NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger today for a maximum of six games without pay to start the 2010 season, a suspension that could be reduced to four games if he successfully completes counseling or treatment mandated by the NFL.
Roethlisberger will not be able to participate in any team activity until he completes a professional behavioral evaluation.
The suspension means Roethlisberger will miss at least four games to open the season against Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay and Baltimore. The Steelers have the bye week in the season’s fifth week and then play Cleveland and Miami, additional games Roethlisberger would miss if he gets the full suspension Goodell issued today.