Roethlisberger Attorney: No Sexual Assault

(CBS/AP)  The high-profile attorney representing Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is disputing a woman's claim that the Super Bowl MVP sexually assaulted her at a Georgia nightclub.

Police are investigating the 20-year-old college student's claim that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early Friday. Roethlisberger has not been charged.

In a statement Monday, high-profile Atlanta attorney Ed Garland says there was "no criminal activity" and Roethlisberger is "completely innocent of any crime." Garland also says no sexual assault occurred.

Also Monday, the police chief of the Georgia college town where the investigation is under way says detectives hope to interview Roethlisberger in the next several days.

Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement the team is closely monitoring the situation.

"All of us in the Steelers family are concerned about the recent incident involving Ben Roethlisberger in Georgia," the statement said. "We cannot comment on any of the specifics until law enforcement's investigation is concluded."

Garland previously represented rapper T.I. on a federal weapons charge and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in a murder case. More serious charges against Lewis were dropped and he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor obstruction of justice charge.

Roethlisberger, who owns a home about 30 miles north of Milledgeville on Lake Oconee, is also being sued by a woman who claims he raped her in 2008 at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe.

The Steelers star denies those allegations and has asked for counter-damages.

The player's agent, Ryan Tollner, said in a statement the day after the Milledgeville incident that he is skeptical of the alleged victim's motive because of the Lake Tahoe allegations.

[jxknowles]

Gee, I'm glad Ben's attorney cleared that mess up. Now we can get on with our lives.

[tomanyt]

Just because she said it happened, doesn't mean it actually happened.

[fleabag75]

Well, I guess the lawyer was there. He sounds like he seen it all.

[sean71z]

Hookers working college bars conspire with photographers and radio techs to set-up rich guys in a blackmail scam. A lap dance in the VIP lounge turns into pictures filled with smooches and a pat on the behind.

[fleabag75]

You're kidding, right????

[pragmatist1]

Of course he's innocent. Aren't all of these overpaid bad boy jocks who do always innocent? He's done this sort of thing before and allowed to get away with it, or paid his victim off. He hasn't any respect for himself or his victims, and his victims haven't any respect for themselves either.

[baileyccc]

Let's see, he was in the room with the young lady and his body guards would not let anybody in. The 20 year old has got him cold, she will soon be a millionaire and this will go away. posted by baileyccc

[ddog88]

Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, and Ben walk into a bar full of drunken underage girls..... Referee say, FLAG-15 yard penalty-roughing the gold digger. Charlie Sheen picked a good time to go to rehab. Did she have a line up cuz Ben and Andy Dick have the same barber. His mistake was that he was focused on the tight end when he had an abundance of wide receivers that were open.

[differnet]

Here's a crazy thought.... Men should look for steady, stable relationships... Instead of picking up women in bars. Rape happens a lot. Less than .05% to 2% (depending upon your source of data) of rapes accusations are false. But you know, if men would actually have sex inside of relationships - where they got to know the woman first, then they might be able to avoid a lot of crap. Still there is a 98% chance that these accusations are real and, those are really good odds. I bet all of you would make a bet on a 98% chance of being right.

[raydernation]

2nd time. Makes you think though, after facing this same charge before this instantly gives the other case he's still facing more ammunition for the prosecutors. I can't believe he put his self in that position again. If anything he should go rent that movie "Pretty Woman" with Julia Roberts & Richard Gere. And look at it and keep looking at it til it sinks in, and that is go get him a real ho, a real one will lay it out (money wise) as to what its gonna take to be with her and her services, very simple. she'll neve turn him in or cross him its a business proposition all the way. But, these undercover hookers will break him, if he keeps going like he's going. I'm poor and wont mess with these undercover ho's, they aint worth 2 dead flies.

[debinok1]

Sadly it has become acceptable for women to sleep with men then turn around and scream rape when things don't go the way they expected afterwards. Men need to start looking at women with the attitude that says "If I sleep with her she WILL charge me with rape." This is coming from a woman by the way.

[culturechang]

Your recommendation seems to have a hidden agenda. Are you another woman who hates men and sex, thus try any means to discourage it?