Quote (fuzzy159 @ 3 Oct 2010 20:27)

With the Colts losing we still should be #1 in the power rankings.

Quote (imabe @ 3 Oct 2010 20:25)

lol

Quote

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger returned to the team on Monday after the completion of his four-game suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy.

He joined a team that started 3-1 without him in the lineup, but said he's eager to start contributing at practice on Tuesday and when the team returns from bye in Week 6.

Roethlisberger, who became a lightning rod for criticism after a Georgia DA declined to prosecute him following an investigation into a sexual assault allegation in March, said he doesn't know how fans will respond to him when he takes the field.

As he encountered fans around Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger said, "it's been a lot of warm embraces, a lot of 'can't wait to get you back ... keep your head up.'

"I would hope there's going to be some encouraging cheers and some good things, I hope."

Roethlisberger, who was banned from having any contact with the team during his suspension, said he was welcomed eagerly back into the Steelers facility by teammates.

"To be away from my guys, my brothers, my family, that was one of the hardest parts," he said.

"I think every single one of the guys came up and gave me a big hug."

Roethlisberger said he watched all of the Steelers' games as a fan ("I have no fingernails left," he said.), and worked out for multiple hours every day.

Quote (virtualMayhem @ Oct 4 2010 02:44pm)

He's back.

Quote (Honestly @ Oct 4 2010 04:45pm)

you mean violating the leages pesonal rape policy?
big ben is a coward like that whole franchise

Quote (built2burn @ 4 Oct 2010 16:50)

not raep
they were asking for it and you know it

Quote

Roethlisberger was reinstated by the NFL Monday following a four-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians already had drawn-up plays waiting for him to review. Roethlisberger attended a team meeting in advance of Tuesday's practice, his first since training camp.

"One of the worst parts about it is that I love football and I miss that more than anything. But to be away from my guys, my brothers, my family, that was one of the worst parts and that's what made coming here today so great," Roethlisberger said.

He said he received a warm reception from his teammates.

"Every single one of the guys I've seen gave me a big hug. I was just so happy to see that and they were so happy to see me as well," Roethlisberger said.

Roethlisberger said he worked on his game during his suspension. He said his arm is ready and would be ready to play on Sunday if the schedule called for it.

"I worked out a lot. I worked out for two, two and a half hours. I worked out more than I would and threw more balls than I would have here. I worked with a quarterbacks coach on footwork, technique, film, things like that," he said.

The Steelers were 3-1 in his absence and established themselves as one of the top teams in the AFC.

"I think there's a lot of great chemistry on this team right now," Roethlisberger said. "They are playing great football on offense, defense and special teams from what I've been able to watch of the games. I'm not coming to try to be anything more than what I am. I'm just trying to be helpful and do whatever I can to help this team win football games."

Roethlisberger said that his absence from the team made him appreciate the preparation that goes into being an NFL player. He had missed games before due to injury, but this was the first time football was taken away from him for an extended period.

"I hate being away from football. [I learned] how much you appreciate meetings and practice and the guys," he said.

Pittsburgh has a bye before playing the Cleveland Browns (1-3) at Heinz Field on Oct. 17.

"I want to play this week. That's the hard part; I want to be out there right away," Roethlisberger said. "But it's a good thing to have two weeks of practice. But my arm is ready. I'm not worried about my arm. I think the biggest thing is refreshing my mind with the offense and getting timing down with these guys."

Quote (Honestly @ Oct 4 2010 04:45pm)

you mean violating the leages pesonal rape policy?
big ben is a coward like that whole franchise