Roethlisberger injured in accident - No helmet.

[LittleBoyBlue]

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/9356067/detail.html#

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured in a motorcycle accident, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said.

According to the Tribune-Review's Web site, the accident happened Second Avenue near the 10th Street Bridge.

Roethlisberger was not wearing a helmet, according to the paper.

According to the Tribune-Review, police have closed down the bridge, Second Avenue and the Armstrong Tunnels

Dumb!
The guy wear a helmet for a living. Why not on his motorcycle?(yeah the law says he doesnt have to I know) When on a bike you have to account(and drive if you will) for others around you. The helmet is insurance.

He probably wanted the town to see him. I get that. Its just too bad he got injured.

 

[WoodysGirl]

per PFT

POSTED 11:57 p.m. EDT, June 12, 2006
ROETHLISBERGER NOT A LOCK TO PLAY IN 2006

Although there's optimism in Pittsburgh on Monday night after seven hours of surgery to repair "multiple" facial fractures, there's still no guarantee that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be able to play football in 2006.

Dr. Michael Kaner, a Pennsylvania dentist and long-time PFT reader, has shared with us some general observations regarding Roethlisberger's potential prognosis. Dr. Kaner has emphasized this his input is hypothetical only, and that he has no information regarding the signal-caller's actual condition.

Dr. Kaner says to keep an ear out for the term "Le Fort" in connection with Roethliberger's facial fractures.

"Le Fort fractures (1,2 or 3) refer to the level of fracture of the upper jaw separating it from the skull," said Dr. Kaner. "If those words are mentioned in any press conference, he's not playing in 2006 regardless of what anybody says."

Dr. Kaner outlined other questions that would be relevant to determining whether Roethlisberger can play this year.

"How many fractures are there and where are they? Obviously, the more fractures there are, the longer the recovery period and the greater risk of complications.

"Is the fracture displaced, that is out of the normal alignment. With the extent of the trauma he experienced, it would not be out of the realm of possibility for the oral surgeons to have to rebuild his jaw and wire it together with titanium plates or screws. If it's a multiple fracture, he could be out all year.

"The other question is whether he fractured his upper jaw. You traditionally think of the lower jaw as being fractured but there can be fractures to the upper jaw, with many complications.

"Is the fracture closed (totally under the skin) or open (bone exposed to the elements substantially increasing the risk of post-operative infection). His other risks are of other teeth needing root canals or if fractured themselves, needing to be extracted.

"While wired shut, he will be on a pure liquid diet, and how will that impact a pro athlete? Not positively I'm sure."

Another source with knowledge of jaw and facial injuries has broken the issue down to a single question. If Roethsliberger's jaw is merely wired shut, he'll miss 6-to-8 weeks. If he has had plates or other hardware inserted into his face, he'll miss a minimum of six months.

As of now, the doctors, the family, and the team know the answer. Within the next 24 hours, our guess is that the rest of us will know it, too

---------------

NEW NICKNAME FOR BIG BEN?
We're entertaining ideas for new nicknames for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger following his motorcycle accident.

Our current favorite is "Ben Toothlessberger."

We also like "Roethlisbarbaro," if his injuries and recovery spark an outpouring of e-mails and signs and cards that, like the famed race horse, the Steelers quarterback might not actually be able to read.

And as to any Steelers fans who don't like the fact that we're poking fun at Ben's misfortune, we have second points to make. First, Roethlisberger's injuries were the direct result of his own stupidity. So it's not like making fun of a guy who got cancer or who had a safe fall on him while he was minding his own business at a bus stop. If he'd been wearing a helmet, he'd likely be in a lot better shape right now. And if he'd been driving a big-*** SUV like 98 percent of the other pro athletes, he'd be ordering a canned ham for the family of the 62-year-old woman whom he would have crushed like a dung beetle.

