Roethlisberger sued in a civil lawsuit
by MSsteele on Jul 20, 2009 8:40 PM EDT
110 comments
This is taken from PROFOOTBALLTALK.COM now, we know how Florio likes to stretch things with but here is the abstract. Ben denies that he sexually assaulted anyone.
According to the web site for the Second Judicial District of Washoe County, Nevada, Andrea McNulty filed suit against Roethlisberger and several others on Friday. Though the details currently are scant, the lawsuit generally has been categorized as a claim for defamation.
That said, other types of claims possibly are contained in the suit papers against one or more of the defendants.
Per Rosenthal's source, one or more of the other named defendants (John Koster, Guy Hyder, Mark Masters, Dave Monroe, Mike Rosenow, Debbie Neall, Bryan Casuscelli, and Stacy Dingman) currently work and/or used to work with McNulty at Harrah's, where McNulty is still employed.
Still, Roethlisberger's connection to the case is unclear. It's possible that she claims that he did or said something to her for which civil liability could be imposed in his capacity as a customer at Harrah's.
Given that a summons was issued on Friday, Roethlisberger might have been served suit papers while in Lake Tahoe for the 20th Annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.
As we hear it, Roethlisberger regularly visits the area.
Here is the lawsuit..
Case ID: CV09-02222 - ANDREA McNULTY VS BEN ROETHLISBERGER, ET AL (D10)
Filing Date: Friday , July 17th, 2009
Type: DF - TORTS-DEFAMATION (LIBEL/SLAND)
Status: INITIAL - Case Initiated
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Florio isnt that bad.
There is a reason why NBC picked his site up.
Also part of PFT is rumor, which there is a ton in the NFL
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 20, 2009 8:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Florio isnt that bad.
There is a reason why NBC picked his site up.
“There’s a sucker born every minute” – P.T. Barnum
Though, seriously, the case was filed. Short of reporting his conviction on rape, murder, arson, and rape, it’s hard to screw the reporting of this case up, even for Mike Florio.
...Behold, a pale horse. The man that sat upon it was Wieters, and hell followed with him.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
by Brett Jones on Jul 21, 2009 7:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"There’s a sucker born every minute" – P.T. Barnum
"There’s a sucker born every minute, you just happened to be coming along at the wrong time…" – Tom Waits quoting P.T. Barnum but adding his own two cents.
by Chicago Steeler on Jul 21, 2009 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Florio reports a lot of rumor but that is part of the reason why his site is so popular. Do I take his word as gospel? No but he has a ton of sources and is usually a head of the curve of most MSM reporting
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 21, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
more from wtae
Here’s hoping it’s nothing…
by acrollet on Jul 20, 2009 11:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm
This is Fooch from Niners Nation. Just wanted to throw in my two cents. His attorneys made an interesting point:
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.
Obviously there’s still plenty of information still to be released. But I do find it fishy that no criminal charges were filed.
by Fooch on Jul 21, 2009 12:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
doesn't sound like a big deal
Just by reading a quote in the above article it sounds like the attorney Cornwell will shut this thing down without any harm done. At the end of the day I’m sure Cornwell is right, i think its getting to much attention just like Ms. McNulty wanted.
by C Los on Jul 21, 2009 12:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
what da ...
“This weekend Andrea McNulty served Ben Roethlisberger with a civil complaint accusing him of sexually assaulting her in July 2008.”
I wonder what took this lady almost ONE year to make this complaint?
by Bonek on Jul 21, 2009 12:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
She’s probably a scorn Ravens fan wanting to bring Ben and the Steelers down off of cloud nine after having vanquished their hated rival three time en route to yet another Super Bowl victory.
I’m kidding, of course. She’s very likely looking for a pay day and doing so when Roethlisberger is now, more than ever (except for perhaps immediately following The Real Drive™), amongst the most popular athletes in this country. I would suppose that she’s been scheming to some degree ever since the incident, waiting for the right time to server Roethlisberger with the lawsuit. A trip to Tahoe after having won a second Super Bowl? Well, that’s about perfect, isn’t it?
What’s odd to me – and this more than anything will highlight my ignorance of our legal system – is that McNulty is alleging defamation (libel/slander). Again, I’m ignorant when it comes to the practice of law, but does that not indicate that she wants money for something Roethlisberger wrote or said (respectively) about her rather than for the (not actually) alleged sexual assault? So, what, did Roethlisberger tweet that she was a lousy lay and that’s what sparked this?
I would have greater concerns about supporting Roethlisberger, but in the absence of criminal charges in conjunction with the delay in filing this lawsuit, it’s difficult for me, and perhaps largely because I am a Steelers fan, to take McNulty’s claim seriously. I can offer that I’ve sent Florio’s story along to a buddy of mine who is a die-hard Ravens fan, and he immediately responded that he thought the charges were “b.s.”
