Players' contracts should address basic protection

	The front of Ben Roethlisberger's motorcycle was extensively damaged. AP
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The first thing I'd like to hear out of Ben Roethlisberger's mouth when he speaks to the public is: "I'm going to wear a helmet every time I ride a motorcycle from now on.''

The second thing I'd like to hear him say is: "Of course, I'm not going to get on a motorcycle again until I retire from football.''

After people let out a sigh of relief that Roethlisberger was OK, here's what most of them said: "Why is the kid riding a motorcycle? It's too dangerous anyway.''

Not me. Hundreds of athletes ride motorcycles. You're telling me that no active player should be allowed to ride a motorcycle and that every team should have a no-bike clause in every player's contract? I don't buy it. Athletes shouldn't be banned from an activity like that. But I'll tell you what clause should be in every player's contract: a stipulation that a player's deal could be voided if he's ever found to be riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

And while we're at it, how dumb does Pennsylvania look for not making helmets mandatory? I heard a state legislator on the radio this morning say that this accident wouldn't cause him to change his mind. It's about human rights, he said. Riders should not be forced to wear a helmet.

I've got one for you, Mr. Politician. Let's repeal seat-belt laws, and gun laws, and minimum drinking ages, and let's just let America be the Wild, Wild West. Do what you want, when you want.

Laws are made to protect people, even when they think they don't need protecting. Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is about as basic as one can get in terms of human safety. It's irresponsible to argue the other side.

I'm glad to hear Roethlisberger is going to be OK. The game, its fans and that city would miss him terribly if he were laid up.

Now on to your e-mails.

BAN THE BIKE. From Jim Power of Sioux Falls, S.D.: "Just when I was preparing an outraged response to your failure to include the Steelers as one of your AFC picks, I learned that Big Ben has been hurt in a motorcycle accident. I hope he is doing well and makes a full recovery. But in light of other [motorcycle-related] accidents involving Kellen Winslow Jr. and Jay Williams, I also wonder whether pro sports teams can do anything to either discourage this activity or protect themselves in the event of an accident. I know many contracts prohibit it, but that approach does not seem to work. If nothing else, could the NFL at least give teams a cap exemption to replace a player who was lost to a non-football accident?''

Now that's a good question. The NFL has been pretty strict on such things since the advent of the cap, and I think some teams would argue that such an exemption would provide a license for players to behave foolishly, knowing the team could just add to its cap if a player got into a non-football accident.

MORE BEN FALLOUT. From Joseph Costabile Jr. of Laurence Harbor, N.J.: "What is going on with Ben Roethlisberger? Who cares what the law says? Your coach told you to wear a helmet. I would think that Sgt. Mike McGuire is wearing his helmet every day during his tour in Iraq. Too many of these pro athletes take their lives and lifestyles for granted and just don't care.''

Point well made.