Ben Roethlisberger's Former Steelers Teammate Absolutely Trashed His Morals And Leadership Ability

The Pittsburgh Steelers were led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for 18 seasons. Roethlisberger was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of Miami University. While Roethlisberger had some personal controversies early in his career, he appeared to have the respect and dedication of his teammates. It is not unusual to hear former players speak about Roethlisberger with a bit of reverence. 

However, apparently, that can't be said of all former players. Like the old saying goes, "You can't please everyone." While there are numerous stories of how Roethlisberger did all he could to help out his teammates, there are some stories of how some felt he was a bit of a cold fish. The most commonly discussed bad blood was between Roethlisberger and his possible heir apparent, Mason Rudolph. Rudolph felt that Roethlisberger didn't do all he could to help him out. Roethlisberger felt that Rudolph was there to steal his job. 

The offensive linemen in particular who were tasked with protecting Roethlisberger while on the field often tell stories of how they supported each other. They speak about how Roethlisberger helped keep them motivated and they in turn were willing to throw themselves in harm's way to protect him. But... apparently, not every former lineman feels that way.    

Steelers' Jonathan Scott Has No Love Lost For Ben Roethlisberger

Former Steelers offensive lineman Jonathan Scott recently appeared on the Select Few Podcast to talk about his new book The Winning Playbook: Strategies For Life On And Off The Field. While he was on the show, he was asked about working with Roethlisberger. 

Scott was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round in 2006. He battled several injuries early in his career, including a broken hip that had to be surgically repaired. After a stop with the Buffalo Bills, he joined the Steelers in 2010. He played that entire season, including in the loss to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. 

Heading into the Super Bowl, Scott had been starting in place of an injured Max Starks. There were concerns about his ability to shore up his side of the line, he just didn't have the skills that Flozell Adams did across from him. After the loss, he took the blame, and rightfully so, for the weaknesses in his part of the line. 

When asked about Roethlisberger, Scott appeared pained. He chuckled and commented that he needed a drink before he could even broach the subject. He's asked initially about the pros and cons of getting to work with the two-time Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer and gives a shocking answer.

"Pros, he's a tremendous athlete. Cons? Leadership style, I didn't agree with. I think he just didn't have the capacity to be a leader." 

He goes on to say that in his opinion, football players have a certain expectation of what they want for themselves, for their team, and for their careers. Scott said that Roethlisberger just did not live up to the expectations he had.  

Scott avoids answering if he was alone in his opinions about Roethlisberger or if it was how the majority of the team felt. He does say they were basically oil and water, they "didn't mesh at all." He adds that he wants to be honest, but also keep the conversation PC.

"I think there were some moments that his character didn't present itself or wasn't to the standard of what my father raised me, my uncles, my coaches, it was a difference. It was totally different from all the other quarterbacks that I played with and I didn't respect it. I'm a 40-year-old man now, I can say with humility, that we are not in alignment in regard to leadership. The way he moved, lived, I wasn't in alignment to how I moved and how I live." 

It seems likely that Scott is referring to some of the off-field personal drama that plagued Roethlisberger early in his career. He was accused of sexual assault twice, in 2009 and 2010. There were never any charges filed and Roethlisberger settled out of court with the individuals. He was also involved in a motorcycle accident in 2006, in which he was not wearing a helmet. The accident resulted in serious injuries. Reports came out that if the paramedics had not arrived when they did, he would have bled to death. 

There is no disputing that the once beloved quarterback had become a bit of a cad. Regardless of whether the accusations were true or not, Roethlisberger was placing himself in positions that allowed people to question his character. He acknowledged that he had disappointed the city and its fans, as well as let down his teammates. Then in 2011, he married Ashley and they had three children. He recommitted himself to his Christian faith. By all accounts now, Roethlisberger is a changed man.  

It is interesting that those changes began while Scott was a teammate and have continued on since, yet he does not acknowledge the growth made by his former quarterback. Instead, Scott appears to still be bitter. He does admit that he feels Roethlisberger "doesn't give two craps about me."

This is an unusual spin from a former teammate, one that is divergent from what fans usually hear. Do you think that Scott is in the minority in his opinion? Or do you think it has to do with the timing of when he was on the team, that he didn't get to see a more mature Roethlisberger? Tell us what you think below!

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