NFL not just for heroes

A headline in the news today had me confused ... "Pittsburgh Steelers list Ben Roethlisberger as questionable." Yes, very questionable indeed.
Although the article discusses the broken bone in his right foot that may keep him from playing in Sunday's big game against rivals the Baltimore Ravens, my first thought was questionable in terms of character.
Big Ben, who I often refer to as Ben Rapelsberger, has been in the news over the past year or so for more than his good throwing arm. Two sexual assault allegations, one resulting in his six-game (later reduced to four) suspension. Story is he likes to pick up drunk-ass college chicks at college bars (who doesn't?). However, Benny Boy likes to get his bodyguard to usher them into the bathroom so he can share what he's working with (which makes me think of Brett Favre sexting pics of his wang -- not something I'd define as a turn on for most ladies).
Being in the NFL is a privilege. While males across the U.S. work 9 to 5 jobs, climb the corporate later and put in overtime doing work they typically don't enjoy, NFL players toss around the pigskin, playing the all American game of football for millions of dollars. The workouts and trainings are hard, don't get me wrong, but the bottom line is that they play a game for millions. Playing for big name teams, they are thrust into the spotlight and with this shining light comes attention from young and old, impressionable and impassive.
Most boys and some girls begin watching football early on with the male (typically) role models in their lives -- uncles, fathers, older brothers. It's a pastime that is passed down from generation to generation. Men and women alike spend hundreds of dollars and hours devoted to a football team each year, the wins and the losses. It's a large part of their lives -- preseason, the draft, regular season, playoffs, the Superbowl, injuries, paying $8+ for a draft beer at the stadium, etc.
What I don't understand is how people like Big Ben or Michael Vick (who served time in prison for an illegal dog fighting ring) are allowed to play with such misconduct in their personal lives. When I see Michael Vick on the big screen, I am filled with anger and disgust. A convicted monster (Vick) is given the privilege of playing football. He gets paid millions of dollars and lives a life of luxury even though he is a criminal!
Of course we know why he was allowed back -- he's a good player, but think about the children that watch the Eagles and see his strong throwing arm and think, "wow, I want to be like Michael Vick." What are you going to do? Tell your child to not root for Vick or Benny? When he asks "why daddy," what are you going to say?
The whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
The NFL needs to have more respect for the tradition of professional football and not allow these undesirables the privilege!