...Behold, a pale horse. The man that sat upon it was Wieters, and hell followed with him.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
by Brett Jones on Jul 21, 2009 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Without taking a stand on the suit's merits
sexual assault is extremely traumatic. I know people who’ve been abused or raped and only came forward years later, or never at all. It’s extremely common for victims to want to hide what’s happened to them.
by Desroko on Jul 21, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
At this point, I don’t buy this, specifically because of the presence of video cameras and the fact that those tapes would VERY quickly figure out this whole situation.
But it is true that many people will come forward much later if at all. Plus add in the fact of it being a high profile person like Big Ben, it would probably make it even harder because of the publicity. Most of the United States will either know that she was raped or that she is a liar.
It's still a good season if we go 2-14 and beat the Steelers twice.
by Bengals FTW on Jul 21, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
those videos are probably in the hall ways and through the building
be probably not in the bed rooms, where the incident occurred. so the video cameras will probably only be good enough to confirm that they were both in the room at the same time & thats it.
by t1mmy10 on Jul 21, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats my point
At this point, that would be the most concrete evidence. So where are they if they exist?
It's still a good season if we go 2-14 and beat the Steelers twice.
by Bengals FTW on Jul 21, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well i’m sure they’ll be looked eventually. this just came to light last night & i’m pretty sure the hotel isn’t just gonna show them on the internet to appease some football fans
by t1mmy10 on Jul 21, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
Do hotels hold onto videos for this long? It would surprise me if they did.
by King Coebra on Jul 21, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
forgive my french...
but what you described cannot be applied to this situation. All I can say is: Bull ####
by Bonek on Jul 21, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hope you accidentally hit reply to the wrong post
by t1mmy10 on Jul 21, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well...
I was replying to Desroko’s comment and I did hit the correct “reply” button :-)
by Bonek on Jul 22, 2009 2:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
IF this event did actually occur as the woman says, it IS sexual assault. she claims that she told ben no repeatedly and didnt physically resist because she felt physically resisting wouldnt do anything for her besides getting her beaten along with sexually assaulted because of ben’s size (implying that she wasn’t physically receptive). so, there is a possibility that this event did occur, which it would make it completely applicable the concept of how the traumatic event can affect the victim.
i’m not saying that i believe her, but having the attitude that you KNOW she isn’t traumatically affected because the events were unlikely is a bad philosophy to have because you dont have all the facts…and also a reason why (in general) many ppl are afraid to come forward with their experiences because they believe they will only be ridiculed instead of actually listened to.
by t1mmy10 on Jul 22, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there is a thing which is called LOGIC...
and there is such an understanding as “a reasanable person’s behavior”
This is all I can say to you.
by Bonek on Jul 26, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably insensitive to post an over/under on how long before the lawsuit is dismissed...
But I’m not worried for BB. I mean, we’ll all watch if there’s any news on the lawsuit, but we are miles away from anything that might mean real problems. Our court system is one of the most open in the world, you and I can sue just about anybody. Anybody. We may not win, but we can at least file the lawsuit, make embarrassing allegations, and cause that person some grief. Because of this there are too many crooked people who try to sue a rich athlete/celebrity in hopes of landing a settlement. I’m not accusing McNulty of being this kind of scam artist, I can’t possibly know, I’m just saying that fraudulent claims are made frequently enough that I won’t worry about the situation unless and until there is (a lot) more evidence that Ben did something.
by gcn on Jul 21, 2009 1:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
She's a scam artist...
If she’s not, what took her a year to make this crap public? Why not at the same time?!
by Bonek on Jul 21, 2009 4:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stigma and shame...
I admittedly have not read any facts of this case. So if this is way off, ignore it. I’m speaking to the “why did it take so long” comment, not pertaining to this case, but to the alleged crime in general.
That said, there is a shame you can feel after a sexual assault that can lead you to cover it up. Pretty common actually. There is a good percentage of victims who never say anything about what happened to them. Some victims feel if they come out and say something they’ll be publicly ridiculed and called a liar (or worse) by everyone who hears it. I wonder how they would get that impression?
Even though the evidence or lack there of seems overwhelming, at least according to the few quotes I read here, to dismiss this and call someone a liar and a scam artist before any actual evidence is presented or a civil case starts leads directly to the feeling these victims have (victims in general, not necessarily this victim). I personally believe Ben is a good person who wouldn’t do anything like this. As do most people here odviously, and that has clearly shaped our opinions on this topic. Does it seem “iffy”, yeah definately. No criminal charges definately looks bad for her case, and makes the charges seem even more unfounded.
