The Bobcat Nation

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13279232/

Oh well, Ron Gant, Kellen Winslow...

Cat Grad wrote:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13279232/

Oh well, Ron Gant, Kellen Winslow...

Jay Williams (Duke, Chicago Bulls...)

Is it that hard to understand that not wearing a helmet is probably not the smartest thing in the world?

There are a few problems that result from athletes riding motorcycles. The biggest issue is not wearing a helmet for sure, but a huge problem is that most of these guys get their contract and go out and buy the biggest, baddest motorcycle available without having ever ridden before. Without starting out riding something smaller and easier to control you will never be a great rider and thus you will get in an accident. The same problem exists with a lot of 45-55 year old men you finally have the money to afford a huge bike so they buy one without actually riding anything else before.

I think we will see it more and more with athletes and the motorcycle hype continues. Most of these guys simply don't know how to ride and they hop on the biggest motorcycle they can get a hold of.

If someone was giving me $5-10 mil a year to play football or what ever. I would wear a motorcycle helmet during intimate moments with my partner if they asked!!!!!

Anytime something like this happens, all I can think is that it is the most selfish thing an athlete can do. Never mind the injury to the guy - that's evident. But there is no respect to the team or the organization when you do this! And after the coach has asked you not to go riding, and still turn around and do it shows a great deal of immaturity. Like Bradshaw said, do it after you retire. It's not like these guys are old, senior citizens when they leave the game! Most are still in their late 30's or early 40's. Go ride then. Dumb Ben, as he should now be referred to, has temprarily left his team without a leader and a huge contract to pay-off.

That's very sad, this whole situation. They didn't tell how fast Ben was going here, but I bet he wasn't just poking along. With as much money as he is getting paid, he could afford to ride with a helmet, especially if he's riding like an idiot. I agree with 1BadBobcat that it is the most selfish thing an athlete can do, especially hurting a classy organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers. This accident will not just hurt Ben, but his team on their quest to repeat as world champions. Terry Bradshaw got it right this time.

Ben Loses most of his teeth.
Fractured Jaw.
Seriosusly injured both knees when he hit the ground.
Concusion.
Misc cuts and Buise

mslacat wrote:Ben Loses most of his teeth.
Fractured Jaw.
Seriosusly injured both knees when he hit the ground.
Concusion.
Misc cuts and Buise

Where did you get that information? All the reports say that his condition is unknown and your information says when he hit the ground. All accounts so far say he landed on another car. I would hate for news like that to be spread if it is false.

rtb wrote:

mslacat wrote:Ben Loses most of his teeth.
Fractured Jaw.
Seriosusly injured both knees when he hit the ground.
Concusion.
Misc cuts and Buise

Where did you get that information? All the reports say that his condition is unknown and your information says when he hit the ground. All accounts so far say he landed on another car. I would hate for news like that to be spread if it is false.

ESPNRADIO

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2480830

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2481004

mslacat wrote:

rtb wrote:

mslacat wrote:Ben Loses most of his teeth.
Fractured Jaw.
Seriosusly injured both knees when he hit the ground.
Concusion.
Misc cuts and Buise

Where did you get that information? All the reports say that his condition is unknown and your information says when he hit the ground. All accounts so far say he landed on another car. I would hate for news like that to be spread if it is false.

ESPNRADIO

Got it, I realized that the ESPNRADIO broadcast I was listening to was recorded earlier and wasn't up-to-date. I just heard the up-to-date status and realized my mistake. THANKS!

some of this talk after his accident bothers me. where do we draw the line. i agree it was not a smart move on his part. but the talk that it is the most selfish thing an athlete can do? really? they are still people. and if it is JUST about the money, then maybe it is selfish. but if it is such a big deal, then why doesn't the nfl ban motorcycles like they do weed? i don't buy the selfish talk. if this is the case, then it is selfish for every single one of us to do anything with any risk involved. after all, we all have family that care about us. and i can only speak for myself, but if i was in the same accident, we wouldn't be calling me selfish, and worrying about my money. but i'd be selfish because i have a wife and kids right? he is a young man who had an accident, and is fortunate it wasn't serious. i wish some people would look in a mirror befor they constantly judge people. looks like he will be alright in the long run, and john clayton reported that he shouldn't miss any time because of this. careless? yes. selfish? not in my opinion.

