Roethlisberger suspension cut to 4 games

As expected, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reduced Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's suspension from six to four games.

Roethlisberger, who had been suspended last April for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, met with Goodell today in New York. Roethlisberger is eligible to play in the Steelers' Oct. 17 game against the visiting Browns.

His reinstatement is contingent upon Roethlisberger not violating the personal conduct polic.

"You have told me and the Steelers that you are committed to making better decisions," Goodell said in a letter to Roethlisberger. "Your actions over the past several months have been consistent with that promise and you must continue to honor that commitment."

Roethlisberger has been a model of good behavior since Goodell allowed him to return to the Steelers in June. Roethlisberger has vowed that the changes he had made are not temporary or just an attempt to get back into good standing with the Steelers and the NFL.

"I have learned a lot over the past several months about myself as a person," Roethlisberger said in a statement. "I am committed to continuing on this path of being the type of person my family raised me to be, and exceeding what is expected of me as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers."

During Roethlisberger's suspension he is not allowed to be at the Steelers' South Side headquarters or have any contact with the coaches, players or members of the front-office.

Steelers president Art Rooney II traveled with Roethlisberger to New York as a show of support for the franchise quarterback.

"Ben has done a good job this summer of growing as the person that he needs to, both and off the field. I am confident that Ben is committed to continuing in this positive direction," Rooney said. "As a team our focus is now on preparing for the regular season and getting off to a good start on opening weekend."