PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was badly injured in a motorcycle-car accident this week and was released from Mercy Hospital Wednesday night, issued a statement Thursday afternoon.

"In the past few days, I have gained a new perspective on life. By the grace of God, I am fortunate to be alive, surrounded by loved ones and lifted by the prayers and support of so many. I am sorry for any anxiety and concern my actions have caused others, specifically my family, the Steelers organization, my teammates and our fans.

I recognize that I have a responsibility to safeguard my health in the off-season so I can continue to lead our team effectively. I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws. I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me. If I ever ride again, it certainly will be with a helmet.

My deepest appreciation goes out to the Steelers organization and my teammates for the compassion they have shown me. The physicians and support staff at Mercy Hospital were simply amazing, and I will forever be grateful for their caring treatment.

I want to assure everyone I am committed to a complete and timely recovery. I look forward to being at training camp in Latrobe and to winning football games this season."

Early Thursday morning, a source inside the hospital told Channel 4 Action News that Roethlisberger was whisked out a side entrance late Wednesday night.

That source told the station the star quarterback was surrounded by his sister, a Steelers representative and a doctor.

Mercy confirmed the release in an e-mail on Thursday morning.

"Mr. Ben Roethlisberger was discharged from Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh at 11:45 p.m. on June 14, 2006. The hospital respected the wishes and privacy of Mr. Roethlisberger and his family, who asked the hospital not to confirm his discharge until now," the e-mail said.

Roethlisberger was admitted to the hospital Monday after colliding with a car on Second Avenue, near the Armstrong Tunnel and 10th Street Bridge.

A bodyguard at Ben Roethlisberger's home said the Pittsburgh Steelers star won't be appearing in public any time soon.

The bodyguard didn't say whether Roethlisberger was home. But several vehicles were parked in the driveway and on the street. The bodyguard did say the quarterback doesn't have anything planned.

Stay with Channel 4 Action News and ThePittsburghChannel.com today for the latest on Roethlisberger's condition.