Roethlisberger Decision due Monday 4/12 (1 Viewer)

[moondog]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10099/1049091-100.stm

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. -- Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Fredric D. Bright this morning announced that he had completed his review of the investigation into a sexual assault accusation against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and will announce his decision on whether to file charges Monday afternoon.

"The investigation, interviews and report in the Roethlisberger matter have been completed and reviewed," Mr. Bright said in a statement.

"We will be announcing the decision in this case in a news conference to be held on Monday, April 12, 2010, at 2 p.m. in the Baldwin County Courthouse."

Mr. Bright declined further comment.

Milledgeville police Chief Woodrow W. Blue Jr. and representatives of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation early this week concluded their monthlong investigation into the accusation made by a 20-year-old woman who said Mr. Roethlisberger assaulted her in a nightclub. Mr. Roethlisberger has denied the allegation through his Atlanta-based attorneys.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10099/10490...m#ixzz0kcQu6WIR

 

[CrossEyed]

You know, there's already a thread on this.

 

[Tau837]

Is it typical to call a press conference to announce not filing charges? Does this imply charges will be filed?

 

[blend]

cripes, if you made the decision, just say what it is.

 

[Godsbrother]

Is it typical to call a press conference to announce not filing charges? Does this imply charges will be filed?

As I said in the other post, I don't think a quick statement from the DA was going to suffice no matter what his decision. The media wants to ask questions in any case so a press conference is necessary.I could see him being charged with sexual assualt, charged with a lesser offense like simple assault, supplying alcohol to underaged person, etc. or no charges being filed at all. It should be interesting...

 

[ScottyFargo]

 

[finito]

I thought it was supposed to be today?

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Is it typical to call a press conference to announce not filing charges? Does this imply charges will be filed?

As I said in the other post, I don't think a quick statement from the DA was going to suffice no matter what his decision. The media wants to ask questions in any case so a press conference is necessary.I could see him being charged with sexual assualt, charged with a lesser offense like simple assault, supplying alcohol to underaged person, etc. or no charges being filed at all. It should be interesting...

Methinks Big Ben is asking for lotsa help from your brother right now.

 

[road warrior]

Thinh Big Ben will be getting any sleep this weekend?

Oh wait, wasn't it a sleepless night in Milledgeville that got him into this pickle to begin with?

 

[moondog]

Thinh Big Ben will be getting any sleep this weekend?Oh wait, wasn't it a sleepless night in Milledgeville that got him into this pickle to begin with?

No idea which way this will go but my guess is his lawyer probably has a good idea if BenR will be charged based on the investigation his PI did.

 

[road warrior]

Thinh Big Ben will be getting any sleep this weekend?Oh wait, wasn't it a sleepless night in Milledgeville that got him into this pickle to begin with?

No idea which way this will go but my guess is his lawyer probably has a good idea if BenR will be charged based on the investigation his PI did.

Based on the timeline of what's happened this week I'd have to think charges of some type are coming. It was reported earlier that the investigators gave Ben one last opportunity to talk. He declined. Shortly thereafter, the case is completed. Now, they wait the weekend to announce their findings? And to top it off, we don't hear a peep from Ben's lawyer.Hmmmmmmmm.

 

[moondog]

Another article from today -

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_675686.html

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Baldwin County District Attorney Fred Bright said today he completed his investigation into allegations that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sexually assaulted a Georgia College & State University student and will announce the results Monday.

A criminal lawyer not connected with the case said that likely means no charges will happen in the case.

"The investigation, interviews, and report in the Roethlisberger matter have been completed and reviewed," Bright said in a prepared statement. "We will be announcing the decision in this case at a news conference to be held on Monday."

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Milledgeville Police Department sent a joint report to Bright's office Tuesday. Bright, 54, declined further comment.

A 20-year-old sorority member told police around 2:30 a.m. March 5 that Roethlisberger, 28, attacked her in a restroom at Capital City, a popular downtown dance club, after celebrating his birthday with friends.

The Tribune-Review does not name the alleged victims of sex abuse.

"Had they wanted to arrest Roethlisberger, they would've issued a warrant, not waited for a press conference on Monday," said B.J. Bernstein of Atlanta, one of the nation's most high-profile defense attorneys.

