Suspension Expected Wednesday for Big Ben

[wheeler281]

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b3JZ7

Ben Roethlisberger's suspension is expected come on Wednesday, according to a tweet from Mark Maske of the Washington Post. A previous report from Yahoo! said the suspension would come by Tuesday, but it looks like that will be at least a day off.

ESPN's Adam Schefter also quotes a source that would be "very surprised" if Roethlisberger's suspension comes out Tuesday. Schefter said no one is exactly certain when the announcement will arrive, but the league wants to resolve the issue quickly.

Maske also writes that Roethlisberger will accept the suspension if it's not "too harsh."

We're wondering what would define "too harsh" here. Our best guess: anything more than a four game suspension could create an appeal.

 

[mstng99tim]

Re: Suspension Expected Tuesday for Big Ben

I'm expecting it to be 2 games with a hefty fine.

 

[wheeler281]

I hope you are right I do think it could be 4. 50/50 either way

 

[ljw29]

Should be four with the understanding one more thing and its a season

 

[Viking4Alpha]

I thought the word on the street was that they were going to trade him.

 

[mstng99tim]

Those are just some silly rumors. I don't expect them to trade him.

 

[justinmandawg]

I see no reason for a suspension. If you aren't charged or if you are charged and acquitted, I'm not sure why innocence by the court does not go to business of the NFL. The conduct rules shouldn't apply because he was not charged with anything. I'm not sure how that would work in court, charged w/ something and receive a suspension. If you are found not guilty are you then reimbursed for the games you missed (monetarily).

Here is the policy:

General policy
Engaging in violent and/or criminal activity is unacceptable and constitutes conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League. Such conduct alienates the fans on whom the success of the League depends and has negative and sometimes tragic consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.

The League is committed to promoting and encouraging lawful conduct and to providing a safe and professional workplace for its employees.

Persons covered by policy
The following persons ("Covered Persons") shall be considered subject to this Policy: (i) all players under contract; (ii) all full-time employees of the National Football League, its Member Clubs and related entities; (iii) all rookie players once they are selected in the NFL college draft; and (iv) all undrafted rookie players, unsigned veterans and other prospective employees once they commence negotiations with a Club concerning employment.

Prohibited conduct
It will be considered conduct detrimental for Covered Persons to engage in (or to aid, abet or conspire to engage in or to incite) violent and/or criminal activity. Examples of such Prohibited Conduct include, without limitation: any crime involving the use or threat of physical violence to a person or persons; the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime; possession or distribution of a weapon in violation of state or federal law; involvement in "hate crimes" or crimes of domestic violence; theft, larceny or other property crimes; sex offenses; racketeering; money laundering; obstruction of justice; resisting arrest; fraud; and violent or threatening conduct. Additionally, Covered Persons shall not by their words or conduct suggest that criminal activity is acceptable or condoned within the NFL.

Persons charged with criminal activity
Any Covered Person arrested for or charged with conduct prohibited by this policy will be required to undergo a consultation and additional counseling as directed. Failure to comply with the consultation and counseling (including being arrested for or charged with additional criminal activity during the evaluation and counseling period) shall itself be conduct detrimental to the National Football League and shall be punishable by fine or suspension at the discretion of the Commissioner.

Disposition of the criminal proceeding
Any Covered Person convicted of or admitting to a criminal violation (including a plea to a lesser included offense; a plea of nolo contendere or no contest; or the acceptance of a diversionary program, deferred adjudication, disposition of supervision, or similar arrangement) will be subject to discipline as determined by the Commissioner. Such discipline may include a fine, suspension without pay and/or banishment from the League. Any Covered Person convicted of or admitting to a second criminal violation will be suspended without pay or banished for a period of time to be determined by the Commissioner.

Persons engaged in violent activity in the workplace
Every employee is entitled to a safe and professional workplace free of criminal behavior, violence and threats against personal safety. Criminal conduct in the workplace or against other employees is prohibited. Any Covered Person who commits or threatens violent acts against co-workers, regardless of whether an arrest is made or criminal charges are brought, shall be subject to evaluation, counseling and discipline, including termination of employment.

Duty to report prohibited conduct
To ensure the effective administration of the policy, the League must be advised when a Covered Person engages in Prohibited Conduct. The obligation to report an arrest or criminal charge extends to both the person involved and to the Club or League entity for which he or she works.

When a person subject to this policy is arrested or charged with Prohibited Conduct, that information must be reported to the Club and NFL Security. Failure to report an incident will constitute conduct detrimental and will be taken into consideration in the final determination of discipline under this policy.

Appeal rights
Any person disciplined under this policy shall have a right of appeal, including a hearing, before the Commissioner or his designee. Except for the enforcement of a suspension, no other requirements set forth in the policy will be stayed pending the completion of the appeal.