Might want to sell those bikes, Ben

My initial thought when I heard about Ben Roethlisberger's motorcycle accident yesterday was "Why the hell do athletes ride motorcycles?"

Visions of Jay Williams, Jeff Kent (um, allegedly), and Kellen Winslow filled my mind. And two of those three have likely cost themselves dearly, in terms of their careers. Granted, that's a tiny percentage of the pro athlete population. But how many examples does a guy need before thinking, "Hey, I could cost myself a lot of money by getting on this thing. Is it worth millions of dollars to ride my bike?"

There's a lot of different ways to go with this, especially when it comes to freedom of expression and choice. If a guy chooses to ride a motorcycle, if that's a hobby and lifestyle he enjoys, then he should be able to do that. And though it seems ludicrous to me not to wear one, if someone prefers to go without a helmet, despite the inherent and obvious risks, then maybe a law shouldn't make it necessary. On the other hand, maybe the government should force common sense on a person, for his or her own good. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it, because this isn't something that would apply to me.

But when you read that Roethlisberger's head hit both a windshield and the pavement, you have to think wearing a helmet would've mattered significantly. Eyewitness accounts of the scene seem to indicate that Roethlisberger wasn't at fault. Someone tried to turn left without yielding to oncoming traffic, and seconds later, Big Ben was flying over his handlebars. Which situation did he have control over?

Should sports teams tell their players they can't engage in this type of behavior? If I were a general manager or owner of a franchise, I'd say "Hell, yes!" And if the athlete said I had no right to tell him how to live his life, I'd ask my legion of assistants to bring his contract to my desk, and ask him, "Oh yeah? How much am I paying you again, Norma Rae?" (I hope I'd also have a clause in the contract that my lawyers could immediately point to. And then I'd have someone fetch me a martini and a sandwich.)

It's not like I'd be telling the guy who he can or can't date. I wouldn't be telling him he should call his mother every day. Or visit childrens' hospitals. But wouldn't I be entitled to make sure I get the most for my multi-million dollar investment? That's not outrageous, is it?

But after seven hours of surgery to repair facial fractures, and who knows how many subsequent procedures to fix whatever other damage he suffered (sounds like he needs a lot of new teeth, for one thing), maybe Roethlisberger's already thinking about this stuff, and standing over him, wagging an "I told you so" finger, is essentially kicking the man while he's down. (Another kick? Well, pointing out that Roethlisberger didn't have a Pennsylvania motorcycle license might qualify.)

One would hope he'd realize just how stinkin' lucky he is 1) to still be alive, and 2) that his injuries reportedly aren't career-threatening.

▪▪ Has Tommy Maddox already sewn up the Sports Asshole of the Year award?

Representatives for Tommy Maddox called the Steelers to see if they would have any interest in re-signing their former quarterback. This offseason, Maddox has worked out for the Saints, Raiders, Dolphins and Texans. Maddox wants to play -- not at the expense of Ben Roethlisberger -- but he would like work. Perhaps this will give him a chance.

The report doesn't indicate if Maddox's representatives called the Steelers shortly after Roethlisberger's accident. But if they did, what a sensitive move - in the best interests of their client, of course.

(Photo by Steve Mellon/ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)