So… in conclusion, even though this case seems to be frivilous, the immediate negative reaction and dismissal of the complaint (not saying believe her, but…) combined with the name calling contributes to the belief that even when the charges are legitimate, they’ll be dismissed almost immediately by the court of public opinion and the complain-or will have to live with the public scrutiny for some time.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 21, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
+1
same thing I was going to say, but better said
by syrsteelerfan on Jul 21, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
all to true
Let’s hope for the sake of our franchise and Big Ben that this is indeed a money grab, but if the evidence points the other way it would be an awful thing.
The fact that he’s a superstar in some ways would make it harder for this woman to speak out. Look at what happened in the Kobe Bryant trial. Eventually the trial was more about this woman than it was about Kobe.
by Chicago Steeler on Jul 21, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hell just get fired up and win a superbowl.
Firts off id have to assume its just a one nite stand with a hussy. I hope.
all this will do is fire him up to go win # 7. thats what the kid does. I dont think hes a rapist. the story sucks tho
Perenial Contenders.Year after year.
by Steelchamps !! on Jul 21, 2009 1:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
not real pleased about this
the Big Boy really is special to me and I don’t want anything to tarnish his reputation as a quality member of the community. I hope this is just a case of a gold digger diggin’
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
by showtime on Jul 21, 2009 6:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 21, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
garbage
The whole thing is garbage. I find it very interesting that the file is made at the time that Ben happens to be in Nevada, almost exactly a year later? My hunch is that she was hoping to get a check from him on the spot as a sort of settlement and hush money. The fact that he didn’t tells me that he’s innocent and willing to fight it out to clear his name. It’s hard to find much of any private information on Ben b/c he keeps to himself to avoid this very thing. He surrounds himself with good people and keeps to public appearances.
The fact that there are 9 defendants and he’s one included along with 8 co-workers of McNulty…that’s fishy. Why not just throw Rooney and Obama on the list? :-)
I know the guy and this is so far removed from his personality that I have full confidence that the case will be dropped and this will all go away. He’s way too private of a person to go messing with some random slut from Nevada.
by tawright on Jul 21, 2009 9:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not suspicious
“I find it very interesting that the file is made at the time that Ben happens to be in Nevada,”
That’s not unusual. To sue Roethlisberger in Nevada, the courts there need personal jurisdiction over him. If he doesn’t reside or do business in Nev., the easiest way to get jurisdiction over him is to serve him with papers while he’s physically in the state.
It may be that he’s being sued so as to have a “deep pockets” defendant, but if these other guys are Harrah’s employees, why not just sue their company?
The apparent lack of a criminal complaint is the weirdest thing to me.
by Desroko on Jul 21, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Getting a criminal conviction is very different than someone being found guilty in a civil case. The plaintiff, or rather, the plaintiff’s attorney may have determined that there was not enough evidence to convict Ben in a criminal court. That does not mean that Ben was innocent of wrongdoing.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
by steelguy99 on Jul 21, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well,
I’m not so sure that not talking to the police is a good strategy on the part of the plaintiff’s attorneys. If the state goes ahead and wins its case, that judgment of fact is given preclusive effect in many jurisdictions. In other words, you’ve essentially won your civil case if the state wins its criminal case. If the state loses, there’s nothing to prevent the plaintiff from going forward, however.
Not to mention that failing to pursue criminal charges often leads judges and juries to become prejudiced against the defendant. That’s unpleasant, but a fact of life nonetheless.
And this isn’t a case where the statute of limitations forced the plaintiff to file ahead of the DA. Nevada doesn’t have a SOL for sexual assault, and it’s two or three years for intentional torts, defamation, etc. No one-year limit, as the timeline might lead one to believe (that was my initial guess).
I never said or even implied that this meant he was innocent, by the way.
by Desroko on Jul 21, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha ha, I thought I remembered you were a lawyer of some sort.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
by steelguy99 on Jul 21, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not yet.
I was wondering why this is categorized under defamation, as well.
1. It coud be a clerical error.
2. Multiple causes of action including defamation, and the clerk just filed it in one category.
But this must be a very odd case if it involves defamation, as that usually involves a public statement. I’m wondering what was said, and by who.
by Desroko on Jul 21, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know it’s our job as fans to support our team, but guys…Ben is not an infallible god.
They haven’t released any facts of the case yet, so I’m reserving any judgement until then. Right now there is nothing to go off of. Ben is innocent until proven guilty, but he could very well pay nothing (or settle out of court) and still be demonized, rightly or not. To defend him at this point is stupid. To crucify him at this point is equally so.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
by steelguy99 on Jul 21, 2009 10:00 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Agreed. Shit just got real though. Theres finally a BIG contorversy brewing with one of our players. Im reserving any judgement or opinion right now, but this has certainly brought out all the pessimists and optimists.
