The Ben Roethlisberger Show, which airs as a weekly 20-minute segment during Cook and Joe in the midday on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan, is very different from most quarterback radio spots and Ben proved that again on Tuesday.
After NFL Insider Ian Rapoport stated Roethlisberger suffered cracked ribs two weeks ago during the Raider game and played through the injury against New England, Big Ben boldly denied the report on his radio show.
“You shouldn’t even say his name on this show because nothing that comes from what he says is there any truth to,” said Roethlisberger. “I don’t know where that guy gets his information from, so we’re not even gonna give him credence on this show, if that’s OK with you.”
A new trend in the NFL sees Insiders break news Sunday morning, shortly before the 1pm kickoff. Adam Schefter, Jason La Canfora and others offer inside information that will generate a buzz, but Roethlisberger vehemently went after Rapoport’s most recent news drop.
Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Marcus Mariotta and Matthew Stafford are a few NFL quarterbacks with weekly radio segments. The names draw attention, but usually quarterbacks will avoid saying anything before putting themselves at risk of making headlines. Roethlisberger, though, is always willing to speak open and honestly.
While on 93.7 The Fan, Big Ben contemplated retirement after losing to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, said Martavis Bryant had to toughen up, criticized Antonio Brown for being on Facebook Live in the locker-room and revealed he was suffering from an injury days before a playoff game.
Many of the headlines Roethlisberger has made would have led teams to cancel the segment, but Big Ben has been on 93.7 The Fan for six seasons and continues to keep his show interesting.
UPDATE (Dec. 19, 2018 at 3:08 pm): Ian Rapoport was a guest with Dunlap & Mack on 93.7 the Fan this morning and was asked about Roethlisberger’s comments. Rapoport had nothing but nice things to say about the QB, but also didn’t back off his report.
Rapoport said that he was “very confident” in both his information and his sources and is standing by his report. When he was asked why he and Ben Roethlisberger have an “icy” relationship, Rapoport said that “personally, there is no relationship” and then added that he respects that the QB being willing to say exactly what he thinks instead of pretend he has no problem with someone that he strongly disagrees with.
When he was asked if he thought Roethlisberger’s problems go back to when Rapoport reported he might have been traded four years ago the reporter said that was possible.
“Probably. I haven’t talked to him about it, but this happens not just with Ben, but with other people, players, coaches, GMs, whoever, even agents. You know, sometimes you report on things some people don’t like. Some say ‘Hey, I understand you were told this by multiple sources and you had to report it.’ Others will hold it against you forever.”
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.