NEW YORK — The NFL cracked down on one of its stars yesterday, suspending Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the first six games of the 2010 season, even though he avoided sexual assault charges in Georgia.

The two-time Super Bowl winner was banned without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy and was ordered to undergo a "comprehensive behavioral evaluation by professionals."

Sitting out six games would cost Roethlisberger an estimated $2.8 million of his $102 million total deal. The penalty could be shortened to four games for good behavior.

Roethlisberger is the first player suspended by Goodell under the conduct policy who hasn't been arrested or charged with a crime.