Roethlisberger Accused of Sexual Assault Again (2 Viewers)

[ChargersOH]

My instinct thinks this girl is positioning for a nice, fat settlement. Especially if she's in college, knows Ben's history and the Vegas deal, and is smart enough to concoct a nice little scheme.It doesn't matter if it's true or not, the PR is really bad for the Steelers and Roethlisberger.

Making a false report of a sexual assault doesn't matter to the police? I'm thinking you may be wrong about that.

Ask the Duke Lacrosse team about that.

 

[PatsFanCT]

He might settle out of court if the evidence is weak, but if they have a rape kit with his DNA and a solid defense, I don't know why she would drop the charges.

This ignores common sense and human nature.How many millionaires settle criminal grievances with the stroke of a pen?Heck, Stallworth got away with doing a few weeks at a country club after killing a guy due to a nice fat, check.If you need a better example, go read up on the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case.

My point being, if the evidence is overwhelming and she has a solid defense, she is going to get a nice fat check weather he goes to jail or not. So if he did it, and she really wants justice, why would she drop the charges?If the evidence is weak I could see her setting out rather than go through the misery of a trial.

 

[Jason Wood]

Any financial recompense she seeks gets is wholly separate from any criminal charges. Even if they don't charge him with rape, I would expect her to file a civil suit. The burden of proof is (much? -- Lawyers chime in here) lower on civil liability.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

Any financial recompense she seeks gets is wholly separate from any criminal charges. Even if they don't charge him with rape, I would expect her to file a civil suit. The burden of proof is (much? -- Lawyers chime in here) lower on civil liability.

Yes, "preponderance of the evidence" or "more likely than not" (51%+) versus "beyond a reasonable doubt" (much higher theoretical %, close to 100%). This is why a not-guilty criminal verdict doesn't preclude a successful civil suit - different burdens of proof.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Any financial recompense she seeks gets is wholly separate from any criminal charges. Even if they don't charge him with rape, I would expect her to file a civil suit. The burden of proof is (much? -- Lawyers chime in here) lower on civil liability.

The burden of proof in most civil suits is preponderance of the evidence, i.e., more likely than not (or 51%). The burden in nearly all criminal cases for nearly all elements of the crime is beyond a reasonable doubt. There's a whole lot of grey area between the two, so yes, by definition, you're at least as likely (and usually way more likely) to be found guilty in a civil trial than a criminal trial. Courts also allow evidence in civil trials that wouldn't be allowed in prosecution by the state, which might be relevant here (things about Ben's character, past sexual history, etc., could be excluded in a criminal trial). All of this varies by state, of course.

 

[Tau837]

I think we could use another update from MOP, our legal correspondent in the field.

 

[Christo]

Any financial recompense she seeks gets is wholly separate from any criminal charges. Even if they don't charge him with rape, I would expect her to file a civil suit. The burden of proof is (much? -- Lawyers chime in here) lower on civil liability.

Preponderance of the evidence (>50%) rather than beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

[Sheriff66]

Have to keep track of all this stunning legal analysis

 

[Cassius]

Have to keep track of all this stunning legal analysis

This why the SP is great - the wide variety of expertise here even outside sports. Christo and TB providing important information about the US criminal and civil procedure and MOP keeping us aprised of somewhat related changes in legal landscape of the United Kingdom that may or may not have happened 4-5 years ago.

 

[fatness]

A Coraopolis police officer and a Pennsylvania state trooper were part of Ben Roethlisberger's retinue in Milledgeville, Ga. last week when the Steelers quarterback allegedly sexually assaulted a college student in a nightclub. Officer Anthony J. Barravecchio and state Trooper Ed Joyner of the Washington barracks accompanied Mr. Roethlisberger to Georgia to celebrate his 28th birthday, Mr. Barravecchio's lawyer, Michael F. Santicola, said today. Both officers are personal friends of the quarterback's and were with him in that capacity, Mr. Santicola said.

Mr. Santicola said he is friends with Trooper Joyner and has received a phone call from him about the situation, but the two have not yet spoken.

"Then went down together. They were completely sober the night of this occurrence. They're cooperating completely with whatever investigation is ongoing," Mr. Santicola said of the police officers.

Neither has been contacted or interviewed by Georgia authorities, Mr. Santicola said.

Link

Eyewitnesses have described larger bouncer-type friends protecting Roethlisberger at times while he partied. Surprisingly, neither man has been contacted by Georgia authorities yet, indicating that the investigation is going slowly.

Link

 

[ImTheScientist]

Big Ben is scum. Lock him up.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

Eyewitnesses have described larger bouncer-type friends protecting Roethlisberger at times while he partied. Surprisingly, neither man has been contacted by Georgia authorities yet, indicating that the investigation is going slowly.

