More Troubles for Big Ben?

Update #2: It has been reported that Roethlisberger talked to local authorities on the night of the alleged incident. He states he did not have intercourse with the alleged victim, but there was contact. Also in his "statement" was that the alleged victim slipped on the floor and hit her head. Roger Cossack, an ESPN legal analyst, says this could somewhat paint Roethlisberger into a corner if this is actually Ben's side of the story. The investigation could now center on disproving this account.


Also, a sample of Roethlisberger's DNA has been requested. Ed Garland, Ben's attorney, has refused this request.

Update: The local authorities will be examining evidence taken from the club in which the alleged assault occurred. The GBI also wants to interview up to eight individuals including Roethlisberger. The Roethlisberger camp in stating that no assault occurred. Roethlisberger has hired a high profile attorney Ed Garland. Garland is noted for representing Ray Lewis and T.I.

As impressive as he is on the field, it's his off the field prowess is becoming less impressive.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been identified as the accused in an alleged sexual assault of a 20 year old college student in Milledgeville, Georgia. Both Big Ben and the accuser have been interviewed and no charges have been filed. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations has since joined in the investigation and more work was to be done on the case. The story was first reported by TMZ.

This wouldn't be so big if there wasn't an open civil case involving Roethlisberger in Nevada. Last year, Andrea McNaulty filed a civil suit against Big Ben claiming rape and she was asking for $440,000 in damages from the two-time Super Bowl winning QB. No criminal charges were ever filed in this instance.

McNaulty had offered a deal to Roethlisberger, but that was denied since a public admission of the wrong doing was rumored to be part of the agreement.

Is this merely another case of Ben's fame possibly being used against him due in part to the Nevada issue or is there actually a developing pattern? Roethlisberger's agent is wary of the accuser's motive due to the alleged incident in Lake Tahoe. Roethlisberger has been cooperative with the Milledgeville and GBI authorities.

I have a sense that there's something afoot here. While TMZ is breaking this story, many will immediately dismiss it as rubbish. Some may perceive the angle in which TMZ covers a story as an unfavorable one. We may have to slightly adjust those thoughts. All other media outlets are acknowledging that TMZ has first crack at this one...and the information is correct. Sometimes, ignorance is not always bliss.

I realize that other news outlets have their stream of sources and contacts, but who's to say those are any more or less reliable than those under the arm of TMZ? All I'm saying is that it boils down to reputation.

And regardless of what transpires in Georgia, Big Ben's rep got sacked once again.