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Will LaDainian Tomlinson be able to handle a lesser role with the Jets? NBCSports.com contributor Dan Pompei wonders.

Q: Why would Ben Roethlisberger put himself in a position to have some alleged sexual assault? Don’t professional athletes know they have to be role models?
— Gus Rock, Allentown, Penn.

A: We need to be careful about making assumptions based on accusations. I’m not sure what happened with Roethlisberger, so I am in no position to pass judgment. But in general, I would agree that professional athletes need to know that they are being watched and they are being held to high standards. I would also caution anyone against expecting athletes to be role models. They are athletes — and that’s all. The best role models are parents, relatives, teachers and friends.

Q: Dan, what do you make of the Dolphins’ getting Karlos Dansby? Will he just coast after getting his big deal?
— Jaxon McIntyre, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

A: Dansby is a very good player and he will be an upgrade for the Dolphins. Any team would want him. But he is an inside linebacker — and inside linebackers in 3-4 defenses usually are not difference makers. By that I mean they usually don’t make many big plays. It will be interesting to see how Dansby fits with his new team.

Q: During the NFL combines, you hear so much about how fast someone ran the 40-yard dash, how high did he jump and how many reps was made with lifts. But how do you judge a person's heart for the game of football.
— Eli Hawthorne, Carson, Calif.

A: Many mistakes are made because talent evaluators either overlook or misread a player’s passion for the game. But it really shouldn’t be that difficult to figure out. Look at the game tape. If the player plays like he loves the game, he does. And team interviews with a player also can be telling regarding a player’s heart.

Q: The kids took me to a Bears exhibition game. $58 bucks for the nosebleed corner. In my 80 years I have never seen the Monsters in reverse as will be this coming season. Draft Day usually meant hope, but now they've taken that away ... and a nosebleed seat will cost $68 in 2010. A pox on all, starting with Ted Phillips. Comment?
— Dick Kruzan, Schererville, Ind.

A: I understand your frustration, and the frustration of all sports fans who have to endure losing seasons. The price of going to most professional sporting events is outrageous, and I don’t understand how most people can afford it, especially in this economy. But winning consistently in the NFL is not easy. And teams’ inconsistencies rarely are the result of lack of effort. Sometimes we just have to appreciate the competition, athleticism and strategy — even if our team doesn’t win. No matter what happens, it’s almost always exceptional entertainment, and it’s still the best sport in the world.

Q: When will the NFL change their replay procedures? The college process is much faster. I can sit on my couch and call in the results to the ref faster than he can make his announcement on the field, march to the sidelines, put on the headset, wait for the replay to cue, go under the hood, watch the three different angles, determine the time on the clock, confer with booth officials, march back out to the field, deliver his decision, then get set for resumption of play. Way too long. Replay is a good thing — just speed it up.
— Bruce Jessup, Seattle

A: The NFL’s emphasis on replay always has been more on getting it right than getting it fast. And I don’t see that changing. However, if there are ways to speed up the process without rushing the decisions, I’m sure the league would be open to making changes.

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