Apparently these bouncers couldn't keep this vicious female away from Ben.

 

[Unwrittenlaw]

Ben Roethlisberger told police that he never had sex with his accuser, but admitted she bumped her head after the two made "contact" in the bathroom -- this according to a new report.

KDKA in Pittsburgh claims they spoke with insiders who claim Ben told Milledgeville police that the woman "slipped and fell" after an incident in the bathroom at the Capital City nightclub.

According to the report, the woman suffered injuries to her head.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2010/03/10/ben-roethlis.../#ixzz0hp0k6ZAx

 

[Couch Potato]

Ah, no sexual advances, she simply slipped and fell while you were in the womens bathroom. Uh huh. Case solved. I believe you Ben. By the way, why were you in the womens bathroom when she slipped and fell?

 

[Mile High]

Ben Roethlisberger told police that he never had sex with his accuser, but admitted she bumped her head after the two made "contact" in the bathroom -- this according to a new report.

KDKA in Pittsburgh claims they spoke with insiders who claim Ben told Milledgeville police that the woman "slipped and fell" after an incident in the bathroom at the Capital City nightclub.

According to the report, the woman suffered injuries to her head.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2010/03/10/ben-roethlis.../#ixzz0hp0k6ZAx

I see. The time tested, "She slipped and fell defense."

 

[ScottyFargo]

Wow. Uncool, man.

 

[Couch Potato]

different take...

And now they are unwilling to provide a DNA sample? Hmmm... nothing to hide here...

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/

Report: Roethlisberger admitted to having "sexual contact" with alleged victim

Posted by Mike Florio on March 10, 2010 7:02 PM ET

As the investigation regarding the sexual assault allegations against Steelers quarterback Ben Roerhlisberger continues, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh reports that Roethlisberger admitted to having "sexual contact" with the woman who claims sexual assault, but that there was no intercourse.

The admission came during an interview of Roethlisberger conducted at the scene.

Per the report, Roethlisberger claims that the woman fell and injured her head after the incident. She then went to a hospital and alleged that she was sexually assaulted.

Police have requested a DNA sample from Roethlisberger, but attorney Ed Garland has declined either to make a DNA sample available or to make Roethlisberger available for another interview.

(Thanks for the head's up, Robert Littal of BlackSportsOnline.com.)

 

[Unwrittenlaw]

Not good for BB.

http://kdka.com/steelers/Ben.Roethlisberge....2.1552133.html

But Del Greco says in the meantime, investigators appear to be building a formidable case against Roethlisberger.

"It almost seems to put the onus on the accused or the perpetrator, the defense to tell the prosecutor to say why isn't this so and why shouldn't I bring these charges," Del Greco said.

 

[Mile High]

Not good for BB.

http://kdka.com/steelers/Ben.Roethlisberge....2.1552133.html

But Del Greco says in the meantime, investigators appear to be building a formidable case against Roethlisberger.

"It almost seems to put the onus on the accused or the perpetrator, the defense to tell the prosecutor to say why isn't this so and why shouldn't I bring these charges," Del Greco said.

Wow. Steelers might need a new QB.

 

[ScottyFargo]

different take...

And now they are unwilling to provide a DNA sample? Hmmm... nothing to hide here...

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/

Per the report, Roethlisberger claims that the woman fell and injured her head after the incident.

Ben: "Yeah. It was that good. What can I say? I'm a sexual dynamo."

 

[beavers]

Ben sucks.

:sad:

I would now rather have Bubby, Kordell, Malone, etc than Ben.

 

[flapgreen]

Oh boy. Ben is in a bad way now. whoa

 

[Sea Bass]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

 

[Mile High]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

That usually comes after the "She slipped and fell" defense starts to fail.

 

[Steeler]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

That would be the equivalent of blaming the officals for losing a superbowl

 

[fatness]

KDKA.com (click link for video) in Pittsburgh are claiming they know what Ben Roethlisberger said to police immediately after the alleged sexual assault. Here is his version of the story allegedly. When Roethlisberger talked to police the night of the event he told them there was no sexual intercourse. He did have sexual contact with the woman but it was not consummated. He said he did not force himself on the woman, but she did fall and hit her head. Also it is being reported that Roethlisberger’s lawyers have not agreed to a DNA sample even though the police have asked for it.

Second linkVideo of news report

 

[Cassius]

Thought I read somewhere else that he had already submitted a DNA sample. Weird.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

What's with Steelers and smacking women around? After Harrison, Holmes and Roethlisberger (x2) I think we have to wonder if there's something in the organizational culture that promotes violence against women.

