Big Ben Out For Only Four Games

NEW YORK (AP) - Ben Roethlisberger's suspension has been reduced from six games to four by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The Pittsburgh Steelers' star quarterback met with Goodell early Friday and was told he could return on Oct. 17 against Cleveland.When Roethlisberger was suspended in April for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Goodell said he would review the player's behavior over the next few months. Goodell was satisfied that Roethlisberger has followed the league's guidelines and stayed out of trouble.

The NFL's statement:

Commissioner Goodell met with Ben Roethlisberger today and notified him that his suspension has been reduced to the Steelers' first four regular-season games. The reinstatement is contingent on Roethlisberger continuing to adhere to the program established by our advisors and avoiding any further violations of the Personal Conduct Policy. During the suspension, Roethlisberger cannot be at the team's practice facility, attend games, represent the club publicly in any way, have contact with any member of the coaching staff or other football operations personnel, or engage in any team football-related activities or discussions with teammates away from team facilities. 'You have told me and the Steelers that you are committed to making better decisions,' Commissioner Goodell said in a letter to Roethlisberger. 'Your actions over the past several months have been consistent with that promise and you must continue to honor that commitment.'"