No sexual assault occurred: Roethlisberger's lawyer
 
03/08/2010
 
5 px spacer
 

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.


 
Archived - AP
- Red Sox promote Cherington to GM
- Burress' 3 TDs helps Jets rally past Chargers
- Panthers believe Sturm can contribute
- NFL sides with Falcons' Robinson, trims fine
- Scheifele looking ahead to World Juniors
- Good pitching beats good hitting in Game 4
- Pujols makes history as Cardinals rout Rangers
- Canadiens trade for Coyotes' Nokelainen
- Vikings to sit corner Cook after arrest
- Khabibulin, Oilers shut out Rangers
- Rodgers, Packers top Vikings to stay undefeated
- Departing Red Sox GM Epstein thanks Boston in newspaper ad
- Red Sox assistant GM likely to replace Epstein
- Oilers needs some punch to stop rolling Rangers
- Cards, Rangers hope to go batty in Game 3
- Rams QB Bradford out for Cowboys game
- Canucks look to build against division rival
- Ortiz wants to remain with Red Sox
- Sedins spark Canucks in win over Predators
- Rangers head home with momentum
- Red Wings a challenge for goal-starved opposition
- Bucs without Blount for London game
- NBA labour talks turn nasty as negotiations end
- La Russa plays percentages with Garcia in Game 2
- Bills seek stadium upgrade
- Former Flames top pick Chucko retires after concussions
- Unsung Rzepczynski key in World Series opener
- Former Flames top pick Chucko retires after concussions
- NBA commissioner takes ill amid talks
- Cards' Freese healthy, making most of 2nd chance
- Cards' Freese healthy, making most of 2nd chance
- Ponder takes over at QB in Minnesota, replaces McNabb
- Canucks, Predators resume budding rivalry
- NBA commissioner takes ill amid talks
- Unsung Rzepczynski key in World Series opener
- Former Flames top pick Chucko retires after concussions
- Berkman admits mistake on Rangers' call
- Gagne, Quick lead Kings over Blues
- Players tell NFL not to begin HGH testing yet
- Lundqvist, Rangers shut out Canucks
- NBA negotiations last 16 hours, more talks planned
- Jets down Dolphins to snap 3-game skid
- Wins in Ottawa not only concern for Flyers
- Raiders deal 2 high picks for Palmer
- Brewers reflect while Fielder heads to free agency
- Price takes another stab at 100th NHL victory
- Jeff Carter dealing with foot problem again
- Rams acquire Pro Bowler receiver Lloyd
- Sharks look to Niemi for much-needed lift
- Packers cruise past Rams, remain unbeaten: NFL roundup
5px spacer
   
©2005-2009 Lifeofsports.com All Rights Reserved