Scott Van Pelt faces attention after on-air mistake linking Ben Roethlisberger and Deshaun Watson to past allegations
The incident reportedly happened during the Steelers’ Week 8 meeting with the Browns on November 1, 2026. Pittsburgh won the game 27-6 at Acrisure Stadium, improving its record to 6-2. Because both players have faced sexual misconduct allegations during their NFL careers, a clip of the remark began circulating online, drawing attention.
He said, “We talked a bit about the r**ists that were looking up on the grounds and fields. ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt found himself at the center of an awkward moment after making a serious verbal mistake while discussing former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson . However, the two cases had different legal outcomes, making the comment particularly sensitive. However, a clip shared by Dov Kleiman on X brought attention to something that happened away from the action on the field. During the segment, Van Pelt appeared to mix up his words while talking about Roethlisberger and Watson. I should say Ben Roethlisberger in the building on a beautiful day in Dawg Pound.”
The punishment was later reduced to four games in September 2010. The NFL, however, reached a disciplinary settlement with Watson in August 2022. He received an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The final two civil lawsuits connected to the allegations were dismissed in 2026, leaving no known pending lawsuits related to those claims. nfl.com +3, according to the Associated Press.
Because both quarterbacks have been connected to serious allegations in the past, still, the wording quickly became sensitive. The remark appeared to be an unintended verbal slip rather than a factual accusation against either player. It is important to note that the game itself was broadcast on CBS, with Kevin Harlan and Trent Green on commentary. However, the district attorney decided not to file criminal charges after investigating the case. That did not prevent the NFL from taking disciplinary action. Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Roethlisberger for six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He also had to undergo mandatory evaluation and treatment. There have also been important updates in Watson’s legal cases.