Pittsburgh Steeler QB seriously hurt in motorcycle accident
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- ohiostorm
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Pittsburgh Steeler QB seriously hurt in motorcycle accident
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- 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 in which he was not wearing a helmet.
Four doctors operated on Roethlisberger for seven hours to treat multiple facial fractures and "all of the fractures were successfully repaired," Dr. Harry W. Sell, chairman of the surgery department at Mercy Hospital, told reporters late Monday night.
Dr. Daniel Pituch, who led the team, said Roethlisberger was in serious but stable condition, and doctors were aware of no other serious injuries.
"His brain, spine, chest and abdomen appear to be without serious injury and there are no other confirmed injuries at this time," he said.
The doctors said his condition was not expected to change through the evening, and that no updates were expected until Tuesday. They declined to release further information at his family's request.
Roethlisberger was talking to doctors before the surgery, Dr. Larry Jones, chief of trauma at Mercy Hospital said.
"He's coherent. He's making sense," Jones said. "He knows what happened. He knows where he is. From that standpoint, he's very stable."
Roethlisberger's mother, Brenda, was crying as she arrived at the hospital.
Steelers president Art Rooney II 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."
The 24-year-old Roethlisberger was without a helmet, police said. He has said he likes to ride without one, a habit that once prompted a lecture from Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher.
Roethlisberger was on his black 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa -- the company calls it the world's fastest bike for legal street riding -- and heading toward an intersection on the edge of downtown. A Chrysler New Yorker traveling in the opposite direction took a left turn and collided with the motorcycle, and Roethlisberger was thrown, police said.
The other car was driven by a 62-year-old woman, police said. They didn't immediately release her name and no charges were filed.
Witness Sandra Ford was waiting at a bus stop when she said she saw the motorcycle approach. Seconds later, she said she heard a crash, saw the motorcyclist in the air and ran toward the crash scene.
"He wasn't moving and I was afraid that he had died. ... He wasn't really speaking. He seemed dazed but he was resisting the effort to make him stay down," said Ford, who didn't realize the motorcyclist was Roethlisberger.
Police spokesman Lt. Kevin Kraus said police and homicide units were leading the investigation, a standard practice when there is an accident with critical injuries.
In only his second year in the NFL, Roethlisberger helped guide the Steelers to the Super Bowl title in February at age 23. Training camp for next season begins at the end of July.
Several teammates, including backup quarterback Charlie Batch, linebacker Joey Porter and safety Mike Logan, arrived at the emergency room.
Some fans also gathered at the hospital, including Juanita Clark, who sells Steelers paraphernalia.
"I just feel like he's a family member," said her daughter, Loretta Clark.
The NFL's standard player contract prohibits any activity involving "significant risk of personal injury" apart from football. But many prominent athletes ride motorcycles anyway, despite the risk and the possibility of losing salary.
In May 2005, Cowher warned Roethlisberger 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.
Other athletes injured on motorcycles during their careers include basketball's Jason Williams, skiing's Hermann Maier and auto racing's Dario Franchitti.
Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet when riding his motorcycle. He has pointed out Pennsylvania's state law requiring helmets to be worn was repealed in September 2003.
"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.
Visiting the Steelers' training camp last summer, Bradshaw remarked: "Ride it when you retire."
Four doctors operated on Roethlisberger for seven hours to treat multiple facial fractures and "all of the fractures were successfully repaired," Dr. Harry W. Sell, chairman of the surgery department at Mercy Hospital, told reporters late Monday night.
Dr. Daniel Pituch, who led the team, said Roethlisberger was in serious but stable condition, and doctors were aware of no other serious injuries.
"His brain, spine, chest and abdomen appear to be without serious injury and there are no other confirmed injuries at this time," he said.
The doctors said his condition was not expected to change through the evening, and that no updates were expected until Tuesday. They declined to release further information at his family's request.
Roethlisberger was talking to doctors before the surgery, Dr. Larry Jones, chief of trauma at Mercy Hospital said.
"He's coherent. He's making sense," Jones said. "He knows what happened. He knows where he is. From that standpoint, he's very stable."
Roethlisberger's mother, Brenda, was crying as she arrived at the hospital.
Steelers president Art Rooney II 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."
The 24-year-old Roethlisberger was without a helmet, police said. He has said he likes to ride without one, a habit that once prompted a lecture from Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher.
