NFL QB Ben Roethlisberger Denies Sex Assault

By: Ryan Smith
Topics: Daily Blotter

(AP)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

RENO, Nev. (CBS/ AP) A woman is accusing Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of raping her last summer in his penthouse hotel room in Lake Tahoe, Nev.

The civil suit allegations are by a former employee of Harrah's hotel-casino, who says the attack occurred there in July 2008. Andrea McNulty says the attack happened to her when the Super Bowl-winning quarterback was in Tahoe playing in a celebrity golf tournament. She also alleges that Harrah's officials refused to investigate her complaint and went to great lengths to cover up the incident.

But the NFL star's lawyer told NBC Sports that the charges by McNulty are false. "Ben has never sexually assaulted anyone, especially Andrea McNulty," said David Cornwell.

The civil suit, filed last week in Washoe County, Nevada, claims Roethlisberger asked McNulty to come to his hotel room to fix the television. Once she arrived, McNulty alleges, he forced her to have sex with him. Roethlisberger faces several civil charges, including assault, sexual assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

No criminal complaint has been filed.

"The timing of the lawsuit and the absence of a criminal complaint and a criminal investigation are the most compelling evidence of the absence of any criminal conduct," Cornwell said.

"If an investigation is commenced, Ben will cooperate fully and Ben will be fully exonerated."

Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said Tuesday the team is aware of the lawsuit, and "we are gathering information."

3 Comments +

Add a Comment


by BobHev1963 July 22, 2009 7:15 PM EDT: I have discussed these allegations with several people over the course of the day, including my 74-year-old mother whom is also a Steelers fan, and everyone I have talked with (without exception) has stated that they do not believe the accusations due to the really bizarre circumstances (i.e. no police report, no rape kit, waiting a year and then only pursuing a Civil Suit, etc.) of the alleged rape, and the other claims the alleged victim made about Harras' employees breaking into her home, scrubbing her computer's hard-drive, and then stealing the computer. Wierd to say the least.
In fact, everyone I have spoken with feels this is just another individual attempting to bilk money out of someone famous whom she has been fortunate enough to have been around. In my view, the lady may have even been lucky enough to have had consentual sex with Ben, for all I know (he is not a bad looking fellow, and he is worth $105 million), and perhaps the woman anticipated more coming from the encounter (and after a year without further encounters she decided upon another route; but, that is all mere speculation), but I too believe that whatever the case may be it is a frivolous attempt to make monetary gains through defamation of character: hush money has often been paid even by innocent people whom just want problems to go away. Furthermore, I would not put it past one of Pittsburgh's rivals to have even put the woman up to this in an effort to distract the reigning champs during preparations for the upcoming season (anyone recall spygate?). Hey, anything is possible in the very competitive NFL where winning the Super Bowl can be the acheivement of a lifetime, and can make or break careers from the bottom up.
In any event, I think it would be a mistake for the media to give this too much attention for the aforementioned reasons, and at least until we see if there is anything of any substance to corroborate the alleged victim's accusations whatsoever. Anything less would be unfair to Ben Roethelisberger and his family and to the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise and to Ben's team-mates.
BobHev1963.; Reply to this comment


by BobHev1963 July 22, 2009 9:17 AM EDT: I recall Big Ben's rookie year with the Steelers, when he donated his entire year's salary to the Tsunami Relief Fund (approximatley $100,000). In my opinion, a fellow with a heart that big does not go around raping young ladies. Moreover, I read the article in the Associated Press, and the woman's accusations of her employer breaking into her house to steal her computer, coupled with no police report and a year elapsing between the supposed rape and the Civil Suit just do not make sense to me. I am a Steeler's fan, but fan or not, I suspect the validity of this woman's claim; and, I suspect this is just an attempt to blackmail someone very famous in to coughing up some shut-up & go-away money. It would not be the first time it has occured, and it will not be the last time it does occur.; Reply to this comment


by fairyofsherwood July 22, 2009 7:55 AM EDT: Are you kidding me????? These stories are just plain tiresome, these women are looking for a free ride, period. Who, in thier right mind, would wait a year "if" they were raped to cry foul? All men are a target for this type of suit, the stakes are just much higher for a hollywood actor, an NFL star or any other athlete. Ladies, get a job and STOP trying to milk these guys!
Ben - fight her every step of the way!!!!! Go Steelers.; Reply to this comment

Popular Now in Crime

recommended

Follow Crimesider

Most Popular on CBS News

Stories More »

Videos More »

6 Photos | View Gallery »
"Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker" arrested in NJ murder
9 Photos | View Gallery »
Inside the analyst's office
5 Photos | View Gallery »
Facebook's first year on Wall Street
12 Photos | View Gallery »
Jodi Arias close up
21 Photos | View Gallery »
Photos of the Week

Scroll Left

Scroll Right More »

48 Hours 48 Hours for iPad^® A perfect companion to TV's most popular true-crime series.

CBS News on Facebook

NFL QB Ben Roethlisberger Denies Sex Assault

Report offensive content:

E-mail this comment to a friend.

Follow Crimesider

48 Hours iPad App