WTAE TV in Pittsburgh is reporting that Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger was involved in a motorcycle accident. He’s been taken to the hospital and, according to ESPN’s John Clayton, the injuries do not appear to be life threatening.
A witness told Channel 4 Action News that Roethlisberger went over the handlebars, hit the windshield of another vehicle and then hit the ground.
The witness said she saw the accident and went over to help but did not recognize Roethlisberger. When she asked him what his name was, she said he replied, “Ben.”
The woman added that Roethlisberger asked her a series of questions, including where he was and what state he was in. He attempted to stand up but the woman said she encouraged him not to move until paramedics arrived.
Roethlisberger was not wearing a helmet, according to the Tribune-Review. In the past, he has publicly said he prefers to ride helmetless, which is legal in Pennsylvania.
I certainly hope that Big Ben makes it through this accident, but after the Jay Williams and Kellen Winslow injuries, I don’t know why any professional athlete would ride a motorcycle. There are two kinds of motorcycle riders – 1) those that have been in an accident and 2) those that will get into an accident. Why risk your career for something like that?
UPDATE: 4:05 ET
Pittsburgh media outlets reported that Roethlisberger was in surgery for a broken jaw. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, citing a police source, reported Roethlisberger also broke his left sinus cavity, suffered a 9-inch laceration to the back of his head, lost teeth and has knee injuries from hitting the pavement. A plastic surgeon has been called in, the source said.