….oh and other teams fans who think Big Ben is guilty as sin because hes a Steeler…..haters
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Steeler_ on Jul 22, 2009 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As seen with kobe
Never take a sexual assualt case lightly. You never know what might come out of it. I’m not saying that he did anything. But we have seen before you don’t have to rape anyone to be treaded like a rapist. Steelguy is right if the lawyer can prove that damage was done to cause this woman anytime of distress mentally or emotionally Ben may have to pay for that. We don’t know what happened but it is very common for girls to conceal sexual assualt. In the mean time I will be holding my breath hoping that his is just a scam. But you can never be sure ben is human just like everyone else.
by tannofsteel84 on Jul 21, 2009 10:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Same
Ben gets the same presumption of innocence as anyone else. Innocent, and I’ll be deeply sorry for the stigma he’ll have to bear for the rest of his life. Guilty, and enjoy your time in prison.
We shouldn’t look at this as a Steeler who’s involved in a messy legal case. Rather, he’s a defendant in a messy legal case who happens to be a Steeler.
Just as it would be horrible to presume Ben guilty, assuming that this woman is just attention-seeking or what you is narrow-minded and borderline misogynistic. Let the facts come out and speak for themselves.
by Desroko on Jul 21, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just as it would be horrible to presume Ben guilty, assuming that this woman is just attention-seeking or what you is narrow-minded and borderline misogynistic. Let the facts come out and speak for themselves.
Thanks, that’s all I’m trying to accomplish with my rebuttals.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
by steelguy99 on Jul 21, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to say that
I HOPE that none of this is true. If I can choose between two different worlds one where
a. This horrible crime happened, and Ben was responsible
and
I’d choose b. in a second, because that’s a much better world for everyone involved, the plaintiff included.
by Desroko on Jul 21, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
: (
I don’t believe it!!! Didn’t this same thing happen to Bettis??
Who's laughing now, O Line??? Ben Roethlisberger (from the Podium) to his O-Line and the world in Superbowl XLIII
by SteeladyinVA on Jul 21, 2009 10:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Bus was accused of raping a woman but was exonerated after it was discovered that she was in fact trying to scam him at the behest of one of her relatives or a friend, I forget which.
There is no spoon
by chewiesteeler on Jul 21, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More details
not sure if anyone has posted this anywhere.. but florio released some more details of what supposedly went down.
by sparco on Jul 21, 2009 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have often wondered about his maturity
I hope he is able to handle this, I am worried that this can affect him on the field. Ben should be preparing for the start of the season, not dealing with this mess. I really hope that these accusations are bs, which have the effect of bring our team closer.
by jglo on Jul 21, 2009 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think I know what happened
Ben probably got busy with this woman consentually, but she just wasn’t ready for what she got. Because Santonio probably showed up later and it turned into a Lumberjack/Santonio orgy that no woman in the world could survive…
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After seeing Santonio's nekkid pic
it’s fitting that his last name is “Holmes”………..
….can you spell “firehose”?
by tobiathan on Jul 22, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Details are released
i just read the whole thing. Its such bullshit. This girl waits a year to say Ben raped her.
She basically was called up to his room to look at his TV which wasn’t working. She then claims on her way out he stopped her and kissed her. She didn’t try to resist but said she didnt want to verbally. But he ignores this, and throws her on the bed and proceeds to take her panties off. She again, says she doesnt resist but says “dont do this I’m not on a pill or anything”
So according to her story ben says “Dont worry I’ll pull out” which she claims he did. So she sat there, got screwed, LET it happen, then calls it rape a year later? This is some serious garbage. Even the way she describes what he says doesnt sound right. He doesnt talk like that. It just doesnt add up.
I declare shenanigans. Its on PFT now.
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 11:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow Mechem.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
by steelguy99 on Jul 21, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look I’m only providing my opinion here. I dont know what happened. But to me, if you dont want to be violated you have the power to prevent that. Nothing in her statement implied that Roethlisberger detained her, or hurt her, or kept her from moving. And thats why I believe, like I felt in the Kobe case, that it was more or less a consensual act that somebody is trying to now benefit from.
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't agree with you here
There are things that can be done to prevent being violated, but some people don’t have the mental strength to think quickly in that situation. Some women I am sure have been able to fend off attackers, whether through mental fortitude or having been in some sort of training for that sort of situation. But we are also (hypothetically) talking about an NFL player here. Not exactly your average male in any situation that involves fending off an attacker.
