No Evidence against Roethlisberger, ESPN Strives to Protect Reputation

NFL News - July 23rd, 2009 - Written by Glen

As we all know, Steelers Star Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had recently been served with a civil suit from an employee at a Hotel in Lake Tahoe. The young lady alleged that Roethlisberger had sexually assaulted her in his hotel room last year. Big Ben had been staying in Harrah's Lake Tahoe after attending a celebrity golf tournament, which is when and where the woman claims to have been assaulted. Roethlisberger's attorney is vigorously denying these claims.

Ben has the support of his team, his attorney, and his fans, and as of yet no evidence has been brought forth. The woman in question has only filed a civil suit, and has not asked for criminal charges to be brought up. Due to the fact that the issue remains in civil court rather than criminal, no firm action has been made against Roethlisberger. ESPN, perhaps the largest providor of sports news in existance, had, up untill last night, remained silent on the issue. They have finally come forth to scrutinize the matter.

According to the Associated Press, she made claims that Harrah's employees were also involved ex post facto, as they pushed for a cover-up. Amongst the defendants in this civil suit are several employees of the Harrah's hotel, as opposed to solely Roethlisberger. ESPN has reported that the suit was set in motion when Harrah's management had her take a two week long leave of abscence during the event.

The civil suit has just three weeks shy of the opening pre-season games of the NFL, and asks for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. The suit targets not only Roethlisberger himself, but also the Harrah's in which she works. She hopes to deter any future malfeseance such as this through her actions, and is disconcerted by the actions that have allegedly taken place.

Now that the story has been picked up by ESPN, it may turn into a media circus. Roethlisberger has become one of the most prolific names in the NFL, and he and his attorney have denied all accusations pointed in his direction. He has not personally given a statement just yet, but some suggest that he may do so in the near future.