Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the Pittsburgh Steelers was put on a six-game suspension by the NFL earlier this year due to the violation of the league’s policy regarding personal conduct. He was allegedly accused by a 20-year-old college student attending college in Georgia of sexual assault in March; however, he was never once arrested or charged with anything in relation to the alleged incident.

Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell placed the quarterback on a six-game suspension once the league started back. He could participate in pre-season games and practices but would be ineligible for regular season games until his suspension was up.

In August, Goodell met with Roethlisberger and was very pleased with the quarterback’s success thus far, which is what was going to get his suspension reduced – and it did. Goodell reduced Roethlisberger’s six-game suspension down to a four-game suspension. He will now be able to return to the team once the Steelers play against the Baltimore Ravens on October 3. The next week is a bye for the Steelers so Roethlisberger will be able to attend his first regular season game with the team on October 17 at which time they will play the Cleveland Browns.

While he received the reduced game suspension, Roethlisberger will need to stay out of any trouble – in other words, adhering to the league’s rules and set policies - and continue adhering to the program that was established by NFL advisors.

As for the Steelers, they are probably pretty happy about the reduced suspension especially now since quarterback Byron Leftwich is out due to a torn MCL. Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch will likely take the starting position while Roethlisberger is away. Until Roethlisberger is able to attend practices and games, he has been ordered to stay away from the facility, not attend any games, nor have contact with the Steelers’ coaches and speak of activities related to the team with teammates.

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