Has Justice Ben Served?

So I know there are going to be 8 billion blogs posted on this subject, if there isn’t already, but I just wanted to make sure someone is addressing both sides of this issue. The Pittsburg Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holes trade to the New York Jets.

I know there are 8 billion bloggers and sports analysts condemning the Ronnies(Steelers owners) and the Steelers right now for the way they are treating Holmes who recently got his second drug possession charge, but how they are not treating Ben Roethlisberger who just got his second accusation of sexual misconduct. Look, I know it looks bad to come down on Holmes the way they did and Ben hasn’t been reprimanded yet, but there are some distinct differences to take into consideration before passing judgment.

First, Ben has not been convicted of any crimes. I know it looks bad, but innocent until proven guilty. Now I am not saying he hasn’t made some bad decision, he has, but he has not broken any laws he has been proven guilty of. Holmes has.

Second, the Steelers were probably looking to get rid of Holmes any way. Mike Wallace emerged last year. Ward is under contract for the next few years. They drafted Sweed in the second round two years ago and still are hoping he develops. They just pick Randle El back up. And holes was due 8 million dollars, they probably weren’t going to retain him anyway with his troubles and they could use the cap space (assuming there is ever another cap).

Third, the Ronnies have been a staple of fair and equal treatment in this league for year. They are staunch advocates of minority hiring and have been a bright spot of ownership in the NFL for decades. Give them the benefit of the doubt here and know Ben’s time will come.