A high-profile defence attorney hired by Pittsburgh Steelers
quarterback Ben Roethlisberger disputes a college student's claim the
two-time Super Bowl winner sexually assaulted her at a Georgia
nightclub.
The 20-year-old told police that Roethlisberger, who had been
barhopping with friends, assaulted her early Friday at a club in
Millidgeville. Roethlisberger has not been charged.
"The facts show that there was no criminal activity," attorney Ed
Garland said in a statement Monday. "No sexual assault occurred. Ben is
completely innocent of any crime."
Milledgeville police said at a news conference that they expect to
interview Roethlisberger in the next several days. They said they have
not taken a DNA sample from him but probably will.
Authorities also said the woman has hired an attorney, though they
would not identify him or her. The woman's name has not been released.
They expect to interview about eight people and said they are
reviewing video footage obtained from several businesses. They declined
to elaborate.
"It would be premature to make any announcement at this time," said
Fred Bright, district attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. "When
the facts are in and a decision is made, we will let you know."
Roethlisberger, who owns a home about 50 kilometres north of
Milledgeville on Lake Oconee, is also being sued by a woman who claims
he raped her in 2008 at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe hotel and casino,
an allegation he strongly denies.
'We cannot comment'
Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement Monday that the team is closely monitoring the Milledgeville situation.
"All of us in the Steelers family are concerned about the recent
incident involving Ben Roethlisberger in Georgia," the statement said.
"We cannot comment on any of the specifics until law enforcement's
investigation is concluded."
Garland, Roethlisberger's new attorney, previously represented
rapper T.I. on a federal weapons charge and Baltimore Ravens linebacker
Ray Lewis in a murder case. More serious charges against Lewis were
dropped and he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor obstruction of justice
charge.