"If they had wanted to send this matter to a grand jury, which is a closed process, they would not have a public press conference to do that," Bernstein said. "Most likely, what we're seeing here is that the district attorney has chosen to drop the matter."

Baldwin County court staff said the district attorney's office did not request a special grand jury be impaneled. The next scheduled round of subpoenas for a July grand jury won't go out until late June.

Bright could end the matter Monday, but a seven-year statute of limitations would linger if new evidence impugning Roethlisberger surfaced.

Bright could present what police found to 26 members of the grand jury, to try to secure an indictment. Or, he could issue an arrest warrant and allow Roethlisberger the chance to plead his case before a prelimary hearing in Baldwin County.

"What we've seen play out in Milledgeville is exactly how these cases should function, but often don't," said Bernstein, a former assistant prosecutor perhaps best known for securing the release of Genarlow Wilson, a 17-year-old black man convicted of sexually molesting a 15-year-old white girl at a 2005 party — a conviction the Georgia Supreme Court agreed was "grossly disproportionate" to the act.

"Typically, cases like the Roethlisberger matter are handled differently. It's not unusual, as in this matter, to not have DNA present. It comes down to 'he said, she said.' Police departments will receive an allegation and talk to both parties and then make an arrest, arguing that they will let the case go down the system with a jury possibly making the final inquiry about the facts.

"So arrests happen pretty quickly. We didn't see that happen here."

The accuser has filed no civil action against Roethlisberger, but under Georgia law has two years to decide whether to do so. She hired Atlanta attorney Lee Parks Jr., who said today he has "no comment."

A female casino employee in Lake Tahoe, Nev., accuses Roethlisberger of raping her in 2008, an allegation he denies.

Milledgeville is located about 80 miles south of Atlanta. Roethlisberger owns a lakeside mansion about 30 miles north of here.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Is it typical to call a press conference to announce not filing charges? Does this imply charges will be filed?

That would be my inclination.It's funny that some one would make an annoucement that they reached a decision and will announce that decision in a couple of days.

 

[Godsbrother]

Is it typical to call a press conference to announce not filing charges? Does this imply charges will be filed?

That would be my inclination.It's funny that some one would make an annoucement that they reached a decision and will announce that decision in a couple of days.

Itis a kinda weird to make an announcement that you'll be making an announcement in a few days. As I said earlier I don't think this implies anything. Whatever is decided there will be lots of questions asked.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I think this is more likely good news for Ben than bad. I don't think any decision would be being announced this quickly after the DA got a hold of the information unless it was to NOT charge him. The DA's office would likely do further investigation or impanel a grand jury if charges were forthcoming. Just my opinion.

DISCLOSURE. I'm Steelers fan and an attorney, but I don't do criminal work.

 

[E_Smith]

Another article from today -

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_675686.html

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Baldwin County District Attorney Fred Bright said today he completed his investigation into allegations that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sexually assaulted a Georgia College & State University student and will announce the results Monday.

A criminal lawyer not connected with the case said that likely means no charges will happen in the case.

"Had they wanted to arrest Roethlisberger, they would've issued a warrant, not waited for a press conference on Monday," said B.J. Bernstein of Atlanta, one of the nation's most high-profile defense attorneys.

"If they had wanted to send this matter to a grand jury, which is a closed process, they would not have a public press conference to do that," Bernstein said. "Most likely, what we're seeing here is that the district attorney has chosen to drop the matter."

...

"What we've seen play out in Milledgeville is exactly how these cases should function, but often don't," said Bernstein, a former assistant prosecutor perhaps best known for securing the release of Genarlow Wilson, a 17-year-old black man convicted of sexually molesting a 15-year-old white girl at a 2005 party — a conviction the Georgia Supreme Court agreed was "grossly disproportionate" to the act.

"Typically, cases like the Roethlisberger matter are handled differently. It's not unusual, as in this matter, to not have DNA present. It comes down to 'he said, she said.' Police departments will receive an allegation and talk to both parties and then make an arrest, arguing that they will let the case go down the system with a jury possibly making the final inquiry about the facts.

"So arrests happen pretty quickly. We didn't see that happen here."

The accuser has filed no civil action against Roethlisberger, but under Georgia law has two years to decide whether to do so. She hired Atlanta attorney Lee Parks Jr., who said today he has "no comment."