Roethlisberger was on his black 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa -- the company calls it the world's fastest bike for legal street riding -- and heading toward an intersection on the edge of downtown. A Chrysler New Yorker traveling in the opposite direction took a left turn and collided with the motorcycle, and Roethlisberger was thrown, police said.
The other car was driven by a 62-year-old woman, police said. They didn't immediately release her name and no charges were filed.
Witness Sandra Ford was waiting at a bus stop when she said she saw the motorcycle approach. Seconds later, she said she heard a crash, saw the motorcyclist in the air and ran toward the crash scene.
"He wasn't moving and I was afraid that he had died. ... He wasn't really speaking. He seemed dazed but he was resisting the effort to make him stay down," said Ford, who didn't realize the motorcyclist was Roethlisberger.
Police spokesman Lt. Kevin Kraus said police and homicide units were leading the investigation, a standard practice when there is an accident with critical injuries.
In only his second year in the NFL, Roethlisberger helped guide the Steelers to the Super Bowl title in February at age 23. Training camp for next season begins at the end of July.
Several teammates, including backup quarterback Charlie Batch, linebacker Joey Porter and safety Mike Logan, arrived at the emergency room.
Some fans also gathered at the hospital, including Juanita Clark, who sells Steelers paraphernalia.
"I just feel like he's a family member," said her daughter, Loretta Clark.
The NFL's standard player contract prohibits any activity involving "significant risk of personal injury" apart from football. But many prominent athletes ride motorcycles anyway, despite the risk and the possibility of losing salary.
In May 2005, Cowher warned Roethlisberger 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.
Other athletes injured on motorcycles during their careers include basketball's Jason Williams, skiing's Hermann Maier and auto racing's Dario Franchitti.
Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet when riding his motorcycle. He has pointed out Pennsylvania's state law requiring helmets to be worn was repealed in September 2003.
"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.
Visiting the Steelers' training camp last summer, Bradshaw remarked: "Ride it when you retire."
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- Audrey2Katrina
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Bradshaw was right. You'd think he'd know about the importance of a "HELMET".
I still like the black and gold tho! Whether it be the Saints, or the Steelers, the latter eminently more successful.
A2K
I still like the black and gold tho! Whether it be the Saints, or the Steelers, the latter eminently more successful.
A2K
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- nholley
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It makes you wonder why someone with so much would risk it all for a helmet. In 2005 he tried to defend it by saying he only rode in a group and didn't ride sports bikes....and then yesterday crashes riding the king of sports bikes all on his own.
Lucky man!
Here is a link to his 2005 ESPN interview:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2481004
Lucky man!
Here is a link to his 2005 ESPN interview:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2481004
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- SouthFloridawx
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I am a huge steelers fan and this story absolutely shocked me. My stomach dropped about 10 from my body. I am just wishing for a speedy recovery and I hope he doesn't have any brain damage from this injury. Nevermind starting this season.. he needs to take his time and recover. We all have him in our thoughts and prayers over the next couple of weeks. Yeah I don't think he'll be forgeting a helmet or much less not driving a motorcycle anytime soon. He probably won't get 10 feet from a car without a seatbelt now.
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- therock1811
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Broken jaw, fractured sinus bones, lost several teeth, 9" laceration in the back of his head, he's in serious but stable condition. He's a terrific guy that was too bullheaded to put on a helmit. (Is that a vanity thing that people don't wear helmits??) You all know how Steeler Fans are about our team. They're all like family to us. We're all praying for him here in the Burgh and know that people all over the country will keep him in their prayers.
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- Audrey2Katrina
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I've been a Steeler fan since the Bradshaw era--him being a good Louisiana boy!
And of course, friends I've made through Academic Games, including the founders (Allens) were from Pittsburgh, and the Mt. Lebanon school district... well, waxing nostalgic here.
Definitely praying he makes a full comebac!
A2K

And of course, friends I've made through Academic Games, including the founders (Allens) were from Pittsburgh, and the Mt. Lebanon school district... well, waxing nostalgic here.
Definitely praying he makes a full comebac!
A2K
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- Stephanie
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I'm sure that both Bill Cower and Terry Bradshaw want to break the other side of his jaw now!
Marty rides and I'll ride with him sometimes. We have to wear helmets in NJ but both of us wouldn't do without them anywhere.
He is EXTREMELY lucky that that is the extent of his injuries. I hope that he does learn from this and perhaps becomes a spokesman for wearing a helmet.

