Hines Ward apologizes to Roethlisberger for questioning his toughness after sitting out game

Ward apologizes for questioning QB’s toughness

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward has apologized for questioning the toughness of Ben Roethlisberger, who sat out Sunday’s loss because of a concussion.

Ward said Tuesday he spoke emotionally without knowing a team neurologist recommended that Roethlisberger not play.

Ward talked with Roethlisberger and coach Mike Tomlin, expressing regret for a pregame NBC-TV interview in which he said the Steelers’ locker room was split 50-50 whether the quarterback should play.

Ward was among the players unhappy they didn’t learn until Saturday that Roethlisberger wouldn’t play. Because Roethlisberger practiced as the starter all week, No. 3 quarterback Dennis Dixon was forced to make his first NFL start with little preparation before the 20-17 overtime loss in Baltimore.