The League

neweeboy....write a check and it will go away??? That is absurd. This thing will stick to Ben Roeth for as long as he lives . . . guilty or not guilty. So why a write a big check. Just give the check to charity, where it will have better use.

Most likely they had sex, a one night stand. But Roethlishberger did not want to have a follow up???

Well, he obviously doesn't deny having had sex with her. I would think that if he could have he would have.

Obviously none of us knows what really happened. However, a clear analysis of his language at his press conference (which we have to assume was vetted by lawyers and managers) gives us a clue.

First - he had sex with the woman. Note that he said he did not commit "sexual assault" with the woman. He did not deny sleeping with her - I think he would have if he could have.

Second - we need to understand the legal definition of the term "sexual assault". I think he used that term so he would not have to say "rape" at a press conference but still I would like to know what it means legally. That will give us a clear impression of what he was willing to deny.

Finally - the woman's story of having the hotel cover for him holds the juiciness of conspiracy, money, and shady guys. It is the least verifiable part of the story.

Now - what can or should Ben do? If he pays then it will go away eventually but there will always be a group of people who will think he did it (see: Kobe). Also if he ever gets in trouble in the future it will become part of the standard video package. He needs to decide just what facts can come out at a trial and what he si willing to live with.

The one sure thing we do know is: We don't know this guy. We just don't. He could have done this. None of his deeds on the football field has anything to do with this situation. As a proud Skins fan I understand Steeler fan reaction. To be fair, I would react the same way if a prominent Redskin was in this situation.

We just don't know people.

Postingoutloud: How can you judge who's telling the truth so easily? Maybe she waited because it was only now that she realized how much this ordeal's costing her, like: she has to get out of her worksite when he comes to town, and thus lose money. I agree with monk... one of these 2 people's messed up, but I'm not ready to think she's the one. The pain of a trial -- maybe the only thing that makes it thinkable from her point of view is the money. But if this really happened, he should pay.

Regardless of the circumstances.. Ben would be better off to write a check.. quickly.. it's not just about football.. his whole marketing image is at stake.. just make this go away Ben, it's a great investment to ensure future earnings....

The Washington Post is not publishing the woman's name because of the nature of the allegations.

Why is it okay to identify the accused? He is also subject to the "...nature of the allegations." and not the the accuser?

Mr. Roethisberger is supposed to be presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

This is a sad day for all who know the truth and a sorry day for those who are assuming it. Lets let the courts work this out , I'm thinking its all about stuff that we should ignore. someone who dose this either way needs help. Any ones guess, but if i was a gambling man she sounds like its for the money and attention. A sorry day for the STEELER nation.

Yes, [the woman]'s name is available at other sources, but WP (and many other outlets) has a policy not to publish names in certain cases.

I for one hope this case is resolved in a way that little or no doubt exist in the public eye. If Ben committed the alleged act, I think he should be tried criminally and only after that should a civil suit be filed. I fear though that no matter the outcome, Ben can't win the public relation aspect of this (unless the woman is shown to be completely psychotic or a compulsive liar).

I'm a rape survivor who has worked with many victims/survivors. This woman does not merit rape shield protection. She didn't go to a hospital, contact authorities, or call a rape crisis center. A year after the incident, she filed a civil suit seeking half a million in actual damages and an unspecified amount--probably in the millions--in punitive damages. Her name is on the complaint, so she chose to forfeit the protection afforded those women who go to the police seeking justice against their attackers. And why wait a year before filing? According to the complaint, which I've read, she chose to file suit at this time because Roethlisberger was returning to the hotel and she was asked to take a leave of absence during his stay. Real victims try to avoid seeing their attackers. This woman apparently resented not being able to see Roethlisberger.

As someone who advocates for rape victims, I believe it's time authorities start prosecuting women who make false allegations to get attention, to seek revenge, to win custody battles, and to extort money. The worst damage in this case is to real rape victims whose stories will seem less credible because of this individual's transparent greed.

"The Washington Post is not publishing the woman's name because of the nature of the allegations."

I find this odd. Her name's been all over the internet in other publications, web sites and blogs.

Also, it's not clear who the victim in this case really is. The unnamed, or Roethlisberger. Seems to me protecting his identity might be just as prudent.

It seems strange that this "Lady" waited a year to file any sort of claim of rape? The police were never called nor involved in this alleged rape care nor was it reprorted to here employers or anyone else apparently. Now come the claim for money. It sounds like this is one of those deals where we had already determined what she is and now we just have to determine the price. Since this is in Civil court rathere than Criminal all she has to do is cry and moan on the stand and try to convince the majority of the jury she was wronged. Her lawyer claims he will prsent more information at the time of the trial. It will be intersting to see how much she want to be paid for her services?