PITTSBURGH, June 14 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers had warned Ben Roethlisberger about riding without a helmet prior to the motorcycle wreck that left him with head and facial injuries.
Steelers Coach Bill Cowher told his Super Bowl-winning quarterback not to bike without a helmet and team sent a letter to Roethlisberger's agent last year that said riding a motorcycle violated his contract, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Wednesday.
Roethlisberger suffered head and facial injuries when his motorcycle slammed into a car Monday.
Although he had a valid driver's license, his state-required permit to ride a motorcycle had expired in March, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said.
Police were still investigating the accident and no charges had been filed.
Roethlisberger, who suffered upper and lower jaw fractures, a broken nose and a mild concussion, remained hospitalized in fair condition Wednesday, KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh, reported.
The TV news quoted sources saying they were confident the quarterback would be ready to lead the team in its Sept. 7 season opener against Miami.
