Merged: Big Ben Gets 6-Game Suspension

[Twoo]

[quote name='MKdave' date='09 April 2010 - 01:39 PM' timestamp='1270834762' post='388914']
Would they really want to wait until after the weekend to announce that they aren't pressing charges? It'd be like drawing attention to a failure. I think they'll press charges. Couldn't speculate further given that I have no idea what evidence was uncovered by the investigation.
[/quote]

Espn reported weeks ago that if Ben is charged that it's a lock the NFL will suspend him pending the results of the trial and the Rooneys will dump his contract and release him while there's no cap.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='MKdave' date='09 April 2010 - 01:39 PM' timestamp='1270834762' post='388914']
[b]Would they really want to wait until after the weekend to announce that they aren't pressing charges? It'd be like drawing attention to a failure.[/b] I think they'll press charges. Couldn't speculate further given that I have no idea what evidence was uncovered by the investigation.
[/quote]
I hadn't thought of that. It's something to consider.

We know that the accuser had a head injury, there was "contact," the video was recorded over... and not much else.

[quote name='Twoo' date='09 April 2010 - 01:44 PM' timestamp='1270835044' post='388921']
Espn reported weeks ago that if Ben is charged that it's a lock the NFL will suspend him pending the results of the trial and the Rooneys will dump his contract and release him while there's no cap.
[/quote]
That's a pretty bold statement from Espn, but (if it's true) it's interesting. I suppose it's reliant on Ben being indefinitely suspended and not, for instance, being handed a four game suspension or something of that nature.

[Guest maryland1]

Per ESPN, charges will not be filed against Roethlisberger.

=====
[b]
Updated: [/b]April 9, 2010, 9:37 PM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged after an investigation into accusations of sexual assault by a 20-year-old woman in Georgia, sources told ESPN.

Sources confirmed to ESPN's Kelly Naqi that District Attorney Fred Bright will announce on Monday that charges will not be brought against Roethlisberger. Bright said in a statement Friday he has reviewed all the investigation reports and will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. ET Monday.

[url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5071769"]http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5071769[/url]

[darklight1216]

^ I'm shocked.

[FerrariFan87]

He said, she said all along.... He has 100 million reasons to get out of it... He wins.

[MKdave]

I think it's currently only ESPN that is reporting that, so we'll see.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

ok heres my point there is a sever charecter issue with ben , I got a friend from pitt who said if you know ben you know the true type of person he is and it aint good. Here in york pa he dennied a 4 year old an autograph cause he was short a few bux and told him get lost kid , numerouse gas stations have called the cops on him in pitt for pumping and leaving with no paying. The DA knows he has a wrap sheet that some how the pitt org has kept under wraps. the old saying you can only pull the wool for so long before they find the sheep is realy a rabid wolf. the ramification prosicution or not on monday is he will be done after this year numerouse pitt fans in pa that I have asked about the situation want him gone and the same with holmes mind you these are older fans not young kids. the young kids are not understanding truely being a team fan vs a player bandwaggoner

[thewarden86]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='09 April 2010 - 10:09 PM' timestamp='1270865378' post='389149']
^ I'm shocked.
[/quote]

Shocked? Or disappointed?

[George70]

[quote name='Twoo' date='09 April 2010 - 11:03 AM' timestamp='1270829037' post='388840']
Odds are no charges will be filed and nothing will come of this.

If Ben screws up ONE more time, the Rooneys will unload him so fast it won't even be funny.
[/quote]

Sounds as though Ben's choices in regard to his lifestyle have altered his own way of doing things since the motorcycle accident back a few years ago.

I tend to agree with you, too. There is a chance that no charges would be filed. And yes, if "Big Ben" commits one more transgression, the Rooney family may just try to unload him on another team.

We will just have to wait and see what comes of this on Monday.

[Raveman]

[quote name='MKdave' date='10 April 2010 - 03:37 AM' timestamp='1270885040' post='389181']
I think it's currently only ESPN that is reporting that, so we'll see.
[/quote]


Espn has Adam Schefter. Nothing escapes him.

edit: Just found out that it was Espn's Kelly Naqi who confirmed this instead of Schefter.

[JO_75]

In just a little bit we will find out the fate of Ben. At 2PM the Georgia DA will read according to PFT "a very detailed statement" on Ben.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/12/report-georgia-da-will-read-a-detailed-statement-on-roethlisberger/

[quote]When Ocmulgee (Ga.) Judicial Circuit District Attorney Fred Bright starts talking on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., he'll be reading from a "very detailed" statement, according to ESPN's Kelly Naqi.