A female casino employee in Lake Tahoe, Nev., accuses Roethlisberger of raping her in 2008, an allegation he denies.

Milledgeville is located about 80 miles south of Atlanta. Roethlisberger owns a lakeside mansion about 30 miles north of here.

Seems to me the prosecutor could be planning to issue a warrant on Monday in conjunction with the press conference. I think its even possible that he has coordinated this with Ben's attorney, who could arrange to have Ben turn himself in at that time.

If I recall correctly, when O.J. was arrested they announced that a warrant had issued, expecting him to turn himself in, and then the famous "chase" happened. So often prosecutors cooperate with defense attorneys to make the arrest un-embarrassing for the defendant (i.e., they don't show up at his place of work and hand-cuff him).

 

[offdee]

A criminal lawyer not connected with the case said that likely means no charges will happen in the case."Had they wanted to arrest Roethlisberger, they would've issued a warrant, not waited for a press conference on Monday," said B.J. Bernstein of Atlanta, one of the nation's most high-profile defense attorneys."If they had wanted to send this matter to a grand jury, which is a closed process, they would not have a public press conference to do that," Bernstein said. "Most likely, what we're seeing here is that the district attorney has chosen to drop the matter."Baldwin County court staff said the district attorney's office did not request a special grand jury be impaneled. The next scheduled round of subpoenas for a July grand jury won't go out until late June."So arrests happen pretty quickly. We didn't see that happen here."

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I think this is more likely good news for Ben than bad. I don't think any decision would be being announced this quickly after the DA got a hold of the information unless it was to NOT charge him. The DA's office would likely do further investigation or impanel a grand jury if charges were forthcoming. Just my opinion.

DISCLOSURE. I'm Steelers fan and an attorney, but I don't do criminal work.

I agreeDisclosure: Big Ben Owner and special education teacher.

 

[Donnybrook]

Seems to me the prosecutor could be planning to issue a warrant on Monday in conjunction with the press conference. I think its even possible that he has coordinated this with Ben's attorney, who could arrange to have Ben turn himself in at that time.

If I recall correctly, when O.J. was arrested they announced that a warrant had issued, expecting him to turn himself in, and then the famous "chase" happened. So often prosecutors cooperate with defense attorneys to make the arrest un-embarrassing for the defendant (i.e., they don't show up at his place of work and hand-cuff him).

Does Ben have any friends with a white Ford Bronco?

 

[road warrior]

Sounds like Big Ben is getting off? If true, can't wait to see how long it takes till the 'race card' is pulled.

http://www.rotoinfo.com/comments-latestfro...tter-17979.html

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Yup, as roadwarrior said ESPN is reporting Big Ben won't face charges.

This S bag needs to be kicked in the peanuts by the entire Rooney family when he returns to the facility.

 

[identikit]

Sources: Charges won't be brought

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged after an investigation into accusations of sexual assault by a 20-year-old woman in Georgia, sources told ESPN.

Sources confirmed to ESPN's Kelly Naqi that District Attorney Fred Bright will announce on Monday that charges will not be brought against Roethlisberger. Bright said in a statement Friday he has reviewed all the investigation reports and will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. ET Monday.

Milledgeville police Chief Woodrow Blue said Wednesday his department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation had wrapped up their investigation into a 20-year-old college student's claim that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early March 5 at a club in Milledgeville.

It was the second time in a year that Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual misconduct. He also faces a lawsuit filed last July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he denies. Roethlisberger has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit.

Roethlisberger did not report to Pittsburgh's offseason workouts last month. The next critical day for players is April 19, when on-field practice starts. Most of the team is expected to be on hand then.

ESPN's Kelly Naqi and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5071769

 

[loose circuits]

those guys that sold Big Ben low are gonna regret it. I saw him get traded for basically Kyle Orton

we'll see how it goes. I don't have a dog in this race

 

[flapgreen]

Sources: Charges won't be brought

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged after an investigation into accusations of sexual assault by a 20-year-old woman in Georgia, sources told ESPN.

Sources confirmed to ESPN's Kelly Naqi that District Attorney Fred Bright will announce on Monday that charges will not be brought against Roethlisberger. Bright said in a statement Friday he has reviewed all the investigation reports and will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. ET Monday.

