The easy part in this Ben Roethlisberger saga is understanding consequence. The difficult part is comprehending motive. It's not the same. It's not as simple as labeling the young Steelers quarterback an irresponsible boob for not wearing a helmet while operating what most might judge a small rocket.

It's as much a biological issue as a social one.

It's as much about brain development as it is stupidity.

The consequence part is fairly grim: Seven hours of surgery. A broken jaw. A broken nose. Multiple facial fractures. Multiple head lacerations. Multiple contusions. In need of partial dentures.

That's what Roethlisberger received for crashing his Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle, a machine we learned Tuesday the NFL player might not have even owned a proper license to drive.

It seems a popular reaction (if not a standard one) to condemn Roethlisberger for such a risky decision, for putting in jeopardy not only his life but also a career in which the Steelers have invested millions of dollars, for letting down teammates who support him and fans who pay ridiculous ticket prices to cheer him, for not recognizing similar choices and terrible results of other professional athletes. But it's deeper than that.

As we grow older, our ability to grasp the effects of risk-taking behavior become far greater. Scientists used to believe the human brain ceased developing by age 13. They know that's not the case now (Paris Hilton notwithstanding), especially the area where sane decisions are made and warnings are dispensed.

In males, that development might not be complete until age 25. Roethlisberger is 24.

It's not an excuse for his actions, but to ignore scientific fact is to show the same ignorance many have assigned Roethlisberger.

''They are facts that have not changed about males in millions of years,'' said Dr. Richard Lustberg, a New York-based sports psychologist. ''They are just more prone to less socialized behavior when it comes to making these kinds of decisions than women, especially at this age.

''(Roethlisberger) hasn't lived long enough to have any true worries than a man twice his age might. He doesn't question his mortality. He doesn't think about death. He's the 6-foot-4 quarterback who accomplishes great feats on the football field. He needs that (adrenaline) rush in the off-season that he gets on Sundays. That speed. That high.''

It's not a trait reserved solely for athletes. There is no evidence to suggest such dangerous behavior is limited to those who get paid to play sports, that you or your friend or the mailman are not as apt to seek that adrenaline kick as Roethlisberger or Kellen Winslow Jr. or Jay Williams.

Experts call it going ''offline.'' Acting without consciousness.

''There is probably a good chance (Roethlisberger) won't do it again, but it's not 100 percent,'' said Dr. Roland Carlstedt, chairman of the American Board of Sports Psychology and a Research Fellow in applied neuroscience. ''Sometimes, it takes four or five or six or more (occurrences) for people. Some never get there ... Often, a guy who is impulse driven gets a real jolt of trauma that can alter his neuro-chemistry and then tighten up the part (of the brain) that is a free-wheeling spirit that responds to urges of seeking immediate gratification ... This is a real wake-up call (for him).''

My hope: This is enough trauma for Roethlisberger to make smarter decisions and reason enough for those with similar cravings to pause before acting. But the younger the person, the greater chances those urges for risk are present.

Mike Sanford deals with 100 such young men every day as the UNLV football coach. Sanford said he has never had to confront a player about riding motorcycles, but news from Pittsburgh about a certain Super Bowl champion quarterback made him consider the possibility.

''It caused me to re-evaluate things,'' Sanford said. ''It's a little different for professional sports than college, but I want myself and my coaches very involved in all phases of our players' lives. Where they live. Who they live with. What they drive. It's our responsibility to lead and direct them and give them good, sound advice. It's like being a parent -- there is a difference between letting them have their space and freedom and knowing what's best for them.''

Sometimes, not even the most dedicated counsel is enough to overcome the invincibility myth that identifies men Roethlisberger's age and younger. Call him an irresponsible boob if you like.

But it's deeper than that.

Ed Graney's column is published Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. He can be reached at 383-4618 or egraney@reviewjournal.com.