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Roethlisberger's accident has triggered talk about whether NFL contracts should include additional safeguards forbidding players to engage in potentially dangerous activities—and motorcycle riding could top the list. I suppose one could include a "no-motorcycles" contract clause, but at some point, common sense should trump a contract. And when you're the $45 million franchise player, as Big Ben is, you owe it to your team to not do anything stupid.

Roethlisberger, a Christian, may do well to read some words from Isaiah, who addressed the same kind of stubbornness—and even man's insatiable quest for speed—when he wrote a chapter that begins, "Woe to the obstinate children …". The prophet wrote: "This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, "No, we will flee on horses … We will ride off on swift horses"'" (Isaiah 30:15-16).

Big Ben's bullheadedness wasn't likely of the spiritual variety—though there may have been some pride involved ("I'm invincible!"). But the view from here seems simple enough: Next time you saddle up, Ben, wear a helmet. Set an example. Be a role model. Or don't ride at all.

Mark Moring, editor of ChristianityTodayMovies.com and ChristianMusicToday.com, is terrified of motorcycles, and admits a bit of a bias here. He's also never played a real soccer game in his life, but it doesn't take an expert to see how poorly the U.S. played the other day.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Earlier Play Ball columns include:

Onward Christian Shortstops | The Colorado Rockies make a noble—if problematic—plan for winning. (June 1, 2006)

Incomplete Sentences | Many pro athletes convicted of a crime are sentenced to a lame excuse for "community service." It's time for the legal system to show a little backbone. (May 11, 2006)

Bowling Alone No More | A stealth revolution in attitude may be brewing. (May 4, 2006)

Sports as Soap Opera | Sportswriters seem to have forgotten their godly calling. By Mark Galli (April 27,2006)

'You Trying to Say Jesus Christ Can't Hit a Curveball?' | Fans vent their frustration on struggling slugger who professes religious devotion. By Collin Hansen (Apr., 20, 2006)

Un Problema Grande, No? | What major league baseball reveals about the dangers of immigration. By Mark Galli (Apr. 13, 2006)

WWJWD? | In the wake of UCLA's loss in Monday's NCAA championship game, I couldn't help but wonder: What would John Wooden do? By Mark Moring (April 6, 2006)

There IS Crying in Basketball | If only we all had something so precious to weep about. By Collin Hansen (March 30, 2006)

Pirates vs. Braves | Reforming sports one city at a time. By Mark Galli (March 23, 2006)

Bjorn Again? | It's been a while since tennis legend Bjorn Borg was in the news. Too bad he's back because he's selling his Wimbledon trophies. By Mark Moring (March 16, 2006)

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June (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50