Milledgeville police Chief Woodrow Blue said Wednesday his department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation had wrapped up their investigation into a 20-year-old college student's claim that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early March 5 at a club in Milledgeville.

It was the second time in a year that Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual misconduct. He also faces a lawsuit filed last July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he denies. Roethlisberger has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit.

Roethlisberger did not report to Pittsburgh's offseason workouts last month. The next critical day for players is April 19, when on-field practice starts. Most of the team is expected to be on hand then.

ESPN's Kelly Naqi and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5071769

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

 

[loose circuits]

Sources: Charges won't be brought

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged after an investigation into accusations of sexual assault by a 20-year-old woman in Georgia, sources told ESPN.

Sources confirmed to ESPN's Kelly Naqi that District Attorney Fred Bright will announce on Monday that charges will not be brought against Roethlisberger. Bright said in a statement Friday he has reviewed all the investigation reports and will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. ET Monday.

Milledgeville police Chief Woodrow Blue said Wednesday his department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation had wrapped up their investigation into a 20-year-old college student's claim that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early March 5 at a club in Milledgeville.

It was the second time in a year that Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual misconduct. He also faces a lawsuit filed last July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he denies. Roethlisberger has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit.

Roethlisberger did not report to Pittsburgh's offseason workouts last month. The next critical day for players is April 19, when on-field practice starts. Most of the team is expected to be on hand then.

ESPN's Kelly Naqi and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5071769

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

I'm sure his lawyer fees weren't cheap...

 

[ptsteelers]

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

And you don't have to pay for writing unproven accusations on the internet. Funny world, aint it.

 

[identikit]

If Roethlisberger isn't charged, he could still face league or team discipline

Posted by Mike Florio on April 9, 2010 9:47 PM ET

Our pal Brooks of SportsByBrooks.com has dissected various flaws arising from ESPN's rush to report that Ocmulgee (Ga.) Judicial Circuit District Attorney Fred Bright will announce Monday that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won't be charged with sexual assault. But Brooks ultimately concludes, and we agree, that ESPN wouldn't go with this story if the reporters had the tiniest sliver of doubt regarding its accuracy.

If that's what Bright announces on Monday -- that Roethlisberger won't be charged -- the matter won't be completely closed. Roethlisberger still could be sued, pursuant to the much lower standard of proof applicable to civil suits.

More importantly (as it relates to his NFL career), Roethlisberger could face discipline from the league or from the team.

The NFL could impose a penalty under the Personal Conduct Policy, even without a criminal prosecution. "While criminal activity is clearly outside the scope of permissible conduct," the Personal Conduct Policy reads, "and persons who engage in criminal activity will be subject to discipline, the standard of conduct for persons employed in the NFL is considerably higher. It is not simply enough to avoid being found guilty of a crime. Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct yourself in a way that is responsible, promotes the values upon which the League is based, and is lawful." (Emphasis in original.)

The Personal Conduct Policy then lists the various circumstances in which discipline may be imposed. The first two items specifically mention "criminal offenses." Later, the list includes "[c]onduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players." An easy case can be made that, even without charges, Roethlisberger's reportedly admitted conduct -- sexual contact with a 20-year-old girl in the bathroom stall of a nightclub -- "undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league, its teams, and its players.

That said, the Personal Conduct Policy contains some potentially conflicting language regarding the issue of discipline. "Unless the case involves significant bodily harm," the document states, "a first offense will generally not result in discipline until there has been a disposition of the proceeding." This sentence strongly implies that, for a first offense, the player won't be disciplined absent the filing of criminal charges.

It's possible that, in Roethlisberger's case, the league will regard the Nevada incident as a first offense, and thus treat the Georgia incident as a second offense. The problem, of course, is that it's impossible for the league to conclude whether either incident constitutes an "offense" unless the league has conducted its own investigation.

As a result, we tend to think that, despite language suggesting that punishment can be imposed without criminal charges or an arrest, the league will be reluctant to go down that path, unless Roethlisberger would ultimately lose the civil case in Nevada and then lose the separate civil case (if one filed) in Georgia.

