by Aaron Wilson,
Now that he’s allowed to practice following a behavioral evaluation, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger remains under close scrutiny from the team with a lot of counsel and communication from coach Mike Tomlin.
“He has a commitment to being what we desire for him to be and what his team needs him to be and that’s my focus,” Tomlin said. “I’ve seen Ben quite a bit and communicated with him quite a bit throughout all of this.”
Roethlisberger was suspended conditionally for six games for violating the NFL personal conduct policy.
The suspension could be reduced to four games if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is sufficiently impressed with Roethlisberger’s behavior.
“We’re doing a lot of things with Ben in terms of dealing with this situation, not for the sole purpose of meeting the criteria so he can participate,” Tomlin said. “More than anything, it’s about making proper corrections and moving forward with football and with his life. That’s the spirit with which we’re doing the things that we’re doing.”
With a large crowd of media watching Roethlisberger’s every move, Tomlin said the clamor doesn’t affect his team’s focus.
“I don’t mind the circus atmosphere because I can’t control it,” Tomlin said. “Ultimately we’ll be measured by our ability to win football games,” Tomlin said. “This is a distraction if we lose; if we don’t, it’s not. And I’m committed to making sure it’s not, and I’m sure everyone else is.”
Tomlin has yet to indicate how he’ll handle the snaps during training camp while getting Byron Leftwich, Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch ready to play.
Leftwich is expected to start in Roethlisberger’s absence.
“What we really 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 his reps because he is a young guy. For the purpose of this week, if there’s a reduction it is going to be at the expense of Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch.”
About the Author Jim McMillen
The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.
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