Citing sources familiar with the statement, Naqi reports that the statement addresses questions like the decision to rescind a DNA request, the level of the alleged victim's intoxication, any inconsistencies in her statements to police, and the contents of Roethlisberger's brief statement to authorities.

The fact that Bright will be reading from a statement makes us think that, indeed, he'll not be pursuing charges, and that he wants to be sure to say the right thing, given that the alleged victim and her family members are voters.

That said, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Roethlisberger still may be disciplined under the Personal Conduct Policy -- and/or punished by the Steelers -- even if he's not charged. Mortensen reported earlier today that Commissioner Roger Goodell will meet with Roethlisberger later this week.[/quote]

Edit: ESPN will have live coverage of the statement and they have said that he won't be charged, and with Ben meeting with the Commish this week, I wonder if he'll face a suspension from the league or the Steelers organization.

[RavFan01]

I just saw on NFL Network that Ben Roethlisberger had the charges dropped against him. Probably due to some kind of settlement. I really hate this guy. I have heard from a few different people that he is an absolute jerk. Now we get to play the guy two more times this year. I think this is the only good outcome from the situation,because I think we are going to beat the Steelers twice this year. It's a real shame that BUM got off again though.

[JO_75]

Funny thing is.... the victim on March 17th said she didn't want to press charges...... Pay Off?

If Ben was innocent he don't pay off the family to stay hush hush, I'm just saying this could be the case... and I don't like it, I'm glad to see him get away from this mess but if he paid her off(and it's only thinking this may have happened) than he must have done something.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/12/alleged-victim-said-on-march-17-that-she-wanted-to-drop-the-case/

[Ravens549]

[quote name='RavFan01' date='12 April 2010 - 02:29 PM' timestamp='1271096941' post='389907']
I just saw on NFL Network that Ben Roethlisberger had the charges dropped against him. Probably due to some kind of settlement. I really hate this guy. I have heard from a few different people that he is an absolute jerk.
[/quote]
I have a friend that owns a sports memorabilia business that has met Ben and said he is an arrogant ***.
He likewise has said Ray Lewis is one of the nicest guys he ever met.

My friend is also a Steelers fan.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Ravens549' date='12 April 2010 - 04:36 PM' timestamp='1271104619' post='389964']
I have a friend that owns a sports memorabilia business that has met Ben and said he is an arrogant ***.
He likewise has said Ray Lewis is one of the nicest guys he ever met.

My friend is also a Steelers fan.
[/quote]
That doesn't surprise me at all. Lots of Steeler fans think he is an unpleasant person to be around.

[Moderator 2]

[url="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10102/1049823-66.stm"]Link[/url] Looks like the girl does not want to go through a trial
[quote]After a great deal of deliberation, our client has instructed us to advise you that she does not want to prosecute this matter further. While I am well aware that the prosecution decision rests with the district attorney, and not a complaining party, it is appropriate that you be aware of this fact as you make your decision.

What is obvious in looking forward is that a criminal trial would be a very intrusive personal experience for complainant in this situation, given the extraordinary media attention that would be inevitable. The media coverage to date, and the efforts of the media to access our client, have been unnerving, to say the least.


[/quote]

[Raveman]

Are people really shocked that he got off? Everyone should have been expecting this after ESPN reported it and never backed down.

[Moderator 3]

I just watched some of the film from the news conference today and you could tell the DA was downright angry. He knows something bad went down that night; he just can't prove it.

They've said that Ben was buying drinks for the girl. Why wasn't he at least charged with giving alcohol to a minor?

[JO_75]

[quote name='Moderator 3' date='12 April 2010 - 07:36 PM' timestamp='1271115364' post='390053']
[b]They've said that Ben was buying drinks for the girl. Why wasn't he at least charged with giving alcohol to a minor?[/b]
[/quote]

I'm glad everything is ok and he is ready to move on but serving drinks to girls under 21? That should be the only charge against him, I mean they couldn't prove the rape but there is evidence that he served minors alcohol than he should face the charges for that.