Second, we were merciless in May 2005 after Browns tight end Kellen Winslow wrecked his motorcycle. Merciless. So lest we be accused of being Steelers fans or, even worse, of applying a double standard based on the fact that Winslow is African-American and Roethlisberger is white, we're duty bound to blast Big Ben as hard as we scrutinized Evel Kellnievel.

 

[Yeagermeister]

Our current favorite is "Ben Toothlessberger."

That is harsh......but funny

 

[vicjagger]

or at least a freaking helmet. I know states like PA and FL allow no helmets, but if you dont wear one - you're a moron, plain and simple. I wonder how bad he's hurt?

PA had a helmet law for many years, but just repealed it a few years ago.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Are you forgetting how quickly Witten came back after a broken jaw?

no I'm not. Are you forgetting that in addition to the jaw, he has MULTIPLE
facial fractures, and was in surgery for SEVEN hours? I think that's where
the similarities to Witten ends. And we don't even know what part of the jaw
is fractured.
Sorry Squealer fan.
Besides, I hope Ben comes back so he's on the field
when the Squealers fail to repeat.

 

[MapleLeaf]

per PFT

POSTED 11:57 p.m. EDT, June 12, 2006
ROETHLISBERGER NOT A LOCK TO PLAY IN 2006
it would not be out of the realm of possibility for the oral surgeons to have to rebuild his jaw and wire it together with titanium plates or screws. If it's a multiple fracture, he could be out all year.


"While wired shut, he will be on a pure liquid diet, and how will that impact a pro athlete? Not positively I'm sure."

...I was involved in an accident in a Formula 3000 car up here in Canada 15 years ago.

I broke my tibia, dislocated my right shoulder and broke my jaw and nose and cracked my orbital bone. They had to saw my helmet off my head at the hospital in Montreal.

I ended up with multiple fractures to my bottom jaw that required screws and at least two plates along with having my jaw wired shut.

It's impossible to hold or gain weight on the liquid diet. The experience of eating is depressing.

The first thing that happens to you after jaw surgery is the incredible size your head grows to. Can anyone say melonhead? I know this not only from personal experience, but also looking over at the five other guys in the obeservation ward who the surgeon worked on their fractured mandibles. We all looked like cartoon characters. My wife/girlfriend still has a picture of me from those days.

Of all the injuries from that accident the jaw injury was the worst of it. No talking, incredible swelling, everything blended it was the pits. At week seven I took a pair of wire cutters and cut the wires to have my first meal without the surgeon knowing. It was a delicious steak and I loved chewing every painful minute of that piece of shoe leather!

I ride a bike now, but with a helmet. Some of you may have seen pictures of me and my family in the post picture of yourself thread. Those were taken after the last surgery to repair the last remnants of the injury. I had my broken nose and bent nasal cartilage repaired. If you look closely you can see a dark spot scar on my cheek where the surgeon perforated my cheek to insert the plate and screws. The wife and three kids are the reason why I wear a helmet when I'm on the motorycyle/ bicycle/skateboard and rollerblades.

As for myself now 15 years after the accident not a day goes by where I am not constantly reminded that I lost something on that race course. I have difficulty with playng my guitar from a mental aspect. There is definitely problems with certain high level functions like mathematics which is not good for my profession.

Head injuries are no fun and rarely do you come out of them clean. I volunteer with the Canada Safety Council in the motorcycle riders course. We get all the stats on accidents involving motorcycles in our province. Much of what I see supports the use of a helmet.

The guys at the Safety Council use me as the poster child for a good choice in a bad accident with some scars but still alive. It's the last point that is most important - "still alive".

 

[Yeagermeister]

...I was involved in an accident in a Formula 3000 car up here in Canada 15 years ago.

I broke my tibia, dislocated my right shoulder and broke my jaw and nose and cracked my orbital bone. They had to saw my helmet off my head at the hospital in Montreal.

I ended up with multiple fractures to my bottom jaw that required screws and at least two plates along with having my jaw wired shut.

It's impossible to hold or gain weight on the liquid diet. The experience of eating is depressing.