Of course, that won't stop the team from taking action. In an effort to commence the process of reclaiming a reputation of good behavior, the Steelers could choose to impose a short suspension (one or two games) for conduct detrimental to the team. Roethlisberger could fight the suspension with the assistance of the union, and unlike league-imposed suspensions Roethlisberger would be entitled to have the matter reviewed by an independent arbitrator. That said, Roethlisberger's long-term interests likely would be best served by taking whatever punishment the Rooneys mete out, to be glad that he avoided an outcome that could have been much worse, and to avoid moving forward any circumstances that could give rise to similar allegations.

Again, all of this assumes that he won't be charged. If the ESPN report is indeed accurate, we expect others to be "confirming" it over the weekend.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...eam-discipline/

 

[flapgreen]

Sources: Charges won't be brought

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged after an investigation into accusations of sexual assault by a 20-year-old woman in Georgia, sources told ESPN.

Sources confirmed to ESPN's Kelly Naqi that District Attorney Fred Bright will announce on Monday that charges will not be brought against Roethlisberger. Bright said in a statement Friday he has reviewed all the investigation reports and will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. ET Monday.

Milledgeville police Chief Woodrow Blue said Wednesday his department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation had wrapped up their investigation into a 20-year-old college student's claim that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early March 5 at a club in Milledgeville.

It was the second time in a year that Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual misconduct. He also faces a lawsuit filed last July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he denies. Roethlisberger has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit.

Roethlisberger did not report to Pittsburgh's offseason workouts last month. The next critical day for players is April 19, when on-field practice starts. Most of the team is expected to be on hand then.

ESPN's Kelly Naqi and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5071769

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

I'm sure his lawyer fees weren't cheap...

Ahh. got me

 

[flapgreen]

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

And you don't have to pay for writing unproven accusations on the internet. Funny world, aint it.

ZING!

 

[az_prof]

Quoting from a post above that is quoting some online blog source:

"An easy case can be made that, even without charges, Roethlisberger's reportedly admitted conduct -- sexual contact with a 20-year-old girl in the bathroom stall of a nightclub -- "undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league, its teams, and its player."

Am I the only one who finds it hard to understand how a single man having sexual contact with a 20 year old woman (girl???) constitutes behavior that "puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league???? Tom Cable had TWO ex-wives come out and say he repeatedly beat them and also laid out an assistant coach, and that didn't constitute behavior that put at risk the integrity of the game.

Young, single men have sex with women. 20 is old enough to consent. She isn't a "girl."

Unless it is shown that he raped her how can you punish him?

I agree that if he loses the civil case in Denver or if this becomes a civil case and he loses it, then he could be punished. But if you punish him short of that then you are saying that just being accused of a crime that doesn't lead to an indictment even is something you are responsible for. If I were a player I would sue the NFL because I don't think the language presented above could support such discipline.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

And you don't have to pay for writing unproven accusations on the internet. Funny world, aint it.

None of us know what happened, but it sure was weird how that tape got erased.

 

[Bojang0301]

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

And you don't have to pay for writing unproven accusations on the internet. Funny world, aint it.

None of us know what happened, but it sure was weird how that tape got erased.

Weird? Are all too common (unfortunately so).

Oh let it go. You all want to make assumptions about athletes well you could turn the 360 degrees and talk about sorority girls and there reputation because I've seen a hell of a lot of stupid #### go down with them. That isn't the point though I don't think there was a 100 percent innocent side to this case but from everything divulged there wasn't anything on that tape to begin with. The investigators didn't take a DNA sample, didn't interview Roethlisberger and his own attorneys private eye investigation took like 3 days. The girl wasn't reported hysterical, frantic or even somber leaving the club. She had a rape test and stated her side. Sounds to me like from the beginning the cops knew something stunk and it wasn't from Big Ben's side. But hey this is what our society has become women make an accusation and they hold all the cards in court and in public opinion.

