Ben Roethlisberger - Cheering for "Big Ben" Versus "Ben"

Commentary: Even Non-Football fans like me know that the Steelers will be in the Super bowl on Sunday. I might not know much about the rules of football nor the goal (just kidding) but I am always interested in people and their stories.

A couple weeks ago CNN asked whether it was OK to cheer for Michael Vick or not. Michael Vick was convicted of dog fighting, did his time and is back on the field. Of course it's OK to cheer for the guy. In Christianity it is all about redemption and forgiveness.

Now it seems people ask the same about "Big Ben" who was accused (NOT charged )of sexual assault twice. Roethlisberger behavior and poor choices put him in those unfortunate situations . There is no telling whether he committed the crime or not. Only he and his accuser know for sure.

On Sunday the pastor said he hope the Steelers lose because he can't stand the guy. I thought that statement was interesting because I debated for an entire week whether to write this article or not and couldn't find enough written evidence that Ben Roethlisberger has changed even so I caught glimpse from a statement on k-love, a national Christian radio station.

It's been said that Roethlisberger actually came into football as a Christian. Then he got on the wrong path starting with the Motorcycle accident (He rode without helmet) and ending with two women apart from each other accusing him of sexual assault. He was suspended from playing four games and now bloggers are saying that he might be a different guy. At the end of last game Roethlisberger fell on his knees and later told CBS: " I tell you what. God is good" according to nfl.fanhouse.com. See link.

As Christians we have all sinned and came short of the Glory of God. Most of us are however not accused of something that serious. I hope and pray that he didn't do it. Since five weeks of investigation didn't lead to any charges I must go by the rule innocent until proven guilty.

Roethlisberger himself isn't proud of his life style as you can see in this interview . He speaks of "Big Ben" versus "Ben." Roethlisberger talks about growing up as Ben and started to feel invincible when he became Big Ben because of the money, the recognition and people who looked up to him. He acknowledged that he was selfish. But he still denies that he forced himself on a woman. He then admitted he didn't like who he saw in the mirror. and is "glad" that he "woke up." That sounds pretty much like a rededication to me especially if you add this comment in this video to that previous one. At the 1:50 mark in the video an all smiling Roethlisberger said: "Well I think.. it has to do with a lot of things. You know a lot of ..a lot of a eh praying and then talking to the Lord and saying Thank you for the opportunity that I get to play this game and like I said just to come back to the Super Bowl."

I love good redemption stories because it shows what God can do in people's life even so we mess our life sometimes up. King David messed up his life pretty bad and it started out with being in the wrong place at the wrong time by choice according to the bible. But we still consider him as a man of God because he asked God for forgiveness and God has forgiven him. If he can forgive David for accessory to murder I am sure he can forgive Roethlisberger, the Quarterback from the Steelers. I hope that the accuser has also forgiven Roethlisberger for what he has done in order for her to accuse him of sexual assault.

I only watch football once a year and that is Super Bowl Sunday. That is because I want to be able to talk about the commercials the next day. But if Ben shows up I just might cheer for him. If Big Ben willm then the Super Bowl Sunday will be just like the other ones in previous years.

Sources
In addition to Embedded Links I also read
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/chrono/27241444/0/L