Where is the integrity?

High-level athletes used to come with some sort of integrity. They are well-known, well-paid, and should be well aware of the place they hold in society. Sports fans young and old become fans of their favorite players: some because they play for their favorite team, some because they believe the athlete is one of the best in their chosen field, and some simply because the icon is popular. Whatever the reason, we become fans of these players and hold them up as role models and people we look up to. In recent years, these players have fallen short of glory - in the arena of integrity. From Plexico, to Pacman, to Tiger, and now Big Ben (AGAIN) - these men are not only embarrassing themselves, they are letting down untold numbers of fans. Most of them being the impressionable youth of America.

Winston Churchill said "With great privilege comes great responsibility." Would that he come back from the grave and beat that concept into the heads of the 'upstart Colonials'. What Ben Roethlisberger needs to realize is that he is making extremely bad judgment calls for a face-of-a-franchise quarterback worth $102 million. He is making bad judgment calls for a 28 year old man - quarterback or no quarterback.

The pure fact he just hired one of the top 5 defense attorneys suggests one of two things: a) he is guilty of these recent charges or b) he is once again being falsely accused and wants to nip his problem in the bud. Either way, he definitely has a big problem on his hands.

Jesus says in Luke 12:48 "...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Ben has been made starting quarterback of one of the most respected, hard-working teams in the National Football League. He has been paid a lot of money to win championships. He has won two and still has a long promising career ahead of him. If he stops acting stupid and mans up. The Steelers organization has invested a lot of money, marketing and time into making him the face of their franchise. Hence, they ask a lot of him. Recently, he has been falling short of their requirements.

Whether he is guilty or innocent of the accusations, i hope he learns a very important lesson from this (he could learn it from Tiger's mistakes as well) - he is not above the law. Making the choice to leave a questionable situation is a good one. One he is going to have to learn sooner or later. For his sake - and for the sake of the millions of kids who look up to him - I hope it is sooner.