'Embarrassing' For NFL To Claim Ben Roethlisberger Wasn't Using Cell Phone

BOSTON (CBS) -- It really wouldn't be a big deal if Ben Roethlisberger used his cell phone on the sideline, so why is the NFL going to great lengths to lie about it?

In case you missed it, on Thursday night, TV cameras showed Ben Roethlisberger using what looks very much like a cell phone.

The NFL does forbid phone usage during games. Browns GM Ray Farmer was suspended for four games for texting during games last season, violating the league's electronic device policy.

So when Roethlisberger appeared on TV with what looked like a big cell phone, antennae were raised around the country.

But no, the NFL says, that was not a cell phone.

In an email to CSNNE's Tom Curran, NFL director of AFC communications Jon Zimmer said, "Roethlisberger was holding a black arm band with a clear cover that contained the Steelers play sheet. It was not a phone."

Seriously?

"It was a cell phone," said Marc Bertrand. "There's no doubt in my mind."

"My 5-year-old would know that's a cell phone," said Scott Zolak. "You can see the volume buttons on the side of the phone."

"This is so bad by the league. You're so stupid," said Zolak.

"It's embarrassing," said Bertrand. "I just don't understand how they could want anyone to believe that that was not a cell phone. He puts it in his pocket like a phone! It's all on tape. It's so bad. It's so obvious that he's on his phone. It's not even close! And he looks like he's hiding it, like he almost knew that he shouldn't be on it for very long, because someone might notice that he's on it."

Both Zolak and Bertrand agreed it really wouldn't be a big deal if Roethlisberger used his phone for a few seconds on Thursday night. But the NFL's statement is embarrassing.

"It's a joke," said Beetle. "It's just so ridiculous that they expect us to believe that."

In:
• NFL
• Ben Roethlisberger
• Marc Bertrand