident. Winslow tore knee ligaments and was lost for the season.

"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 at the time. "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."

Roethlisberger continued to ride after Winslow's accident and that angered Terry Bradshaw, who quarterbacked the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s.

[ignutzz]

How unfortunate he had to learn the hard way the real life benefits of wearing a helmet (even the goofy brain buckets are better than nothing and still give you nearly the freedom of being helmet-less).

[mrs_pell]

Here's what I posted about this in my friend's LJ:

He's an idiot for not wearing a helmet. They were just replaying an interview he gave with Suzie Colbert about how he doesn't wear a helmet because he's more "free" that way and it's not illegal. I wonder what he thinks about that now?

The one thing I was irritated with this afternoon was the guys on the radio talking about how much he let his team and his fans down. Ummm...let the guy get out of surgery and make sure he's really okay before you start talking about him letting people down. Yeah...it was a dumb-ass move, but his health is still way more important than the fans' happiness.

Oh...one more thing...I can NOT believe there wasn't something in his contract prohibiting riding a bike, especially without a helmet! If I pay someone millions of dollars a year...he's not riding a bike w/out a helmet!!!

Also, from what I heard this afternoon on the radio, a woman came into his lane, and he hit her car, throwing him face-first into her windshield before he rolled across her hood and landed on the road, hitting the back of his head. He also broke his jaw, which I didn't see mentioned in this article (though I admit I only skimmed it since I've heard SOOO much about it already this afternoon!).

[mrs_pell]

Also, one more thing...I still do not understand, and NEVER will, why it's a law to wear a seatbelt in an enclosed vehicle, but it's not a law in some states to wear a helmet on a freaking motorcycle! I'll never understand the stupidity of that.

[psusna]

mrs.pell: I'm from western PA and a life-long Steeler fan. You post was well said, and I completely agree. It's the invincible nature many athletes carry with them that not only drives their success in their given sport, but causes things like this to happen as well.

I'm really shocked that more was not done to make him enter a clause in his contract, especially after the Kellen Winslow accident a few years ago. I believe his contract stated or stated at one time that he was prohibited from riding during the season but was free to do so during the off season. Hhmmm...boy there's incentive. Don't see too many people on motorcycles in the cold and snow of a western PA winter.

I'm interested ot know how serious the knee injuries are and if he has any brain damage/long-term head injuries.

I'll never understand why PA repealed their helmet law. Makes no sense to me.

[TazLuv]

Also, one more thing...I still do not understand, and NEVER will, why it's a law to wear a seatbelt in an enclosed vehicle, but it's not a law in some states to wear a helmet on a freaking motorcycle! I'll never understand the stupidity of that.

One of my BIGGEST pet peeves. Minnesota also repealed theirs a few years back - its ridiculous, of course I don't understand why any adult with a brain would get on a motorcycle without a helmet, I bet those same people wear their seatbelts. :mad:

I hope Ben is okay and I hope he starts wearing a helmet.

[psusna]

It's (riding w/o a helmet) just not a good example for kids who look up to him. Someone in that position should be more careful of the image they portray to their young (heck, and old) fans.

[mrs_pell]

psusna ~ I heard on ESPN tonight that his knee injuries were reported to not be too serious. His head is what concerns me the most. From what I heard on the radio this afternoon, he was thrown from the bike, his face slammed into the windshield of the other car, then he was thrown across the hood and then to the ground, hitting the back of his head. From one fox article, he was very dazed (go figure) and resisting efforts of others to keep him down. He may be aware of what's going on this evening, but I'm sure he's got some sort of brain injury...you just can't hit that hard and not have some sort of injury. Hopefully, it's minor and he'll have a full recovery from it.

Also, in the interview with Andrea Kremer (I was wrong above...I thought the interview was with Suzie), when asked about the risks of riding one, and why he doesn't wear a helmet, he says this...

I don't ride sport bikes. I ride Harleys and choppers and I ride in a group, and we point out potholes as we go by so other people will know ...

But, he was riding a 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa, which the company calls the "world's fastest bike for legal street riding." And...he was riding alone.

I really, really hope he's okay, and I hope he can play football again. He's one of my favorite players. But, more than anything, I hope he either never gets back on a bike, or at least wears a helmet. I work on a brain injury unit of a rehab hospital...no matter what anyone says...helmets help.

[mrs_pell]

Oh...the helmet law in Texas is absurd. You have to wear it UNLESS you can provide proof of a certain amount of insurance. I guess if they're going to give themselves a massive injury it's good that I won't have to pay for it. :rolleyes:

Here's the part of our law:
[the exception is if] the person required to wear protective headgear:
(1) was at least 21 years old and had successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course under Chapter 662 or was covered by a health insurance plan providing the person with at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of an accident while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

I'm wondering if they've checked out the costs for a brain injury lately?? Cause, um, $10k probably ain't going to cut it!

At least they took out this part:
"(2) presented a medical exemption complying with Subsection (d) to the peace officer who arrested the person.

(d) Only a practicing physician licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners may issue a medical exemption and the physician may issue the medical exemption only to a person who has an acute head or facial injury that would be worsened if the person wore protective headgear. The medical exemption must be on a form prescribed by the department and expires on the 10th day after the date it is issued. . . ."