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='JO_75' date='12 April 2010 - 07:59 PM' timestamp='1271116786' post='390063']
I'm glad everything is ok and he is ready to move on but serving drinks to girls under 21? That should be the only charge against him, I mean they couldn't prove the rape but there is evidence that he served minors alcohol than he should face the charges for that.
[/quote]

Well technically there really isn't enough evidence to prove that... yeah they can give the girl a BAC test, but it will quickly turn into a he said/she said situation.. remember the security footage was taped over... that's why.... the bar didn't want to lose it's liquor liscense

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='Moderator 3' date='12 April 2010 - 07:36 PM' timestamp='1271115364' post='390053']
I just watched some of the film from the news conference today and you could tell the DA was downright angry. He knows something bad went down that night; he just can't prove it.

They've said that Ben was buying drinks for the girl. Why wasn't he at least charged with giving alcohol to a minor?
[/quote]

I think this might be the first post I absolutely positively agree with you on

but given that situation... he would pay a fine and be done with it


Watched his press conference..... anyone else find it incredibly odd that he had to read off of index cards... I still remember the one appx last year where he came out and just out right said he didn't do it.... The fact that he had to read off of cards to me shouts that everything he said is fake
[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d8177c14c/Ben-s-statement"]NFL Link to Big Ben Press Conference[/url]

[AwakenTheDemon]

Sadly, it's really no surprise to me that Roethlisberger "got away" with it. Curious to see if the Rooney's punish Ben in any way. I don't think Ben really "learned" anything from this latest fiasco, personally, and I won't be surprised to hear another situation arise either next off season or during this season. Seems to be an ongoing thing for Ben.

[Purple Punishment]

Well now we can show Ben what its like to be a victim...on a football field. No more scrambling to find Santonio Big Jen.

On a serious note. I felt like there was some kind of payoff under the wraps to keep everything out of the justice system. It just shows when you have money and fame, you can get away with anything.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Reddawn36' date='13 April 2010 - 02:42 AM' timestamp='1271140924' post='390176']
I think this might be the first post I absolutely positively agree with you on

but given that situation... he would pay a fine and be done with it


Watched his press conference..... anyone else find it incredibly odd that he had to read off of index cards... I still remember the one appx last year where he came out and just out right said he didn't do it.... The fact that he had to read off of cards to me shouts that everything he said is fake
[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d8177c14c/Ben-s-statement"]NFL Link to Big Ben Press Conference[/url]
[/quote]
He looked like he was reading last year too.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/pittsburgh-steelers/09000d5d8116ee11/Roethlisberger-on-allegations

The difference in his demeanor is very obvious though.

[FerrariFan87]

Forget him not getting charged... did you see his hair-do during the press conference? That look enough should warrant some sort of charge/fine/suspension, right?

[ravenspurple]

[quote name='Moderator 3' date='12 April 2010 - 06:36 PM' timestamp='1271115364' post='390053']
I just watched some of the film from the news conference today and you could tell the DA was downright angry. He knows something bad went down that night; he just can't prove it.

They've said that Ben was buying drinks for the girl. Why wasn't he at least charged with giving alcohol to a minor?
[/quote]


I thought the DA was a putz to be honest, if he doesnt have enough evidence then he shouldnt show that fake moral outrage, he was just playing to the masses. Also the "victim" becomes the "accuser" if there's not enough evidence to even press charges.

Also I hate to defend Ben but he's not responsible for who he gives a drink to, the bar is.

[ravenspurple]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='13 April 2010 - 08:09 AM' timestamp='1271164158' post='390206']
Forget him not getting charged... did you see his hair-do during the press conference? That look enough should warrant some sort of charge/fine/suspension, right?
[/quote]


Ar least 2 game suspension for that hair

[Twoo]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/13/boston-attorney-says-he-investigated-another-roethlisberger-incident/?related=1

Big Ben has been implicated in a THIRD sexual assault.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Twoo' date='13 April 2010 - 01:37 PM' timestamp='1271180232' post='390310']
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/13/boston-attorney-says-he-investigated-another-roethlisberger-incident/?related=1

Big Ben has been implicated in a THIRD sexual assault.
[/quote]

Don't really know what to make of that... but it's disturbing nonetheless.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='13 April 2010 - 09:09 AM' timestamp='1271164158' post='390206']
Forget him not getting charged... did you see his hair-do during the press conference? That look enough should warrant some sort of charge/fine/suspension, right?
[/quote]
Couldn't agree more.

[quote name='Twoo' date='13 April 2010 - 01:37 PM' timestamp='1271180232' post='390310']
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/13/boston-attorney-says-he-investigated-another-roethlisberger-incident/?related=1

Big Ben has been implicated in a THIRD sexual assault.
[/quote]
Are you kidding me?