Question of the day: Should Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension be reduced from six to four games?

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Reporters from around the Tribune family tackle the question of the day, then you get a chance to chime in and tell them why they’re wrong. Check back throughout the day for updates.

Ethan J. Skolnick, Sun Sentinel

The arbitrary nature of Roger Goodell’s discipline should make all sports fans uncomfortable. There seems to be little rhyme, reason or consistency to his punishment. It’s all fairly random.

But if he chooses to impose an indefinite suspension -- with wiggle room between the high and low limits of the athlete’s absence -- then he must reward the athlete for living up to whatever conditions he set.. And so far, Ben Roethlisberger, hasn’t done anything since the suspension that would warrant keeping him out the maximum six weeks. The quarterback has expressed remorse, not only for his behavior but for the way it has impacted his relationship with Pittsburgh fans. And he hasn’t done anything else that qualifies as stupid off the field... at least nothing we know of.

So four weeks should be fine.

Updated at 11:48 a.m.

Keith Groller, The Morning Call

From all accounts, Big Ben is a changed man and on his best behavior. That’s great. The NFL needs Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks to set the tone since they are the face of the league.

But no, if the punishment was six games back in April, it should be six now -- and no amount of autograph-signing and Salvation Army dinners served should reduce it. Those are some of the nice things players should be doing all the time, not just when they’re trying to impress the commish.

Roger Goodell needs to get rid of the gray area with rules and punishments. Perhaps six games were harsh from the start, especially since Roethlisberger was never arrested. In fact, he is the first player disciplined under the conduct policy who hasn’t been arrested or charged. So, a tough message was sent, and, evidently, received. Don’t soften it now.