 

[Steelfan7]

Quoting from a post above that is quoting some online blog source: "An easy case can be made that, even without charges, Roethlisberger's reportedly admitted conduct -- sexual contact with a 20-year-old girl in the bathroom stall of a nightclub -- "undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league, its teams, and its player."Am I the only one who finds it hard to understand how a single man having sexual contact with a 20 year old woman (girl???) constitutes behavior that "puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league???? Tom Cable had TWO ex-wives come out and say he repeatedly beat them and also laid out an assistant coach, and that didn't constitute behavior that put at risk the integrity of the game. Young, single men have sex with women. 20 is old enough to consent. She isn't a "girl." Unless it is shown that he raped her how can you punish him? I agree that if he loses the civil case in Denver or if this becomes a civil case and he loses it, then he could be punished. But if you punish him short of that then you are saying that just being accused of a crime that doesn't lead to an indictment even is something you are responsible for. If I were a player I would sue the NFL because I don't think the language presented above could support such discipline.

 

[loose circuits]

Quoting from a post above that is quoting some online blog source:

"An easy case can be made that, even without charges, Roethlisberger's reportedly admitted conduct -- sexual contact with a 20-year-old girl in the bathroom stall of a nightclub -- "undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league, its teams, and its player."

Am I the only one who finds it hard to understand how a single man having sexual contact with a 20 year old woman (girl???) constitutes behavior that "puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league???? Tom Cable had TWO ex-wives come out and say he repeatedly beat them and also laid out an assistant coach, and that didn't constitute behavior that put at risk the integrity of the game.

Young, single men have sex with women. 20 is old enough to consent. She isn't a "girl."

Unless it is shown that he raped her how can you punish him?

I agree that if he loses the civil case in Denver or if this becomes a civil case and he loses it, then he could be punished. But if you punish him short of that then you are saying that just being accused of a crime that doesn't lead to an indictment even is something you are responsible for. If I were a player I would sue the NFL because I don't think the language presented above could support such discipline.

Is he single?I thought he was married to Missy Peregrym? http://www.teenidols4you.com/picture.html?...&pic=189318 Did they get divorced already?

 

[Steelfan7]

Quoting from a post above that is quoting some online blog source:

"An easy case can be made that, even without charges, Roethlisberger's reportedly admitted conduct -- sexual contact with a 20-year-old girl in the bathroom stall of a nightclub -- "undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league, its teams, and its player."

Am I the only one who finds it hard to understand how a single man having sexual contact with a 20 year old woman (girl???) constitutes behavior that "puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league???? Tom Cable had TWO ex-wives come out and say he repeatedly beat them and also laid out an assistant coach, and that didn't constitute behavior that put at risk the integrity of the game.

Young, single men have sex with women. 20 is old enough to consent. She isn't a "girl."

Unless it is shown that he raped her how can you punish him?

I agree that if he loses the civil case in Denver or if this becomes a civil case and he loses it, then he could be punished. But if you punish him short of that then you are saying that just being accused of a crime that doesn't lead to an indictment even is something you are responsible for. If I were a player I would sue the NFL because I don't think the language presented above could support such discipline.

Is he single?I thought he was married to Missy Peregrym? http://www.teenidols4you.com/picture.html?...&pic=189318 Did they get divorced already?

Ben is single and never been married.

 

[loose circuits]

Quoting from a post above that is quoting some online blog source:

"An easy case can be made that, even without charges, Roethlisberger's reportedly admitted conduct -- sexual contact with a 20-year-old girl in the bathroom stall of a nightclub -- "undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league, its teams, and its player."

Am I the only one who finds it hard to understand how a single man having sexual contact with a 20 year old woman (girl???) constitutes behavior that "puts at risk the integrity and reputation" of the league???? Tom Cable had TWO ex-wives come out and say he repeatedly beat them and also laid out an assistant coach, and that didn't constitute behavior that put at risk the integrity of the game.

Young, single men have sex with women. 20 is old enough to consent. She isn't a "girl."

Unless it is shown that he raped her how can you punish him?

I agree that if he loses the civil case in Denver or if this becomes a civil case and he loses it, then he could be punished. But if you punish him short of that then you are saying that just being accused of a crime that doesn't lead to an indictment even is something you are responsible for. If I were a player I would sue the NFL because I don't think the language presented above could support such discipline.

Is he single?I thought he was married to Missy Peregrym? http://www.teenidols4you.com/picture.html?...&pic=189318 Did they get divorced already?

Ben is single and never been married.

oh ok, guess they must have just 'dated' Let the player play on then. 20 year olds are legal in all states

 

[blend]

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

And you don't have to pay for writing unproven accusations on the internet. Funny world, aint it.