 

[Sea Bass]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

That would be the equivalent of blaming the officals for losing a superbowl

Please show me where I ever blamed the officials for the loss. Anyway, it was meant as a compliment.

 

[IDrinkyourMilkshake]

True or False: Ben will finish his career with more SB rings than sexual assault allegations.

 

[beavers]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

A lot of Pittsburgh fans, including myself, are angry at Ben. And if he is guilty, I would love nothing more than the Rooney's to cut him.

 

[Godsbrother]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

A lot of Pittsburgh fans, including myself, are angry at Ben. And if he is guilty, I would love nothing more than the Rooney's to cut him.

We know nothing of this young woman so it is really hard for anyone to make any assumptions about her character. As for Ben, a lot of people have come out of the woodwork talking about a time when he didn't sign an autograph or came off as a jerk and frankly in these cases I could care less as long as he wins games. However if he gets off assualting women then I have no use for him.

 

[HellToupee]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

A lot of Pittsburgh fans, including myself, are angry at Ben. And if he is guilty, I would love nothing more than the Rooney's to cut him.

 

[Koya]

Legal beagles please chime in, but how would it benefit ben to withold DNA? If there is a case here, won't the authorities be able to get a court order for it? Not like his DNA will change over time. Why not cooperate here, what's the downside?

 

[Arch Stanton]

There's a lot of conjecture for a case with no real facts released. Sadly, as with every high profile legal preceeding, the court of public opinion judges first and looks for answers later.

My instinct thinks this girl is positioning for a nice, fat settlement. Especially if she's in college, knows Ben's history and the Vegas deal, and is smart enough to concoct a nice little scheme.

It doesn't matter if it's true or not, the PR is really bad for the Steelers and Roethlisberger. The best thing he could do is settle and make this go away, guilty or no. If this goes to court, at best it drags his name even deeper into the mud. At worst he's looking at hard time, and heavy leverage for the other lawsuit.

Your first and second paragraphs contradict each other.Also, if he raped her, then there may be no settling to make it go away. It's a crime and she'll get her money while he gets a boyfriend. If it was another form of sexual assault, then he migh be able to brush it under the rug with a settlement.

I'm missing how my paragraphs contradict each other?The first paragraph pretty much states bad PR is bad PR. The damage is done whether the allegations are true or not.

My second paragraph states there's a good chance a young struggling college student would know a rich dumb athlete's history, and leverage it.

Sadly, even if he was stupid enough to rape her, or at least ignore her 'no', it is something that could go away with money. Either via settlement, or via tens of thousands in paying the top lawyers. The problem for him is the longer this drags out, the more damage done to his already tainted reputation.

So she would know that the last girl that tried is is clearly lying and is not only getting nothing but is being countersued so she'll probably lose a lot of money instead of gaining any? If anyone wanted to try and squeeze an athlete, Ben's a poor choice. Unless of course, he actually did something.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

A lot of Pittsburgh fans, including myself, are angry at Ben. And if he is guilty, I would love nothing more than the Rooney's to cut him.

Brings new meaning to "buy low".

 

[Steeler]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

That would be the equivalent of blaming the officals for losing a superbowl

Please show me where I ever blamed the officials for the loss. Anyway, it was meant as a compliment.

I know it was meant as a compliment... I must have you mixed up with someone else redgarding superbowl 40... sorry about that.

 

[Christo]

Legal beagles please chime in, but how would it benefit ben to withold DNA? If there is a case here, won't the authorities be able to get a court order for it? Not like his DNA will change over time. Why not cooperate here, what's the downside?

There's always a chance, however slim, that a judge will not agree there's probable cause. No reason to give it up until he's ordered to do so.

 

[Kenny Powers]

A Coraopolis police officer and a Pennsylvania state trooper were part of Ben Roethlisberger's retinue in Milledgeville, Ga. last week when the Steelers quarterback allegedly sexually assaulted a college student in a nightclub. Officer Anthony J. Barravecchio and state Trooper Ed Joyner of the Washington barracks accompanied Mr. Roethlisberger to Georgia to celebrate his 28th birthday, Mr. Barravecchio's lawyer, Michael F. Santicola, said today. Both officers are personal friends of the quarterback's and were with him in that capacity, Mr. Santicola said.

Mr. Santicola said he is friends with Trooper Joyner and has received a phone call from him about the situation, but the two have not yet spoken.

"Then went down together. They were completely sober the night of this occurrence. They're cooperating completely with whatever investigation is ongoing," Mr. Santicola said of the police officers.

Neither has been contacted or interviewed by Georgia authorities, Mr. Santicola said.

