Even though I’ve commented on the sexual assault investigation of Ben Roethlisberger on my weekend shows at Sporting News Radio, I elected to wait for more details before writing a post on the matter here at LBS. Before too many details emerged, I said that Big Ben was stupid for putting himself in a bad situation (drinking with college students), and even dumber for not realizing how carefully he needs to watch himself given his pending rape case (that seemed bogus to me because a criminal suit was never filed). Regardless of the facts of the current case, both of the aforementioned statements still hold true, especially considering this is Ben’s third offseason event of concern (don’t forget his motorcycle crash). Now that more reported details are emerging, it appears as if the prosecutors will have a reason to press charges. Per a report by KDKA:
Sources say Roethlisberger concedes that he did have contact with the woman that was not consummated and that afterward the woman slipped and fell, injuring her head. It’s an event that could be a problem for his defense since the woman immediately went to a local hospital and alleged that she was sexually assaulted.
Georgian investigators are asking for Roethlisberger’s DNA, presumably to match some substances taken from the woman at the hospital. [Defense attorney Bob] Del Greco says such evidence in conjunction with a head injury could present evidence of a sexual attack.
The problem with these cases is that only two people know what really occurred, and it’s quite possible that both parties were drunk. The investigation boils down to one issue for me: if Roethlisberger admitted to having contact with the woman but not sex, how did she fall and hit her head? Was it because of Big Ben’s actions or not? And why is a lab testing some DNA on the woman and asking for a sample of Ben’s? While I won’t say Roethlisberger is guilty of a crime, much less call him a rapist, everything I wrote about him above still applies: he’s clearly careless and stupid for putting himself in this situation. I also believe the prosecution has a strong case against him based on this report. It could be a long offseason for #7 and Steel City.
Sources:
Sources Reveal Roethlisberger’s Version Of Events [KDKA]
Report: Roethlisberger admitted to having “sexual contact” with alleged victim [Pro Football Talk]
