For being an established national publication that has often been held in high regard, Sports Illustrated should be ashamed of themselves for their recent story on Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Specifically the author of it, S.L. Price.

In a nutshell, Price’s article was an attempt at bringing up Roethlisberger’s somewhat checkered past, with blatant ignorance to his evolution as a person and player.

I get that it makes sense to put Roethlisberger on the cover of the magazine – with the Steelers in the playoffs, fans will pay attention to it; but to try to call out Big Ben and stir up past controversies is irresponsible journalism.

The crux of Price’s story centers around how Roethlisberger no longer listed his hometown as Findlay, Ohio in the team’s 2010 media guide, after a second rape allegation. The reason being that the town basically turned their back on him, even though his first six years in the NFL, Roethlisberger proudly called Findlay home, and did plenty of community work there.

In short, he felt let down and betrayed by people he thought were his friends.

Rape is no laughable allegation. Innocence should not be presumed because of someone’s social status, but nor should guilt.

Ben Roethlisberger has a past full of negativity. From two sexual assault allegations, to being a bad teammate, to being an arrogant young NFL star – his road to redemption has been anything but smooth. Although he was never charged with any crimes, the allegations against him helped shape a public perception that people can’t shake, no matter how much time passes.

The court of public opinion can be a harsh one. People are crucified almost mercilessly before the truth comes out, when an incident hits the news. Some can’t accept that Roethlisberger was never charged with any sexual assaults, even after extensive investigations.

Never mind that he filed counter-suits for defamation: in the minds of some in, he is guilty, and therefore his redemption cannot be accepted.

I choose not to think this way, and I also don’t believe Roethlisberger to be a very polarizing figure anymore –  a word Price used in his story title. Polarizing means a strict division between factions.

Either they love you or they hate you.

This may have been true six years ago regarding Big Ben, but not anymore.

After the allegation in 2010, Roethlisberger set out to rebuild his name, rebuild his relationships, and become a better teammate and leader. Ask anyone in his personal or professional life today, and he is the quintessential teammate, friend, father, and husband. So why is it that people such as Price need to bring up a past that Roethlisberger has worked so hard to put behind him?

Big Ben was thrust into the national limelight almost immediately after winning 13 games in a row during his rookie season of 2004. He won a Super Bowl title the following season. Another Super Bowl title followed in 2008, and another Super Bowl appearance in 2010.

During those early years, a young Roethlisberger had trouble adjusting to the fame. He became arrogant. He wasn’t the greatest teammate. Some of his teammates even resented him, and after his second sexual assault allegation, the fans turned on him as well. Being able to withstand such a whirlwind, then completely turn his life around, says a lot about how much Roethlisberger has matured and evolved as a man.

I am not here to presume over his guilt or innocence over allegations. I am simply here to say that it’s time people leave the past where it belongs – in the past.

Roethlisberger has been a model citizen, teammate, husband, father, son, and community man for over six years. We haven’t heard his name in the media for so much as a traffic ticket.

Some may refuse to change their minds about him. The court of public opinion is a difficult one to sway.

You don’t have to like Roethlisberger’s redemption: but you have to accept it.