Roethlisberger: I’ve “Earned the Right” to Rip Teammates to the Press

The veteran quarterback didn't walk back his comments on his team after a loss to the Broncos.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had the option to pass off comments he made criticizing his team on a Pittsburgh radio show as frustration following a tough loss.

He didn’t do it.

Instead of walking back his remarks regarding how other members of the Steelers had contributed to a tough loss at Denver, the veteran Pittsburgh QB doubled down on what he had to say.

Accoring to Big Ben, he had “earned the right” to rip his teammates to the press and general public.

“Being around for a long time and dealing with a lot of different players you have to know how to motivate different guys in different ways,” Roethlisberger said. “I think that’s part of being a leader, being a captain, just understanding players. Sometimes you just grab them off to the side and sometimes you have to be honest with them. I think I’ve earned the right to be able to do that with as long as I’ve been here. I’ll be just as critical on myself in front of you guys, as well.”

The veteran signal-caller went on to say he hoped his teammates in the locker room would take the criticism well and understand it was coming from their captain and team quarterback.

Win the Ultimate Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Experience

Want the F1 experience of a lifetime? Here’s your chance to win tickets to see Turn 18 Grandstand, one of Ultimate Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix’s most premier grandstands!