5 NFL suspensions that shattered a player's reputation feat. Ben Roethlisberger, Deshaun WatsonÂ
NFL players are mostly remembered for their play on the football field. The league is filled with some of the best athletes in the world competing in one of the most popular sports. Their legacy is almost always defined by their significant accomplishments during their careers.
While NFL players spend their careers building a reputation on the field, their actions off it can sometimes be equally as important to their overall legacy. Players sometimes get suspended for a case that becomes national headline news, which can completely alter their reputation. Here are five such examples.
#1 - Michael Vick
Michael Vick is known for being one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history. He was the first quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. He is also the only quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 6,000 career rushing yards.
Vick will also always be remembered for his involvement with Bad Newz Kennels, an illegal dog-fighting ring that was brought down by the federal government. Vick was charged with conspiracy after being found guilty of funding the gambling side of the operation. He was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and served nearly two years in prison before eventually being reinstated.
#2 - Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger was accused of sexual misconduct by two separate alleged victims between 2009 and 2010. After an investigation, he was excused from being indicted on criminal charges due to a lack of substantial evidence supporting the accusations.
.@WhitlockJason compares Jameis Winston to Ben Roethlisberger and explains why a 3-game suspension isn't enough. (Part 1) https://t.co/ZfSKTfPdgq
Despite never being charged criminally and the case never even going to trial, Roethlisberger received a six-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension was later reduced to four games following an appeal.