Because that person CLEARLY needs to be riding a motorcycle without a helmet!! This crap really gets to me (obviously)!!

[TazLuv]

What cracks me up about all of these people that say they don't need to wear a helmet because they're careful is that from early reports Ben's accident was not his fault - yet now he's the one paying the price just because he wouldn't wear a helmet. :confused:

[mrs_pell]

What cracks me up about all of these people that say they don't need to wear a helmet because they're careful is that from early reports Ben's accident was not his fault - yet now he's the one paying the price just because he wouldn't wear a helmet. :confused:

EXACTLY!!! It doesn't matter how careful you are...you can't control what other people do on the roads!!

[princesse]

It sounds like his injuries are pretty much facial (believe me I am from Western PA and it is ALL that is in the news): left sinus facial bones broken, broken jaw, several teeth were knocked out, 9 inch gash in the back of his head and many facial lacerations, bruised knees.....

After 7 hours of surgery it is reported that he is in serious but stable condition. It sounds like it wasn't his fault.........

ITA about the helmet law. INSANITY that we have to wear seatbelts in a car where we are protected by airbags and steel and yet we put people on a speeding bullet and launch them with no helmet!!!

[psusna]

I'm glad to hear that he is doing much better than anticipated. It does sound like he should be able to play for most of if not all of the season.

New reports say that he didn't have a motorcycle license, though. That could through a wrench in the works....

[mili04]

I'm so glad to hear he is doing better, but I hope this accident will make people more aware of the importance of wearing a helmet.

[princesse]

Are you kidding me? OJ Simpson got off from killing his wife and he never won a superbowl! Driving without a license? If you are from Pgh do you remember Edgar Snyder, the personal injury lawyer? We were joking about him being at Ben's bedisde. Don't worry, just a minor hang up.

You should have heard the radio sportscaster rattle off in one breath the list of funny things they will put in his contract after this. I can't remember them, but it was like "can't come within 20 feet of a porcupine don't piss off your wife better not cross against the light use only number 2 pencils be surrounded by large bounceer type men 6 deep at all times" type things.

I think everyone will breath a sigh of relief, be pissed, then start worrying about the games again.

By the way what do Big Ben the clock and Big Ben the player have in common?

DING DONG.

[mrs_pell]

Are you kidding me? OJ Simpson got off from killing his wife and he never won a superbowl!

OK...I am a bit tired tonight, and maybe not that bright at the moment, but HUH?? I'm not exactly sure where you're going with this. :confused:

[Nanner]

mrs_pell, I think she was referring to this:

New reports say that he didn't have a motorcycle license, though. That could through a wrench in the works....

[psusna]

Princess: "There's no fee unless we get money for YOU (insert finger point)"

I agree that everything will get shoved under the rug and he'll pay some fines, etc and go on with life. I just hope that they DO put it in his next contrat and that he does take it upon himself to use this for good (ie: advocate the return of the helmet law, talk to kids about safety, etc.)

[jrdhbunny]

I think him not having a license is perfect, actually, because I'd like to see him be forced to do PSAs about motorcycle safety. I have it all scripted- they should totally call me. :D (Clearly I've been thinking about this way too much...)

[princesse]

Let's hear it! I have been hoping that they do that, too. The good news is he is going to be home by Sunday.

How about there is a vigil in the hospital parking lot....of tailgaters!!!!!!!!!

[princesse]

By the by, I was referring to the fact that he will get off for not having a license.... and was making the comparison that OJ was cleared of charges...and he didn't even have a superbowl win under his belt (not that that had anything to do with it!). Sorry for being cloudy there!

[mrs_pell]

By the by, I was referring to the fact that he will get off for not having a license.... and was making the comparison that OJ was cleared of charges...and he didn't even have a superbowl win under his belt (not that that had anything to do with it!). Sorry for being cloudy there!

Well...now that I go back and re-read that, it makes perfect sense! :) I don't know why I didn't read it the same way last night! ;)

jrd...let's hear your script! (Hi, btw!!!!)

[K-L-U]

Umm, you think there will be a clause now?? :)...

What an idiot...Like others have said it is the other people on the road that you have to worry about. I bet the owner of the steelers crapped his pants when he found out about the news.

Sounds like he is going to do ok, which is good.

[princesse]

Not just the owners, you could hear the whole city taking a big collective crap at the same time as everyone found out. Cell phones were going off, emails were being sent, cats and dogs were living together..... it will go down in history as one of those "where were you when you found out Ben was in a motorcycle accident?" moments.

People are getting to their saturation point now. I think what pushed the majority of the populous over the edge was the fact that in the local paper on the front page they had close up pictures of his "nose" and his "cheek" and hjs "teeth" et al. Thank the Lord because without those pix we really for the life of us could NOT have imagined what they were talking about when they said missing teeth or broken nose. Now we are all straightened out.

The drs did a press conf. and were describing the surgery. Dude has titanium plates and screws in his face. I bet the opposing teams are just frothing at the mouth waiting to get a backhand onto him.