It's still a good season if we go 2-14 and beat the Steelers twice.
by Bengals FTW on Jul 21, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But dude
If you were in that situation you could make a shitload of noise, or break something, or throw a fit. Your body is probably your most precious possession. You dont just let that happen the way she is saying. Granted sure ben could easily subdue her, but according to her he never had to even try. Which means she wasn’t even trying to get out of there.
In a hotel if a girl was screaming and freaking out in a room you can sure as heck bet somebody would have noticed.
And if she got into a physical altercation, and Ben attempted to restrain her, she’d have likely incurred some form of marks bruises etc.. which at the time would have been great evidence.
I dont know how women feel about rape, but I know how i would feel if it were me about to be violated by some man in all seriousness, not trying to be funny.
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rape is actually hardly ever the "detained her, or hurt her, or kept her from moving" type
This is the one of the biggest misconceptions that domestic violence agencies have to fight against. It’s nearly a given in our culture (as evidenced by your recent post and several others on this page) that rape is rape ONLY if the woman comes out physically deformed or something like that. Rape still occurs if the assailant assumes a woman is willing simply because she hasn’t vocally screamed NO at the top of her lungs.
I agree wholeheartedly that a person could very easily make life hell for any celebrity, player, etc with money. It would behoove those that have such de$irable life$tyle$ to assume that any potential partner at least has that opportunity, and that’s the most difficult part of these types of cases. We can’t just assume that most of these people are out looking for money, no matter how easy it is to see that.
I really do hope that Ben is sort of being taken advantage of, because I would not the mental anguish of dealing with having a really important player be truthfully accused of such conduct.
by SteelersVT on Jul 21, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
C'mon man...
He doesn’t talk like that? I know I don’t know you personally, but how well do you know Ben personally?
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 21, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
Just I watch every interview and he seems fairly candid. I read all the shit she said and it just sounds outrageous. I mean I know its not like I hang out with the dude, but it just didnt feel right Idk..
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No I hear you...
I’m just trying to point out how little we actually know about these athlete/ celebrities, in general. How many people thought Vick fought dogs before we knew it to be fact? How many people Roger Clemens used ’roids?
What someone does on TV or in an interview isn’t always who they are. Not trying to dog you or your opinions, just sayin’ is all.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 21, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No totally valid point. Obviously these players HAVE to put on a good appearance in front of the TV. I hear you there.
I guess i should just say that while I think something probably DID go down between them, I feel like the story is being twisted now for personal gain. Thats my honest assessment.
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"communicated her objection and lack of consent,
from the complaint.
IF, big IF, we assume the allegations as containe dare true, then yes, that’s some form of sexual assault or another in every state.
As for a year, others have addressed this above. Victims of sexual assault and abuse often wait months, year, even their entire lives. It may havesomething to do with the fact that as soon as they do, they’re called “gold-digging whores,” “pigs,” “bitches,” “sluts,” and other such gentlemanly terms that I’ve seen around the web this morning. It may have something to do with the fact that certain people (not naming names) who have literally no idea of what they’re talking about, as they weren’t present, call them liars as soon as they say anything.
This doesn’t mean that it’s true, and it doesn’t mean that it’s not true. But any psychiatrist, psychologist, sex crimes detective, counselor, activist, or victim will tell you that victims are often stigmatized, shamed, and belittled. A delay in coming forward isn’t suspicious.,
by Desroko on Jul 21, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A distraction this team doesn't need
I hope all of this is BS. It was looking good that this team would make it through the offseason without any type of major distraction. I guess we’ll just have to let this play out.
by datruth4life on Jul 21, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Reno 911...
I think the funniest part about it is that it happened in Reno. I’m picturing Lt. Jim Dangle and company bringing Ben in for questioning.
by Bye, Dawk :( on Jul 21, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i read the post on PFT about what florio says the girl says happened
you know, there’s a possibility she tried to file a criminal report, but there wasnt enough evidence for it to go through (the whole innocent until proven guilty).
BUT, the lawyer may have told her there was enough evidence to pursue a civil suit, which things can be become more shades of grey & along moral lines rather than violating specific laws.
i really HOPE this isnt true. but this is obviously a horrible thing on either end for whomever is lying. is ben is, it’s a despicable thing he did taking advantage of a woman. and if she is, she is hurting the credibility in future rape victims, especially those who are victims of celebrities
by t1mmy10 on Jul 21, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
you know, there’s a possibility she tried to file a criminal report, but there wasnt enough evidence for it to go through (the whole innocent until proven guilty).
