In stark contrast to last week's Sports Illustrated, which features a sitdown conversation with the core four members of the New York Yankees, this week's issue delves into the life of shamed Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger, who recently received a six game suspension from the NFL for his actions off of the field, is portrayed as a despicable, disgusting excuse for a human being who lacks even the most basic social etiquette. In displaying traits similar to that of a sociopath, the multi-millionaire QB done things that are so despicable that I find it hard to even look at him. Such acts include mocking a pregnant waitress at a TGI Fridays, skipping out on the bill at Pittsburgh dining establishment, and having a Harrah's Lake Tahoe employee fired for requesting identification to verify the age of one of his female companions (although Roethlisberger's connection at Harrah's should be equally shamed for having the employee fired).Does celebrity status and millions of dollars really bring out the worst in people? In Big Ben's case, it may not be the sole factor. David Epstein writes that perhaps his multiple head injuries have contributed to lapses in judgment and diminished social skills. Neuropsychologist Jordan Grafman states that Roethlisberger's actions may not be uncommon for someone who has suffered frontal lobe damage.
So what do you think? Is Big Ben's damaged brain to blame or is he just a horrible person?
(Photo courtesy of CNNSI.com).
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This is straight out of the South Park episode from the season premiere--except without the "frontal lobe" argument.
ReplyDeleteI think it's BS. I hate to bring this up, but if this was a Black athlete, it would just be articles talking about his "ghetto" personality (see: Vick, Michael and Burress, Plaxico). But it's a white guy who is acting out and the white media needs answers--fast!