NEW YORK (Reuters) - Troubled Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been cleared to return to team activities next week, but no decision has been made on whether to reduce his six-game suspension.
The 28-year-old Roethlisberger, who won Super Bowls with Pittsburgh in 2006 and 2009, was suspended in April for the first six games of the upcoming regular season without pay after he was accused of sexual assault. No charges were filed.
Roethlisberger was told to undergo a behavioral evaluation as part of his suspension and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had said he would consider whether to reduce the suspension to four games.
"The commissioner will continue to monitor Roethlisberger's progress as he begins the next phase of his recommended plan and will meet with Roethlisberger again at the appropriate time," the league said in a statement late on Thursday.
"There has been no decision on any modification to the length of Roethlisberger's suspension."
The commissioner made his decision based on reports and recommendations of NFL medical experts, the league said.
Steelers president Art Rooney said in a statement he welcomed Roethlisberger's return.
"We look forward to having Ben rejoin his teammates on the practice field," said Rooney.
While Roethlisberger has enjoyed success on the field during his six-year career, his off-field behavior has often been questioned.
He also is being sued by a woman who accused him of rape in Lake Tahoe. Roethlisberger has denied the allegations and no criminal charges have been filed by the woman.
(Writing by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by Frank Pingue)
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.