PFT says they were unable to find any report filed by the woman about the incident with any police group(?) in the area….HOWEVER the police said they wouldnt be able to tell the press if there was one filed IF the case is still open
by t1mmy10 on Jul 21, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and after reading the ppg article, there is a possibility she felt if she went to the police about the situation that she’d lose her job & be made to look like a fool by a cover-up by hotel administrators. i’m not saying i believe her, but there could be reasons behind her actions that we can’t fully appreciate.
most likely, the best way to tell if unconsenting relations occurred will be if she went to a medical professional relatively soon after the incident and if she was examined for rape. there are methods and tests a hospital can use to help to corroborate or disprove her story.
by t1mmy10 on Jul 21, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only if she got in immediately.
But getting rape tests done always will involve the police.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1) rape tests only involve the police if the patient permits for the police to be involved. doctor/patient confidentiality. the docs do highly encourage it
2) you’re right about the timing. the earlier the better. if you’re lucky, things can be found for up to a couple days
by t1mmy10 on Jul 21, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I swear...
If this woman is pulling one…Well I think Harrison might handle it…
The painfully ironic thing about this is that it was Ben’s motorcycle crash that derailed the repeat effort back in ‘06. Though this is nowhere near as taxing physically, it could still be a distraction to the team this season if it isn’t resolved quickly. God forbid he’s found guilty and league/team discipline has to be taken…
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 21, 2009 12:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If the judge finds for the plaintiff, a suspension is imminent.
I’d say the same thing is probably true if it is settled out of court. Without being exonerated, if there is any truth to the accusation, Ben is done (for at least a while, probably).
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Charlie Batch is probably working out right now as we speak….
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RE: Civil Complaint
Hi Steel Curtain.
My take on this is that it was filed as a civil complaint due to the lack of physical evidence. Her case is incredibly weak in the eyes of the law and her evidence is largely uncorroborated and circumstantial. If there is video of the event, that would be a large corroborating presence for circumstantial evidence.
Standards for guilt are lower in civil cases, and her lawyers may have advised her to take that route because there simply isn’t evidence to meet the “rigorous” standards of criminal proceedings. It may also be that she was afraid of the reaction that she’s getting – that of a gold-digging typical “she who cried rape” woman.
The unfortunate truth is something like 5% of rapes are reported at all, and many, like this, are reported much later.
As a football fan, this is sad. But I am foremost a fan of humanity, and would rather see this fairly resolved. As such, I’m reserving further judgment until legitimate (not Florio) journalism comes to light. I’ve read quite a few conflicting reports. I think everyone that watches this should just wait for the case to unfold.
Hope I didn’t repeat too much of what’s already been said. Good luck this year, Steeler fans!
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oops! I see that some of these things have been touched on.
Sorry to repeat stuff. At work, speaking of which, must get back to it.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its ok. i’m just glad someone else sees it the way i do, especially when they came to the same conclusions on their own
by t1mmy10 on Jul 21, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This chick is crazy.
Sources connected with the case tell us a former co-worker of McNulty’s at Harrah’s came forward with this incredible story — that around the time McNulty hooked up with Roethlisberger, she was allegedly involved with a married man. The man’s wife, we’re told, created an email account, posing as a U.S. soldier in Iraq. The wife began corresponding with McNulty to gain information. We’re told the former co-worker has said McNulty fell in love with the fictitious soldier and began telling people she was engaged to him. When the wife stopped the correspondence, McNulty then began telling people the soldier was killed in action.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/07/21/ben-roethlisberger-sexual-assault-pittsburgh-steelers-superbowl-lawsuit-soldier-mcnulty/
When I say who dey, you say we dey.
Follow me @Sn0w13allz
by sn0wballz on Jul 21, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Frankly, I’d be very shocked that a former co-worker, probably someone named as a co-defendant, would be trying to slander the plaintiff. Clearly the only person lying is McNulty.
This is what happens to people who live in Baltimore too long. They give up on catching drug lords, get a sex change, and then frame Ben for rape. It’s all baltimore’s fault.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
by steelguy99 on Jul 21, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Clearly"?
Don’t trivialize the allegations.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, IIRC, there are charges against the co-workers as well?
Maybe I’m unclear on that.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know you aren’t a regular on this blog, so I’ll forgive that you don’t have your sarcasm detector powered on full when reading my posts.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
by steelguy99 on Jul 21, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Epitome of bad writing in that article.
I read that too, and it just doesn’t make any sense with me. It’s grammatically lacking, and from TMZ no less. Like I said before, I’d wait for official comments on this. Non-credible media are going crazy with the news.
To be honest, I don’t have any idea what that paragraph is saying.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand what it says
McNulty is a drama queen, allegedly.
And yeah, sorry it’s a TMZ link. I didn’t want to post the link but it’s the only place I could find that stated it.
When I say who dey, you say we dey.
Follow me @Sn0w13allz
by sn0wballz on Jul 21, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats the vibe I get. This whole story feels like it was tossed into a blender before being served. Its chunky, not smooth, and has bits and pieces everywhere and very little organization, and a lot of randomly sized parts.
