Ben Roethlisberger Injured in Motorcycle Accident

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is undergoing surgery at Mercy Hospital after suffering an apparent head injury in a motorcycle accident late this morning on Second Avenue near the Armstrong Tunnels. Larry Jones, Chief of Trauma at Mercy Hospital, says that Roethlisberger is in serious but stable condition.

According to published reports, Ben Roethlisberger was traveling on Second Avenue when a vehicle coming in the opposite direction turned left in front of him. Roethlisberger was unable to stop in time and hit the passenger side door and windshield of the vehicle. According to witnesses at the scene, as reported by local stations WPXI and KDKA, Ben was not wearing a helmet and appeared to have head and facial injuries.

Ben Roethlisberger has often said that he prefers not to wear a helmet when riding his motorcycle, and points out the fact that Pennsylvania doesn't seem to think it is necessary given that they repealed their 35-year-old helmet law in 2003. Former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw has openly criticized him for this decision, saying "ride it when you retire."

Comment #1: Would you play football without a helmet, Ben? Then why would you ride a motorcycle without one? Damn fool.

Comment #2: Hope you get well soon and are OK to play next season.