Monday

Roethlisberger sorry he let down Steelers and fans

A contrite Ben Roethlisberger won’t appeal the six-game suspension levied against him and vowed to do more than what the league asked in a statement issued on Monday.

But Roethlisberger also stopped short of apologizing for his actions, saying he was accountable for the consequences. He did say he was sorry to let down his teammates and fans.

“The Commissioner’s decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family. I will not appeal the suspension and will comply with what is asked of me and more.

Missing games will be devastating for me. I am sorry to let down my teammates and the entire Steelers fan base. I am disappointed that I have reached this point and will not put myself in this situation again.

I appreciate the opportunities that I have been given in my life and will make the necessary improvements.”

It was the 2-time Super Bowl winner’s first public words since being suspended by Roger Goodell last week. Aside from the 6-game ban, Roethlisberger was ordered to also undergo psychological evaluation for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

He must be cleared by the league before he can resume practising with the team or rejoin other team activities.

“Your conduct raises sufficient concerns that I believe effective intervention now is the best step for your personal and professional welfare.” Goodell stated on the league’s website following the suspension.

“In your six years in the NFL, you have first thrilled and now disappointed a great many people. I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity to get your life and career back on track.”

Goodell’s punishment came after Georgia prosecutors opted not to charge Roethlisberger after a 20-year-old co-ed accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Milledgeville, Ga., nightclub on March 5.

Roethlisbeger is  also being sued by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel-casino. The quarterback has denied the accusation and was not charged. He has claimed counter-damages in a lawsuit.

On April 12, Roethlisberger apologized for his off-field behaviour while reading a minute-long statement and promised to work to regain the trust of his teammates and fans.