None of us know what happened, but it sure was weird how that tape got erased.

forgive the ignorance here... what tape?

 

[identikit]

The night club had a video surveillance tape that got erased somehow.

 

[treat88]

The night club had a video surveillance tape that got erased somehow.

The club also had 12 cameras in the VIP area, not a single one of them trained on the restroom in question.I guess I don't understand why the tape is a big deal.If it showed the "accuser" as she entered/exited the area before/after the alleged event wouldn't you expect multiple eyewitnesses that would be able to report to that affect as well?If the tapes were intentionally erased I think it's far more likely the club owner is trying to avoid a charge of providing alcohol to a minor than anything to do with Roethlisberger.For those who think there is some sort of conspiracy going on.....why?

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

I don't think this is any surprise. These guys never have to pay for what they do.

And you don't have to pay for writing unproven accusations on the internet. Funny world, aint it.

haha... Ben still should be riding the short bus to work... no offense special education teacher listed above

 

[ScottyFargo]

The night club had a video surveillance tape that got erased somehow.

The club also had 12 cameras in the VIP area, not a single one of them trained on the restroom in question.I guess I don't understand why the tape is a big deal.If it showed the "accuser" as she entered/exited the area before/after the alleged event wouldn't you expect multiple eyewitnesses that would be able to report to that affect as well?If the tapes were intentionally erased I think it's far more likely the club owner is trying to avoid a charge of providing alcohol to a minor than anything to do with Roethlisberger.For those who think there is some sort of conspiracy going on.....why?

Because the alleged victim is a 20 year old girl and the alleged assailant is a rich white football star who took photos with the officer who arrived on the scene previously in the night, and the club doesn't want to deal with having a sexual assault on their premises so the obvious easy way out for them (and lucky Roethlisberger) is to erase the evidence.

 

[identikit]

The night club had a video surveillance tape that got erased somehow.

The club also had 12 cameras in the VIP area, not a single one of them trained on the restroom in question.I guess I don't understand why the tape is a big deal.If it showed the "accuser" as she entered/exited the area before/after the alleged event wouldn't you expect multiple eyewitnesses that would be able to report to that affect as well?If the tapes were intentionally erased I think it's far more likely the club owner is trying to avoid a charge of providing alcohol to a minor than anything to do with Roethlisberger.For those who think there is some sort of conspiracy going on.....why?

I agree that the tape 'issue' was most likely a move by the club to protect themselves, not Ben.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

One thing I do not understand about the situation (apologize in advance for tangent):

In a town of 18,757 (and only a 54k population over the two county region), why and how is there a VIP section of a club? Is this club so big, filled with notable VIPs, that it needs a VIP section? I am assuming so with such a large VIP section that has 12 cameras focused on the area.

What am I missing?

source

 

[treat88]

The night club had a video surveillance tape that got erased somehow.

The club also had 12 cameras in the VIP area, not a single one of them trained on the restroom in question.I guess I don't understand why the tape is a big deal.If it showed the "accuser" as she entered/exited the area before/after the alleged event wouldn't you expect multiple eyewitnesses that would be able to report to that affect as well?If the tapes were intentionally erased I think it's far more likely the club owner is trying to avoid a charge of providing alcohol to a minor than anything to do with Roethlisberger.For those who think there is some sort of conspiracy going on.....why?

Because the alleged victim is a 20 year old girl and the alleged assailant is a rich white football star who took photos with the officer who arrived on the scene previously in the night, and the club doesn't want to deal with having a sexual assault on their premises so the obvious easy way out for them (and lucky Roethlisberger) is to erase the evidence.

So you think the tapes were likely to provide some type of evidence that was not otherwise obtainable?Were the tapes not equally likey to be beneficial to Ben's case as they were to negatively impact it?Given no cameras were pointed at the area in question, it seems like the best the tapes would provide is inconsequential details. Big deal made out of nothing IMO. Lots of around here.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

One thing I do not understand about the situation (apologize in advance for tangent):

In a town of 18,757 (and only a 54k population over the two county region), why and how is there a VIP section of a club? Is this club so big, filled with notable VIPs, that it needs a VIP section? I am assuming so with such a large VIP section that has 12 cameras focused on the area.

