Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games without pay Wednesday for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, which means the Pittsburgh quarterback will miss the Steelers' first meeting with the Ravens (Oct. 3).
That is a major loss for the Steelers, who are 7-2 against the Ravens when Roethlisberger is the starter.
Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his decision a week after prosecutors decided not to charge Roethlisberger after a 20-year-old college student accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Georgia nightclub in March.
The suspension could be reduced to four games or extended to include more games based on Roethlisberger's behavior.
Goodell said the league's conduct policy gave him the right to impose discipline.
"I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you," he said in his letter to Roethlisberger.
"My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor. That said, you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans."