Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who led his team to victory in the 2009 Super Bowl, has finally returned after facing a suspension.
Roethlisberger returned to his home team after his ban came to an end. He is not the only star player who has been able to rejoin his team as Santonio Holmes of the New York Jets has also returned. There are a total of seven players whose bans have ended including last season's best defensive rookie, Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans.
"I couldn't wait to get here," Roethlisberger said on his first day back with his team. He played a crucial role in his team's victories after the 2005 and 2008 seasons
Linebackers have faced many bans in recent years including Cushing who was suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs. Gerald McRath of the Tennessee Titans and Robert James of the Atlanta Falcons were also suspended on the same charges.
Wide receiver Holmes was originally with the Steelers but he was traded to the Jets in the off-season. Shawn Nelson, who is the tight end for the Bills, and Broncos running back LenDale White were also suspended for substance abuse. White is facing injuries and does not have a chance playing this season.
Roethlisberger was not accused of the usual charges of substance abuse that most of his compatriots face. He was reportedly involved in a sexual assault where he molested a Georgia college student following a drinking frenzy in a college bar March 5. The charges have never been proven but he was suspended under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