If they end up making a statement or testifying, I think that is huge for Roeth

 

[Kenny Powers]

KDKA.com (click link for video) in Pittsburgh are claiming they know what Ben Roethlisberger said to police immediately after the alleged sexual assault. Here is his version of the story allegedly. When Roethlisberger talked to police the night of the event he told them there was no sexual intercourse. He did have sexual contact with the woman but it was not consummated. He said he did not force himself on the woman, but she did fall and hit her head. Also it is being reported that Roethlisberger’s lawyers have not agreed to a DNA sample even though the police have asked for it

What does this mean exactly? She started giving him a beej but didnt finish??

 

[jonessed]

KDKA.com (click link for video) in Pittsburgh are claiming they know what Ben Roethlisberger said to police immediately after the alleged sexual assault. Here is his version of the story allegedly. When Roethlisberger talked to police the night of the event he told them there was no sexual intercourse. He did have sexual contact with the woman but it was not consummated. He said he did not force himself on the woman, but she did fall and hit her head. Also it is being reported that Roethlisberger’s lawyers have not agreed to a DNA sample even though the police have asked for it

 

[Godsbrother]

KDKA.com (click link for video) in Pittsburgh are claiming they know what Ben Roethlisberger said to police immediately after the alleged sexual assault. Here is his version of the story allegedly. When Roethlisberger talked to police the night of the event he told them there was no sexual intercourse. He did have sexual contact with the woman but it was not consummated. He said he did not force himself on the woman, but she did fall and hit her head. Also it is being reported that Roethlisberger’s lawyers have not agreed to a DNA sample even though the police have asked for it

What does this mean exactly? She started giving him a beej but didnt finish??

Could mean anything. It sounds to me like they started fooling around but didn't finish the act. Could be she said no and either Ben got a little rough or maybe she did slip and hit head somewhere along the way which stopped the encounter. In either case it doesn't sound too good.

 

[Black&Gold]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

A lot of Pittsburgh fans, including myself, are angry at Ben. And if he is guilty, I would love nothing more than the Rooney's to cut him.

We know nothing of this young woman so it is really hard for anyone to make any assumptions about her character. As for Ben, a lot of people have come out of the woodwork talking about a time when he didn't sign an autograph or came off as a jerk and frankly in these cases I could care less as long as he wins games. However if he gets off assualting women then I have no use for him.

Agreed. We went so long without a franchise QB but we are all angry with Ben right now. Even if he didn't do it, he represents the city and he was being reckless and stupid for even being in that situation. I would expect this franchise to cut him if proved guilty. And don't let the door hit him on the way out.

 

[CrossEyed]

I am impressed that, thus far, Steeler fans have avoided smearing the character of the young lady.

A lot of Pittsburgh fans, including myself, are angry at Ben. And if he is guilty, I would love nothing more than the Rooney's to cut him.

+1

 

[GroveDiesel]

Sad that on Philly talk radio tonight, a huge majority of the callers said that they would take Roethlisberger right now if it guaranteed them a Super Bowl. Pathetic.

The guy should be innocent until proven guilty, but at the very least he lacks good judgement and at the worst deserves to be in jail for a long time.

 

[treat88]

Love to know what the source is for this speculation about what Roth said to the cops.

Not the outlets reporting it, but what the actual source is.

 

[Adebisi]

Steeler fans: will you still wear your Super Bowl T-shirts from your two most recent championships with pride if this turns out to be true?

Keep in mind that you're the same bunch that have claimed for years that you couldn't have won those Super Bowls with any other QB aside from Roethlisberger.

 

[analog_hiss]

Another drive-by from me. I don't care about the details, or what anyone other Steeler fans thinks.

Roethlisberger is guilty.

He's never had a meaningful relationship with ANY woman through college and now pro's. I know two women that have refused his advances, and he referred to them in terms that rhymes with bunt or a water retaining device that rhymes with tyke. He has no respect for anyone of the opposite sex.

Surrounded by friends and off duty policemen as body guards, he found a way to get alone with a woman, and it didn't turn out well.

He doesn't care, until afterward.

 

[menobrown]

Steeler fans: will you still wear your Super Bowl T-shirts from your two most recent championships with pride if this turns out to be true? Keep in mind that you're the same bunch that have claimed for years that you couldn't have won those Super Bowls with any other QB aside from Roethlisberger.

Yes of course I'd still wear a SB T-shirt. Whatever he might have done off the field after those SB's is of no importance to me as it relates to his past accomplishments. I've never thought for a moment that Ravens fans should feel less for their SB because the best player from that team was accused of murder and the best offensive player ended up in prison.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Was it reported yet that two off duty PA police were with Ben and his group? They reported seeing nothing unusual.