whitetrashgriz wrote:some of this talk after his accident bothers me. where do we draw the line. i agree it was not a smart move on his part. but the talk that it is the most selfish thing an athlete can do? really? they are still people. and if it is JUST about the money, then maybe it is selfish. but if it is such a big deal, then why doesn't the nfl ban motorcycles like they do weed? i don't buy the selfish talk. if this is the case, then it is selfish for every single one of us to do anything with any risk involved. after all, we all have family that care about us. and i can only speak for myself, but if i was in the same accident, we wouldn't be calling me selfish, and worrying about my money. but i'd be selfish because i have a wife and kids right? he is a young man who had an accident, and is fortunate it wasn't serious. i wish some people would look in a mirror befor they constantly judge people. looks like he will be alright in the long run, and john clayton reported that he shouldn't miss any time because of this. careless? yes. selfish? not in my opinion.

I concur with this guy; and although I don't believe this would qualify for inclusion for the Darwins were he to get killed, it certainly lets those around him down, the league, and those who support the league--the fans. My thoughts and opinion, and we all know what corelates to opinions.

whitetrashgriz wrote:some of this talk after his accident bothers me. where do we draw the line. i agree it was not a smart move on his part. but the talk that it is the most selfish thing an athlete can do? really? they are still people. and if it is JUST about the money, then maybe it is selfish. but if it is such a big deal, then why doesn't the nfl ban motorcycles like they do weed? i don't buy the selfish talk. if this is the case, then it is selfish for every single one of us to do anything with any risk involved. after all, we all have family that care about us. and i can only speak for myself, but if i was in the same accident, we wouldn't be calling me selfish, and worrying about my money. but i'd be selfish because i have a wife and kids right? he is a young man who had an accident, and is fortunate it wasn't serious. i wish some people would look in a mirror befor they constantly judge people. looks like he will be alright in the long run, and john clayton reported that he shouldn't miss any time because of this. careless? yes. selfish? not in my opinion.

Most contracts do contain "dangerous activities" clauses that regulate behavior, like the one Winslow signed allowing the Browns to recoup some of the signing bonus

catamaran wrote:

whitetrashgriz wrote:some of this talk after his accident bothers me. where do we draw the line. i agree it was not a smart move on his part. but the talk that it is the most selfish thing an athlete can do? really? they are still people. and if it is JUST about the money, then maybe it is selfish. but if it is such a big deal, then why doesn't the nfl ban motorcycles like they do weed? i don't buy the selfish talk. if this is the case, then it is selfish for every single one of us to do anything with any risk involved. after all, we all have family that care about us. and i can only speak for myself, but if i was in the same accident, we wouldn't be calling me selfish, and worrying about my money. but i'd be selfish because i have a wife and kids right? he is a young man who had an accident, and is fortunate it wasn't serious. i wish some people would look in a mirror befor they constantly judge people. looks like he will be alright in the long run, and john clayton reported that he shouldn't miss any time because of this. careless? yes. selfish? not in my opinion.

Most contracts do contain "dangerous activities" clauses that regulate behavior, like the one Winslow signed allowing the Browns to recoup some of the signing bonus

exactly, although from what i understand, winslows was very specific to motorcycles. it just seems to me that if riding a motorcycle is so selfish, and this is the concensus around the league, why don't they ban them? and while they are at it, sports cars, hummers, private planes, and boats because they are dangerous as well, and one using these forms of transportation would just be selfish using them!

ESPNRadio Dan Patrick Show:

Big Ben may not have had a valid Motorcycle liecence.

Wears a helmet 6-7 days a week, shouldn't be uncomfortable for him.

Billings_Griz wrote:Wears a helmet 6-7 days a week, shouldn't be uncomfortable for him.

Good point.

grizzh8r wrote:

Billings_Griz wrote:Wears a helmet 6-7 days a week, shouldn't be uncomfortable for him.

Good point.

i dont think that comfort is the main issue with ben or anyone else who likes to ride and doesn't wanna wear a helmet.