Marty rides and I'll ride with him sometimes. We have to wear helmets in NJ but both of us wouldn't do without them anywhere.
He is EXTREMELY lucky that that is the extent of his injuries. I hope that he does learn from this and perhaps becomes a spokesman for wearing a helmet.
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- DaylilyDawn
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I think any one who rides a motorcycle with out a helmet needs to have his or her head examined. The state of FL requires a motorcyle rider that wants to ride without a helmet, have a $100,000.000 life insurance policy in place before they can ride. My son came close to dying in a car accident and then went and bought a motorcycle. After he had it parked on the pier where his ship was tied up on the Norfolk Naval Base, the ship was out doing carrier quailifications(practcing taking off and landing for the pilots) when some one stole the motocycle. My comment when I learned it had been stolen was "Thank God!" I do not encourgage anyone to ride a motorcycle. Even the people who wear helmets end up getting badly hurt in accidents with cars.
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- ohiostorm
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Big Ben's Condition Upgraded
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been upgraded to fair condition following Monday's motorcycle accident.
Doctors at Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital said Roethlisberger was upgraded Tuesday from serious but stable condition to fair condition.
"This means his vitals are good and he's recovering as he should," Dr. Daniel Pituch said during a press conference.
Doctors said Roethlisberger suffered a mild concussion, but does not appear to have sustained any brain damage.
Roethlisberger underwent seven hours of surgery for a broken jaw, broken nose and a fractured left sinus cavity bone. The player also sustained a 9-inch head laceration and lost most of his teeth.
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been upgraded to fair condition following Monday's motorcycle accident.
Doctors at Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital said Roethlisberger was upgraded Tuesday from serious but stable condition to fair condition.
"This means his vitals are good and he's recovering as he should," Dr. Daniel Pituch said during a press conference.
Doctors said Roethlisberger suffered a mild concussion, but does not appear to have sustained any brain damage.
Roethlisberger underwent seven hours of surgery for a broken jaw, broken nose and a fractured left sinus cavity bone. The player also sustained a 9-inch head laceration and lost most of his teeth.
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- MSRobi911
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We had an Orthopaedic Surgeon here in Pascagoula how has now passed away. He had a big banner up on the Orthopaedic Floor that said .....
BUY YOU SON A MOTORCYCLE FOR HIS LAST BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
No truer words can be said!!! I have seen too many motorcycle riders killed or just maimed for life because of these things. I know, its not usually the riders fault, but it is in a way....they were dumb enough to get on one.
Mary
This is from working 7 long years in the Emergency Room and 25 years for Orthopaedic Surgeons.
BUY YOU SON A MOTORCYCLE FOR HIS LAST BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
No truer words can be said!!! I have seen too many motorcycle riders killed or just maimed for life because of these things. I know, its not usually the riders fault, but it is in a way....they were dumb enough to get on one.
Mary
This is from working 7 long years in the Emergency Room and 25 years for Orthopaedic Surgeons.
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- SouthFloridawx
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Update on this story. Seems as though the Super Bowl Quarterback has a new outlook on life.
Roethlisberger issues statement
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Ben Roethlisberger was released from Mercy Hospital shortly before midnight on Thursday, less than three full days after being transported there by paramedics after a motorcycle accident.
Now continuing his recuperation at home with his family at his side, Roethlisberger issued the following statement:
"In the past few days, I have gained 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 offseason 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."
http://media3.steelers.com/article/65307/
Roethlisberger issues statement
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Ben Roethlisberger was released from Mercy Hospital shortly before midnight on Thursday, less than three full days after being transported there by paramedics after a motorcycle accident.
Now continuing his recuperation at home with his family at his side, Roethlisberger issued the following statement:
"In the past few days, I have gained 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 offseason 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."
http://media3.steelers.com/article/65307/
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- ohiostorm
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Press conference was on this morning. He was cited for no helmet and no license. The lady was cited for failure to yield to oncoming traffic prior to making the left hand turn. His fines will cost him more. They wouldn't release the lady's name due to security reasons. I guess she has already recieved numerous threats.
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- tomboudreau
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ohiostorm wrote: They wouldn't release the lady's name due to security reasons. I guess she has already recieved numerous threats.
I think the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette release her name, age, and city she resides in. I believe the Pittsburgh Police Department are looking into the harassment she is getting also.
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