The first thing that happens to you after jaw surgery is the incredible size your head grows to. Can anyone say melonhead? I know this not only from personal experience, but also looking over at the five other guys in the obeservation ward who the surgeon worked on their fractured mandibles. We all looked like cartoon characters. My wife/girlfriend still has a picture of me from those days.

Of all the injuries from that accident the jaw injury was the worst of it. No talking, incredible swelling, everything blended it was the pits. At week seven I took a pair of wire cutters and cut the wires to have my first meal without the surgeon knowing. It was a delicious steak and I loved chewing every painful minute of that piece of shoe leather!

I ride a bike now, but with a helmet. Some of you may have seen pictures of me and my family in the post picture of yourself thread. Those were taken after the last surgery to repair the last remnants of the injury. I had my broken nose and bent nasal cartilage repaired. If you look closely you can see a dark spot scar on my cheek where the surgeon perforated my cheek to insert the plate and screws. The wife and three kids are the reason why I wear a helmet when I'm on the motorycyle/ bicycle/skateboard and rollerblades.

As for myself now 15 years after the accident not a day goes by where I am not constantly reminded that I lost something on that race course. I have difficulty with playng my guitar from a mental aspect. There is definitely problems with certain high level functions like mathematics which is not good for my profession.

Head injuries are no fun and rarely do you come out of them clean. I volunteer with the Canada Safety Council in the motorcycle riders course. We get all the stats on accidents involving motorcycles in our province. Much of what I see supports the use of a helmet.

The guys at the Safety Council use me as the poster child for a good choice in a bad accident with some scars but still alive. It's the last point that is most important - "still alive".

Wow....it's good to see you recovered so well.

 

[DLCassidy]

Not wearing a helmet was dumb but Ben may have had serious injuries even if he had one on unless he was also wearing a visor. As for the accident itself it may have been totally the other driver's fault- the facts have not come out yet on that.

The bottom line is helmet or not, at fault or not, motorcycles are dangerous. If the basic agreement allows it (not sure but I think the Browns had a clause for Winslow) every team should have a "no motorcyle riding if you want to get paid" clause in it. If a guy then wants to be reckless, he knows what the financial repercussions will be.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Just a hunch based on the way things seem to go in sports lately...

Ben will be back in the saddle first game of season. Special helmet and face protection... something... ala the guy on the detroit pistons... with the face mask that he wears even when he is not injured anymore... he wears it for style and if he thinks he sees the game better... he said so himself...

Its the way of things nowadays....

 

[Hoov]

Not wearing a helmet was dumb but Ben may have had serious injuries even if he had one on unless he was also wearing a visor. As for the accident itself it may have been totally the other driver's fault- the facts have not come out yet on that.

The bottom line is helmet or not, at fault or not, motorcycles are dangerous. If the basic agreement allows it (not sure but I think the Browns had a clause for Winslow) every team should have a "no motorcyle riding if you want to get paid" clause in it. If a guy then wants to be reckless, he knows what the financial repercussions will be.

But there are lots of things that people do that could fall into the dangerous category. I do think the requirement for a player to wear a helmet could be written into a contract, but how can you tell people they are not allowed to ride a motorcycle..... saying you cant ride a motorcycle because your a paid athlete is pretty hard to do when it is a common practice by many people.

 

[silverbear]

I'm glad he didn't experience any life threatening injuries.

Couple of thoughts ...

While Roeth's bike was capable of doing 189 mph + ...I wonder how fast he was going?

The reports are that he wasn't speeding, but he was moving at a pretty fair clip...

Didn't read anything about who was at fault.

It appears the lady was...

What was the cause of the accident?

That lady turned in front of him... there is some speculation that because of the angle of the sun, she didn't see him...

Some recent reports are questioning whether Roeth can play football anymore.

Haven't heard anything on that subject (and I hope it isn't true, even though I'm neither a Steelers fan nor a fan of Big Ben), but his injuries seem extensive enough that you have to believe he'll be hindered at least early in the season, if he's even available at all then...

I'll bet Bill Cowher is pizzed!

