Big Ben to State Pen?

Roethlisberger accused of sex assault in lawsuit
AP

RENO, Nev. – Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit, his lawyer said, denying the claim.

The lawsuit was filed Friday in Washoe County District Court accusing Roethlisberger of assaulting a woman in July 2008.

Roethlisberger is one of nine defendants listed in the online court docket report. Further details of the lawsuit were not available Tuesday morning.

"Ben has never sexually assaulted anyone ... 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. If an investigation is commenced, Ben will cooperate fully and Ben will be fully exonerated," David Cornwell, Roethlisberger's lawyer, said in a statement released early Tuesday.

Boy I sure don't envy Steelers fans right now? The Lakers are about five years removed from the Kobe Bryant allegations and everything is finally back in place. Not that I'm insinuating that the case against him had anything to do with the team being blown up, but I'm sure it didn't help. At least the Steelers only play one game a week so Ben won't have to catch the red-eye flight back for any matchups.

And I was kind of surprised that TMZ had this girl's photo and name posted and everything. I kind of remember that being a non-no during Kobe's civil case. I decided not to post her info for no well thought out reason than you can easily access it yourself. But if you're curious and lazy here's the link.