From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured when his motorcycle was involved in a crash on the 10th Street Bridge today.
Dr. Larry Jones of Mercy Hospital addressed the media at 1:25 p.m. and said that Roethlisberger was in serious but stable condition.
He was undergoing surgery for unspecified injuries.
Jones said that Roethlisberger was talking and cognizant of the situation.
Roethlisberger was injured shortly after 11:15 a.m. at the Second Avenue side of the bridge near the Armstrong Tunnel.
One Steelers source said Roethlisberger was in surgery for a broken jaw, an injury that can take approximately seven weeks to heal. The Steelers season starts in 12 weeks. Steelers' spokesman David Lockett would only confirm that Roethlisberger was involved in the accident and is being treated at Mercy Hospital.
An eyewitness said she saw a motorcycle headed outbound on Second Avenue as a car was coming inbound. The car, a Chrysler New Yorker with Maine plates, made a left turn toward the bridge in front of the cyclist. The motorcycle hit the car and the operator flew into the windshield and then hit the ground.
The witness said she went to the aid of the motorcyclist and asked his name. He said it was "Ben" and tried to get up, but she told him to stay still.
The victim was bleeding heavily from a head injury, and blood pooled on the pavement. The witness said he was not wearing a helmet.
Roethlisberger has been known to refuse to wear a helmet when operating his cycle.
The entire front end of the motorcycle, was destroyed. The car sustained damage on the passenger side door.
Let's hope his injuries are limited to a broken jaw. Motorcycle accidents can be bad news, especially when the cyclist isn't wearing his helmet. You'd think being a professional football player, a job which requires that he wear protective gear, he would understand that riding a motorcycle brings with it risks that are significantly more dangerous and life threatening.
Wizbang Sports is following this as well.
Watch the local news report here.
Cross Posted at Wizbang.
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