Oh Roethlisberger...

[Kurtis]

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. -- A high-profile defense attorney hired by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Monday disputed a college student's claim that the two-time Super Bowl winner sexually assaulted her at a Georgia nightclub.

The 20-year-old told police Roethlisberger, who had been out barhopping with friends, assaulted her early Friday. Roethlisberger has not been charged.

Whatever the outcome of the criminal investigation, that party scene in Georgia last week should have been on Ben Roethlisberger's "don't-do" list.

"The facts show that there was no criminal activity. No sexual assault occurred," attorney Ed Garland said in a statement Monday. "Ben is completely innocent of any crime."

Milledgeville police said at a news conference that they expect to interview Roethlisberger in the next several days. They said they have not taken a DNA sample from him but probably will.

Authorities also said the woman has hired an attorney, though they would not identify him or her. The woman's name has not been released.

They expect to interview about eight people and said they are reviewing video footage obtained from several businesses. They declined to elaborate.

"The investigation is ongoing. It would be premature to make any announcement at this time," said Fred Bright, district attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. "When the facts are in and a decision is made, we will let you know."

Lester Munson talks about the police investigation in the Ben Roethlisberger sexual assault case and Big Ben's hiring of attorney Ed Garland, one of the best in the country.

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 hotel and casino, an allegation he strongly denies.

Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement Monday that the team is closely monitoring the Milledgeville 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, Roethlisberger's new attorney, 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.


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

2 times now, I really think he needs to stay outta the clubs and party places.

[BSU]

Yeah, you would think he would have learned his lesson by now. But I guess innocent until proven guilty.

[The Role Model]

Originally Posted by BSU

Yeah, you would think he would have learned his lesson by now. But I guess innocent until proven guilty.

Yeah, because he's white. Kobe sure wasn't innocent until proven guilty. Fuck Ben Roethlisberger. He's an obvious shithead.

[JimmyJackJericho]

I agree with Phil. Either he's the stupidest guy in the world for attacking women when he can pretty much have anyone else, or he's the stupidest guy in the world for getting into a situation where they can take advantage of his stupidity.

[legendkiller003]

Not sure what to make of all this. Second time obviously, but no charges yet, but I'm not sure if anyone thinks he's actually doing anything wrong.. just situations where people try to take advantage of him. JJJ could be right, in that he's the stupidest person in the world for getting into these situations. I've always been a Roethlisberger fan, so I'd like to think he isn't doing anything wrong.

[The Role Model]

Originally Posted by JimmyJackJericho

I agree with Phil. Either he's the stupidest guy in the world for attacking women when he can pretty much have anyone else, or he's the stupidest guy in the world for getting into a situation where they can take advantage of his stupidity.

Not only that, but going back a couple years ago when he drove his motorcycle into some lady's car because he was being reckless. He just strikes me as the type that thinks his shit doesn't stink because he's an athlete and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if this happens 200 more times in his life. The Kobe and Duke Lacrosse Team allegations already hurt this girl's case, but who knows what the investigation will reveal.