The reputation of one of the National Football League's leading personalities took another hit Friday, with revelations that police in Georgia were investigating Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in connection with an alleged sexual assault.
Police held a news conference Friday and didn't name Mr. Roethlisberger but delivered a physical description of him. They said they were investigating a sexual assault complaint filed by a woman the quarterback and his friends were socializing with Thursday night at the Capitol City Club in Milledgeville. The woman was treated and released from Oconee Regional Medical Center.
This is not the first time Mr. Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault. A Reno woman filed a civil suit against him last summer, accusing the quarterback of rape. Mr. Roethlisberger has vowed to fight that case.
In a statement released to the news media Friday, Mr. Roethlisberger's agent, Ryan Tollner, tried to explain what had happened and pledged further cooperation.
"Last night, Ben and his friends met a group of women and everyone mingled together throughout the evening," the statement said. "We have spoken to law enforcement. Based on information currently available, an allegation was made against Ben, which appeared to be dismissed after a preliminary investigation last night. Obviously, given the prior accusation against Ben, we are skeptical of motive, but we will continue to cooperate with everyone involved."
An NFL spokesman declined to comment. A spokesman for the Steelers said the organization was continuing to gather information.
Throughout his career, which took off after he guided the Steelers to the Super Bowl as a rookie, Mr. Roethlisberger has been one of the league's most successful pitchmen, marketing everything from soup to barbecue sauce to beef jerky.
No comments:
Post a Comment