Ben Roethlisberger

By now, most of you know the story. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger crashed his motorcycle on Monday, causing multiple facial fractures and lacerations in other places. He was released from the hospital Wednesday night, and doctors are confident he'll make a full recovery.

Most of you have also read that Roethlisberger publicly admits to riding his motorcycle without a helmet, which is legal in the state of Pennsylvania. He's been criticized by many, including the media and Steelers great Terry Bradshaw, who stated, "Ride it when you retire."

You want my opinion? Get off his back.

For what it's worth, he's still a 24-year-old kid. He still wants to live life to the fullest and thinks he's invincible. That all sounds like a load of crap, and it probably is, but that's his mindset. If he wants to ride without a helmet, who am I to chastise him? We've all done dumb things...

You might say that if you were in his shoes, you'd do everything you could to make sure your career isn't jeopardized... and you'd be lying. Everyone takes risks every day without knowing it. Does it make it more of a risk because Roethlisberger was aware of it? I say no.

I know what the response to this is, too: he's a Super Bowl champion quarterback with all the money one would ever need and a bright future; why isn't he protecting himself? My answer is: why do you care? Do you drive the speed limit and take protection whenever you are on the road? Do you eat the most healthy food whenever you go out? Do you wear condoms?

In other words, let the man do what he wants, and accept the fact that he'll live with the consequences. Funny thing is, he's the only one not complaining.