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
THAT CHARLIE BATCH TAKEOVER HAS BEGUN!
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jul 21, 2009 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Humor is less than appreciated in this issue.
Maybe you should be shopping around for receivers instead of making light of a serious situation.
by Johnny_S on Jul 21, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was funny, but I can joke about anything.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
by steelguy99 on Jul 21, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Folks are awful cranky around here today.
There is no spoon
by chewiesteeler on Jul 21, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duh.
Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.
by BostonWahoo on Jul 21, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you Captain Obvious
Maybe I should change my name .. .. ..
There is no spoon
by chewiesteeler on Jul 21, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Relax my friend.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jul 21, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, I am just a bit high strung on this one.
As someone said its lose/lose. Either he did it and he an awful human being OR his reputation is going to be ruined by this woman. Its frustrating.
Just imagine Flacco in that situation. It just sucks.
by Johnny_S on Jul 21, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel ya
Tough when these stupid women make up stories like this to get money out of it. Happens so much to celebrities and sports figures and they usually are on the bad end of the stick.
Not sure if this could ever happen to Flacco. He does not go out to Lake Tahoe for golf tournaments, or go to clubs or go out to raging parties, let alone even talk to girls. You really think anyone wants to kiss someone as goofy looking as Joe?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jul 21, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fame talks
Remember, some guy claimed to be the 3rd string QB Brian St. Pierre to pick up a chick. And others have CLAIMED to be Jeff Reed or Big Ben and have pulled things off. Names work.
Just goes to show you have to be cautious about who you associate with.
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
The thing that makes this whole situation even worse is that the Hotel knew about it since it happened. But why is she bringing it up now as a lawsuit? They said it happened last July, so did she bring it up now because its like the 1 year anniversary or something?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jul 21, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As many others have pointed out:
Rapes often go unreported, and are also often only reported year(s) later, long after physical evidence has disappeared.
If she did not resist due to fear of physical harm, then even physical evidence would be limited, as bruising and tearing patterns would likely resemble consensual sex without high levels of resistance – regardless, we’ll never know. She would have had to make it to a hospital within 2 days to prove that she was raped at all. This is why it’s in civil court.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And why it doesn’t have a real shot at actually succeeding, unless of course the goal was simple slander. In which case, mission accomplished.
by Mechem on Jul 21, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Civil cases offer much higher rates of success when physical evidence is low.
We’ll see how the case shakes down, but I don’t think that lawyers would take this case if there were absolutely nothing in it. I’m not jumping to conclusions either way, just warning against assumptions.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough, but I think that includes the assumption that there is something to the allegations and Ben must have done something wrong just because an attorney was willing to take the case against him. God knows, there are plenty of desperate attorneys out there who’d probably jump at the chance to take a contingency case against a public figure in hopes of scoring a settlement to avoid further embarrassment, even if it was just a nuisance settlement.
If you’ll notice, I’m not saying that I know this to be the case, I’m just saying that the fact the plaintiff has legal counsel doesn’t really say anything about the claim one way or another.
by gcn on Jul 21, 2009 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I put too much stock in the soundness of the US legal system
I didn’t mean to say that since it made it to court, it’s legit. Sorry for the confusement.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
looking at the case...
Considering all the co-defenants (other than Ben) are former co-employees of the plaintiff suggests the plaintiff will claim they 1) exerted pressure on her to not file charges against a valued customer, or 2) they conspired to cover up the event by destoying evidence (videos), or 3) they somehow colluding against her to undermine her claims.
On the surface, such a “they’re all out to get me” claim depicts the plaintiff as being mental. On the other hand, A civil complaint against so many defendents pertaining to a single event must involve so many verifiable details that make the truth of the plaintiff’s claims manifest, or the whole thing falls apart. Therefore this woman is either very foolish, an artful schemer, or exactly what she claims to be.
Also considering the number of defendants and their connection to Harrahs, I suspect she told her co-workers that Ben raped her (whether they had sex, and whether the sex was consentual was known only to themselves). Therefore she may be able to develop a case of harrassment and/or conspiracy against her co-workers to suppress her accusations, but that would prove nothing concerning what may have transpired between her and Ben.
If he acted as she claims in her suit, he deserves to be exposed and to pay accordingly (because after all, the point of a civil suit is money). If he did nothing sexually improper – but the case against her co-workers cannot be shown to be groundless – Ben’s character may remain besmirched in the eyes or the public.
by workingon7 on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously though
Can we lock BB in a room after we win a Superbowl from now on?