Bet you're right...

 

[Yeagermeister]

The reports are that he wasn't speeding, but he was moving at a pretty fair clip...



It appears the lady was...



That lady turned in front of him... there is some speculation that because of the angle of the sun, she didn't see him...



Haven't heard anything on that subject (and I hope it isn't true, even though I'm neither a Steelers fan nor a fan of Big Ben), but his injuries seem extensive enough that you have to believe he'll be hindered at least early in the season, if he's even available at all then...



Bet you're right...

Look out the Bear is back

 

[silverbear]

Look out the Bear is back

???

I wasn't aware I'd been away... LOL...

 

[Yeagermeister]

???

I wasn't aware I'd been away... LOL...

You've been the milder version of the SB....no long diatribes but that's over

 

[DLCassidy]

But there are lots of things that people do that could fall into the dangerous category. I do think the requirement for a player to wear a helmet could be written into a contract, but how can you tell people they are not allowed to ride a motorcycle..... saying you cant ride a motorcycle because your a paid athlete is pretty hard to do when it is a common practice by many people.

A pro athlete is somewhat unique is he not? He needs a healthy body to perform and his health impacts the performance of the whole team, not to mention the amount of money these guys earn.

 

[Hoov]

A pro athlete is somewhat unique is he not? He needs a healthy body to perform and his health impacts the performance of the whole team, not to mention the amount of money these guys earn.

true, but riding a motorcycle is not the same as say bungy jumping or skydiving. many people use it as a form of transportation. im just saying given the way most americans are, it sure would be hard to say to someone, you cant ride a motorcycle at all because we're paying you a lot of money. and will the same apply to every nfl player including backups and practice squad players ? why would a QB sign that contract if he see's the 2nd string Olineman riding a motorcycle ?

after that precedent where would you draw the line, owners will be finding more ways to "control" players lives in an attempt to protect them. and more and more things will fall into the "dangerous" category.

 

[DBoys]

People who have head injuries are sometimes never the same person.

 

[5Stars]

I just don't see how Ben can keep up his nurtrition that is needed to play ball. I mean 7 or 8 weeks of liquid? And that is because he needed his jaw wired shut. Then, after that, they got to put his teeth back in? How long after that can he start chewing chicken, steak, veggies, and stuff like that?

Man, if I were a betting man, I would say that Ben is not going to play this season...I just don't see how, yet, I'm not privy to all of what is going on with him, but, from the reports, it doesn't sound real good. Pro football players should be in top notch shape to start training camp, and I know that Ben cannot possibly be ready! To bad....

 

[DBoys]

I just don't see how Ben can keep up his nurtrition that is needed to play ball. I mean 7 or 8 weeks of liquid? And that is because he needed his jaw wired shut. Then, after that, they got to put his teeth back in? How long after that can he start chewing chicken, steak, veggies, and stuff like that?

Man, if I were a betting man, I would say that Ben is not going to play this season...I just don't see how, yet, I'm not privy to all of what is going on with him, but, from the reports, it doesn't sound real good. Pro football players should be in top notch shape to start training camp, and I know that Ben cannot possibly be ready! To bad....

Good points and I can't see him returning this year either. Even if he does it will be a shadow of himself. As I said before there is no way to know the extent of his head injury until he recovers. He could have memory loss or nerve damage.

 

[Yeagermeister]

I just don't see how Ben can keep up his nurtrition that is needed to play ball. I mean 7 or 8 weeks of liquid? And that is because he needed his jaw wired shut. Then, after that, they got to put his teeth back in? How long after that can he start chewing chicken, steak, veggies, and stuff like that?

Man, if I were a betting man, I would say that Ben is not going to play this season...I just don't see how, yet, I'm not privy to all of what is going on with him, but, from the reports, it doesn't sound real good. Pro football players should be in top notch shape to start training camp, and I know that Ben cannot possibly be ready! To bad....

I don't see how they can put his teeth back in. They will probably have to go the false teeth route or implants.