What am I missing?

source

What's the minimum town population required before a club can have a VIP section?

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

The night club had a video surveillance tape that got erased somehow.

The club also had 12 cameras in the VIP area, not a single one of them trained on the restroom in question.I guess I don't understand why the tape is a big deal.If it showed the "accuser" as she entered/exited the area before/after the alleged event wouldn't you expect multiple eyewitnesses that would be able to report to that affect as well?If the tapes were intentionally erased I think it's far more likely the club owner is trying to avoid a charge of providing alcohol to a minor than anything to do with Roethlisberger.For those who think there is some sort of conspiracy going on.....why?

Because the alleged victim is a 20 year old girl and the alleged assailant is a rich white football star who took photos with the officer who arrived on the scene previously in the night, and the club doesn't want to deal with having a sexual assault on their premises so the obvious easy way out for them (and lucky Roethlisberger) is to erase the evidence.

FAILAre you the same guy that thinks Drew Brees and the Saints success his first year in New Orleans was a conspiracy by the league to bring New Orleans back from the brink of extinction after Hurricane Katrina?If the bar was caught on tape 'serving' alcohol to minors than they could lose their license. Also, I read that there were not any cameras set up that night in the VIP where Ben was because of 'construction' and there weren't any cameras trained on that bathroom where the alleged assault occurred so YOUR conspiracy theory sounds pretty shoddy.If anything, an argument could have been made by Ben's side that the 'tape' showed the girl wasn't in distress after the incident and that the club recording over it was detrimental to THEIR case. They don't really have to make that argument unless charges are filed so don't try and say their failure to make said argument means they were in charge of having it taped over.That's the darndest thing about conspiracies... they are like sharts... they stain the involved's tightie whities (reputation) and while no 2 sharts are exactly the same, they all have a similar smell

 

[ScottyFargo]

Lots of around here.

Yes. Much worse than the that one would have to wear to believe that Ben has been targeted by not one but two women to stage sexual assaults to try and blackmail him for dollars.

 

[Godsbrother]

The night club had a video surveillance tape that got erased somehow.

The club also had 12 cameras in the VIP area, not a single one of them trained on the restroom in question.I guess I don't understand why the tape is a big deal.If it showed the "accuser" as she entered/exited the area before/after the alleged event wouldn't you expect multiple eyewitnesses that would be able to report to that affect as well?If the tapes were intentionally erased I think it's far more likely the club owner is trying to avoid a charge of providing alcohol to a minor than anything to do with Roethlisberger.For those who think there is some sort of conspiracy going on.....why?

I agree that the tape 'issue' was most likely a move by the club to protect themselves, not Ben.

If the bar was so concerned about it then why did they wait THREE DAYS after the incident to erase the tape? The police screwed up by not securing the evidence and they had ample time to get it. There was no conspiracy -- just incompetence on the part of the police.

 

[treat88]

Lots of around here.

Yes. Much worse than the that one would have to wear to believe that Ben has been targeted by not one but two women to stage sexual assaults to try and blackmail him for dollars.

First thing you've posted that I actually agree with.I don't think the Georgia allegations had anything to do with money. Drunk, stupid, and dramatic is about the extent there. Bet there's not even a civil suit filed.The McNutty case is an obvious case of mental illness/extortion. I discount that case almost completely. Totally baseless.

 

[identikit]

The night club had a video surveillance tape that got erased somehow.

The club also had 12 cameras in the VIP area, not a single one of them trained on the restroom in question.I guess I don't understand why the tape is a big deal.If it showed the "accuser" as she entered/exited the area before/after the alleged event wouldn't you expect multiple eyewitnesses that would be able to report to that affect as well?If the tapes were intentionally erased I think it's far more likely the club owner is trying to avoid a charge of providing alcohol to a minor than anything to do with Roethlisberger.For those who think there is some sort of conspiracy going on.....why?

I agree that the tape 'issue' was most likely a move by the club to protect themselves, not Ben.

If the bar was so concerned about it then why did they wait THREE DAYS after the incident to erase the tape? The police screwed up by not securing the evidence and they had ample time to get it. There was no conspiracy -- just incompetence on the part of the police.

Lots of incompetence to go around IMO....