Chris Mortensen: Ben Roethlisberger Will Be Suspended by NFL

ESPN‘s Chris Mortensen is predicting that Roger Goodell and the league will suspend Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Mortensen claims that he is not “reporting” this yet, but rather that he predicting the suspension. Mort’ goes on to say that Roethlisberger will be subject to, “at the least,” league drug testing after supplying the most recent 20-year-old college student with shots of alcohol.

Roethlisberger is set to visit Commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday, and a suspension should follow closely after.

Despite charges not being filed against Roethlisberger, it is an obvious recurring theme in the young man’s life, and action needs to be taken to help prevent him from placing himself in similar situations.

He’s been involved in two alleged rape cases, and a third is emerging. Boston attorney Harry Manion is now coming forth stating that he investigated another accusation from another unnamed woman in Nevada. Manion’s case never made it to civil or criminal court, but he finds the trend that hovers over Roethlisberger “troubling.”

Whether criminal charges were filed or not, (and they weren’t), action needs to be taken. The NFL needs to uphold it’s level of professionalism and a positive league image. Charges being filed or not is no longer relevant in this case, and just the mere fact that Roethlisberger is placing himself in situations like this is reason enough to call for suspension — a call Commissioner Goodell must answer.

I expect a suspension similar to that of Brandon Marshall in 2009 after Roethlisberger and Commissioner Goodell meet Tuesday. An initial two-game suspension that will be reduced to one after the player meets certain behavior standards.

The quarterback tag can’t save you in this situation, Ben.