By the way, stop me if you've heard this one, what do Big Ben the Steeler and Big Ben the clock have in common? DING DONG!

[KellyM]

Are you kidding me? OJ Simpson got off from killing his wife and he never won a superbowl! Driving without a license? If you are from Pgh do you remember Edgar Snyder, the personal injury lawyer? We were joking about him being at Ben's bedisde. Don't worry, just a minor hang up.

so funny! I haven't heard that name since I moved from Pittsburgh. OT - but I passed him one time on the street and had to stare at him like he was a real celebrity.

Princese - have you heard anything about that driver and fans' reactions to her?

After hearing Ben was okay, my sympathy also went to the lady. And since they printed her name and address in the papers - grr...I feel bad for her and hope no over-zealous fans do anything!

[K-L-U]

They put her name and address in the paper. I understand she caused the accident but it is NOT her fault he didn't wear a helmet. This is as much of his fault as hers. You know that those over-zealous fans will do something.

I am not starting to feel bad anymore. The media has turned this into an "Oh my god, someone has hurt the world champion quarter-back. What crazy person can do such a thing". STUPID I tell you.

[kari]

While reading that he didn't have any brain injury, I couldn't help but think "what brain?" :D

[princesse]

LOL. I think even here people know MUCH better that to go after the poor woman. There is an appropriate amount of crap being heaped on DING DONG 9and I love the boy) for his brain fart. I think he will give her season tickets on tv while wearing a helmet, it will be a love fest, we'll laugh we'll cry, the Browns will want to smash the hell out of him...and we'll call it a media day.

Just remember guys, some days you're the windshield...some days you're the quarterback.




(Allowing time for fall on the floor laughter. I laughed so hard when I head this in the car I nearly peed. I think I'll make it my new signature......)

[TracieB]

Roethlisberger apologizes to Steelers, fans
Posted: 3 hours ago

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Ben Roethlisberger apologized to the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans and his family on Thursday, hours after being released from a hospital, saying he was fortunate to be alive and pledging to wear a helmet if he ever again rides a motorcycle.

"In the past few days, I've gained a new perspective on life," the Super Bowl-winning quarterback said in a statement released by the team. "By the grace of God, I'm fortunate to be alive ... "

Roethlisberger, 24, who wrecked his bike and cracked his head on a car windshield on Monday, was discharged late Wednesday night.

The youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl was not wearing a helmet when he crashed into a car that was turning left in front of his motorcycle. Pennsylvania's mandatory helmet law was repealed in 2003.

But Roethlisberger said in the statement that if he ever rides a motorcycle again "it certainly will be with a helmet."

Doctors have said two rounds of tests showed no brain injuries, although there was a mild concussion. Doctors used small titanium plates and screws to reassemble Roethlisberger's broken jaws and repaired other broken facial bones. He also lost two teeth and chipped several others, doctors said.

In the statement, Roethlisberger said that he realizes he has a responsibility to safeguard his health in the offseason so he can continue to lead the team.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, citing confidentiality laws, has refused to confirm media reports that Roethlisberger does not have a valid Pennsylvania motorcycle license.

Roethlisberger appeared to address those reports in his statement.

"I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws," Roethlisberger said. "I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me."

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said those criticizing Roethlisberger for not wearing a helmet should back off.

"He went through seven hours of surgery and the last thing he needs right now is guys banging on him for not wearing a helmet," Palmer said at Bengals' minicamp in Cincinnati.

Police were still investigating and will not release their findings until their accident reconstruction is complete, spokeswoman Tammy Ewin said. Police have finished inspecting Roethlisberger's Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle and the car, but Ewin would not elaborate on that part of the investigation.

A secretary for District Justice Oscar Petite Jr., who has jurisdiction where the crash occurred, said no citations or other charges have been filed.

The car's driver, a 62-year-old woman, did not immediately return a telephone message Thursday.

The Steelers have not given a timetable for Roethlisberger's return, but hope he will be ready for their Sept. 7 opener against Miami. Players who visited Roethlisberger in the hospital believe he will return to action soon, with no ill effects.

"I look forward to being at training camp in Latrobe and winning football games this season," Roethlisberger said in the statement.

The Steelers are 27-4 with Roethlisberger at quarterback and have played in two AFC championship games and won a Super Bowl during his two seasons as a starter.

Bengals receiver Chad Johnson hopes the accident does not cause teams to impose more contractual limits on dangerous activities by players.

"They took away the (touchdown) celebrations. Now we can't enjoy ourselves outside of the facility? That's not fair," Johnson said.

"If you're going to do it, do it very cautiously. If you're going to ride a bike, ride it the right way. Don't speed. Do it for enjoyment. If you're going to bungee jump, have two cords in case one snaps. I don't ride anything. I just talk trash. That's it."

Although Roethlisberger was able to sneak out of the hospital Wednesday night, Mercy Hospital officials did not confirm his release until Thursday morning at the request of his family.

It was unclear where Roethlisberger went when he left the hospital. A bodyguard outside Roethlisberger's home did not say if the player was inside, but several vehicles were parked in the driveway and on the street nearby.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5696896?GT1=8211