Big Ben accused of sexual assault

[dazed&confused]

Roethlisberger denies civil allegations of sexual assault
Posted by Mike Florio on July 20, 2009 8:57 PM ET
In a complaint that reads like the rape allegations made several years ago against NBA star Kobe Bryant, Harrah's employee Andrea McNulty alleges sexual assault against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in a lawsuit filed last week in Washoe County, Nevada.

But lawyer David Cornwell strongly denied the allegations Monday night, in a statement released to PFT. "Ben has never sexually assaulted anyone; especially Andrea McNulty," Cornwell said.

In the civil suit, which Cornwell confirms was served on Roethlisberger over the weekend and a copy of which our own Gregg Rosenthal has obtained, McNulty alleges that Roethlisberger asked her to come to his hotel room to fix the television, and that he thereafter forced her to have sex with him.

Roethlisberger faces one civil count of assault, one civil count of sexual assault and battery, one civil count of false imprisonment, one civil count of false pretenses, one civil count of fraud, and one civil count of intentonal infliction of emtional distress.

McNulty also claims that the coworkers named in the complaint thereafter defamed her by making allegedly false and inflammatory statements, and by allegedly serving as aiders and abettors of Roethlisberger's alleged misconduct after the fact.

Cornwell, a finalist for the position of NFLPA Executive Director who has represented in the recent past Saints running back Reggie Bush and Browns receiver Donte' Stallworth, points to the fact that no criminal complaint has been filed, and that no criminal investigation has occurred.

"The timing of the lawsuit and the absence of a criminal complaint and a criminal investigation are the most compelling evidence of the absence of any criminal conduct," Cornwell said. "If an investigation is commenced, Ben will cooperate fully and Ben will be fully exonerated."

It's unknown at this point whether McNulty ever has attempted to file criminal charges as a result of the incident, which allegedly occurred in July 2008.

"Ben will not be baited into a public discussion about his personal life, but we will defend
him vigorously," Cornwell said. "The limited value that Ms. McNulty derived from public disclosure of these viciously false allegations is the only value she will ever receive from Ben in this case."

Regardless of how this one turns out, it has the potential to serve as a significant distraction for Roethlisberger as the 2009 season approaches, especially if the lawsuit triggers a criminal probe.

UPDATE: Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett acknowledged the situation to WTAE-TV late Monday night. "We are aware of the allegations but cannot comment on the specifics of the case," Lockett said. "We've been told Ben's side of the story and we fully support him at this time."

[fuzzhead]

Just another gold-digger out for money. . .

[kentuckyfan11]

Ben doesnt seem like he wuld do that

[boogerred]

A lot of fishy things with this allegation

1. If he raped her as she said he did, why didn't she go to the police?
2. Why come forward now?
3. Why only file a civil suit?
4. Roethlisberger is a pro QB, why would he have to rape a girl to get what he wants?

My opinion is that she is just looking for a cheap payday.

[mister b]

She filed a civil suit because the burden of proof is not as hard to prove as it would be in a criminal case - lack of police evidence basically wipes out any criminal intent.

This is a play for money IMO.

[dazed&confused]

Agree 100%. And yet, it must be defended. How distracting will it be? Will they make an offer to just make it go away? And if so, how will that affect his reputation? I'd have to say the Steelers and Big Ben would rather not have to deal with this as football camps are opening, however shallow the claim may be.

[mister b]

This will be distracting and will have to be dealt with.

Ben has won 2 Super Bowls during his 5 years in the league. He is very much the current face of the NFL and thus the NFL will prove alot of lawyer power behind the sceens to help deal with the issue.

Remember, this is the same state inwhich Kobe Bryant had his problems with a women over a sexual incident. Kobe has very little in the way of lingering effects on his career or image. Just had to buy his wife a huge diamond to help her get past it.

It will be interesting on how this plays out in the weeks to come.

[Black Panther]

This will be distracting and will have to be dealt with.

Ben has won 2 Super Bowls during his 5 years in the league. He is very much the current face of the NFL and thus the NFL will prove alot of lawyer power behind the sceens to help deal with the issue.

Remember, this is the same state inwhich Kobe Bryant had his problems with a women over a sexual incident. Kobe has very little in the way of lingering effects on his career or image. Just had to buy his wife a huge diamond to help her get past it.

It will be interesting on how this plays out in the weeks to come.

It figures dosen't it?? And the timing of all this makes you scratch your head...Just before camp starts... And the ironic part of it is he had troubles the season after the first super bowl with the motorcycle accident.And believe what you want it did affect him and the team in the defense of the World Championship.

[BBallin fool]

ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY!!!

[ace63]

I bet she was hoping he would just pay her off to get rid of her. Not face all the bad press. But it didnt happen.

[qualified101]

kobe's case was alot different. he admitted he did it but it was consensual.

[Manwithplan]

Big Ben could just hunt her down, then RUN OVER her. Hey, Stallworth did it and only got 27 days.

[bigtimehitter]

Big Ben could just hunt her down, then RUN OVER her. Hey, Stallworth did it and only got 27 days.