I have nothing against him as of right now, and personally I believe there’s something off with McNulty and her allegations, but this is now the second time something comes up in the offseason following a SB victory regarding Ben. Bottom line is that either he finds trouble or it finds him.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 21, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to the life of a Bengals fan.
Have you ever heard of Chris Henry?
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes indeed I have
But it’s a different issue when your star quarterback gets all this negative attention, rather than your 3rd string WR.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 22, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh, it came back to our whole team, and still does.
See: Character issues with every draft pick we take.
This will resolve itself one way or another, and I’d say the Steeler ownership has the tools and smarts to deal with it.
by jsl413 on Jul 22, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who was it who posted
That one blog on how the offseason was going too well? The guy should be a stock market analyst.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 21, 2009 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Whether this is true or not...
Keep this in mind next time anyone wants to point out or make fun of any other teams player’s F- ups. We think we know our guys the same way they think they know theirs. Big Ben, Big Rapist is classless, in my opinion. But when we look back at the things that have been said about this one or that one, even if we really really think they’re true, the shoe doesn’t feel too good on the other foot, does it?
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 21, 2009 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ben's accuser saying hotel bosses wanted to keep this quiet
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09202/985356-100.stm
This is the latest stuff I’ve seen on this. A few more details come out. So she has $380,000 is medical bills from the anguish that this act caused her? Really? I still believe all this will have to play out before we can say who did what. However, on the surface, this does look like a money-grab.
by datruth4life on Jul 21, 2009 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That link you posted dampens my spirit a little, but one thing I found particularly suspicious:
The woman assumed hotel security would investigate and notify the hotel’s executives, the complaint said. She did not go to the police because she “was afraid of the consequences of reporting it to police authorities since it was obvious to her that Harrah’s and its personnel, particularly Hyder and Koster, would side with and support Roethlisberger, the celebrity friend of Koster,” according to the complaint.
She “assumed” that security would investigate the situation and notify hotel execs….but then she claims that Hyder (security cheif) and Koster (President of Harrah’s northern Nevada) knew about the situation and seemingly were intent to cover it up, yet she still didn’t go to the police. If you know that your should-be support network (like the company president) is not on your side, isn’t that the time when you go directly to the police?
Also, “notify hotel execs”…that part also is a little strange. Depending on the structure of the organization, the President either is an Executive officer, or, as is typically the case in larger org’s with multiple branches/ventures., runs the day-to-day aspect of the business on behalf the COO/CEO, and reports directly to the reigning execs. Either way, the President of Harrahs’ northern Nevada knew about the situation…if that’s the case, what was she hoping for? That he would be told by someone else to corraborate with her story?
And, these two men, Hyder and Koster…by covering up such a situation and then having it publicly exposed and having their names plastered all over national media outlets will almost certainly get them fired. This now becomes a “Harrahs cover up,” (rather than an isolated incident that took place at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe) which compromises the largest hotel/casino corporation in the world, for which these men will certainly suffer the consequences, both legal and occupational. I’m sure the company’s northern region President would have the presence of mind to understand this and at least look into the situation in further detail.
breathe in deep feel your heart beat, just to know that life's worth livin'. feel your feet on the earth, better love it while it's still here spinnin'.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Jul 21, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of you should really stop speculating.
Your sources are bad and your speculation is causing you stress that you probably should not be incurring. Like I said, wait for the case to work itself out. Looking for discrepancies in second- or third-hand reporting on PFT, etc., is bound to be flawed because your sources are probably flawed and heavily influenced by reporter biases. You guys should really try to remove yourselves from the drama and guessing games, lest you feel like idiots when the truth (one way or the other) comes to light.
I’d especially warn those that are calling this woman out for being a bullshitter. That sort of attitude toward prominent rape allegations (even if they do turn out false) is a HUGE contributor to the problem that only 5% of women report rapes when they do happen (not to say this did or did not.)
Obviously, the evidence is weak. That’s why it’s a civil suit. But calling the plaintiff out for being crazy or a gold-digger does not reflect well on you, and is only going to make you look bad down the road. Just tread carefully.
by jsl413 on Jul 21, 2009 4:38 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yep
Also the possibility this woman is a bit ill, wouldn’t hurt to show a bit of compassion. If the case is complete BS, if you want to throw someone under the bus, I’d opt for the attorneys who filed it. By the way, was the expression, “throw someone under the bus” created via Bettis??? if not, shoulda been.
Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
by TXcheesesteak on Jul 21, 2009 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nothing too much to worry about
This made the news, something is up but I trust it’s nothing to really worry about. Roethlisberger usually keeps a clean nose, and he knows what to do and what not to do (I hope). Florio is having a field day. Anything he can do to bash the Steelers, he’ll do it. Most of it is steam.
by MSsteele on Jul 21, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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