For the sake of argument, let us assume that Ben Roethlisberger is innocent of this most recent charge of sexual assault.  This is not to say that he is or is not guilty, rather an exploration of one potential outcome.  If he is eventually found guilty, the speculation becomes much less interesting.  If he is eventually found guilty he WILL go to jail, and after that he WILL be suspended, and Steelers fans WILL turn on him.  If innocent, there is so much more to consider.

The most important, as it directly effects on-the-field issues, is the possibility of suspension.  Many in the media are already calling for a suspension, claiming Big Ben has violated the league’s “Code of Conduct Policy.”  These so-called experts, who ultimately have zero say in whatever Roger Goodell decides to do with one of his league’s star quarterbacks, are citing precedent in cases of Tank Johnson, and Pacman Jones.  The problem with this approach is that, as of this juncture, Ben Roethlisberger has not been proven to have done ANYTHING illegal… in his whole life.  Not once.  It absolutely seems suspicious that he was accused of some manner of sexual misconduct twice in a short period of time, we cannot blame Ben for doing anything wrong.  And if he has done nothing wrong, how can he be punished?

The second concern, is how will fans treat him?  Regardless of the outcome, people tend to think once is a fluke, twice is a trend.  While many will side with the law, there will be significant groups who will forever vilify him.  The case can be completely thrown out, and Ben can donate a million dollars to some women’s group, and they will still boo him.  It may not be fair, in the same way a man can be exonerated after eighteen years in prison, but still face the stigma of being a ex-con.

The last thing is, what happens to the girl?  She’s already in trouble for under-aged drinking, or at least she should be.  She will be in even more trouble for making a false accusation.  Those two crimes aside, she too will forever be a villain in the eyes of women’s groups.  Every false accusation diminishes real accusations of sexual crimes.  It happened in the case of the Duke Lacrosse Team.  It happened in the Kobe Bryant case.  That’s why it was so easy to believe Big Ben after the Tahoe incident.  This is not the approach society should be taking.  Innocent until proven guilty, yes, but not, “Oh, she’s just making it up.” 

All we really know is that Roethlisberger talked to the police, said there was contact but no intercourse, and that the girl slipped and hit her head.  There is still a complete lack of evidence for the public to view and make any real judgments on this case.  And yet, Roethlisberger’s image has been tarnished.  One thing he has going for him is the previously mentioned Kobe Bryant.  He was found innocent of rape, but guilty of infidelity.  He served his time in public ire, but after a reasonable sentence, his image is as healthy as it ever was.  Time heals all wounds.  These too will heal for Big Ben… if he’s found innocent.