Pittsburgh Steelers’ star quarterback Ben Roethlisberber is again being accused of sexual assault, this time from a 20 year old college student, in a Georgia bar’s washroom. The first sexual assault accusation came in 2008 in Las Vegas.
So, is he a predator? This is a difficult question. On one side, yes he is. He has now been accused twice within two years, both from college students. Roethlisberger is a partier; he is known for going to bars and partying heavily. He likes to drink and he is frequently seen at local night clubs in Pittsburgh. And when he does party, he frequently gets into trouble with both fellow patrons and club owners. He has repeatedly refused to pay his bills, he has publicly insulted club patrons, and he frequently is seen gambling. This second charge could be a fine indicator that he is indeed a predator. Who knows how many more women have had this same experience with him but have not reported it.
However, the answer could very easily be “no”. Sure, Roethlisberger is a partier and a drinker, but how many 28 year old millionaires wouldn’t be? He was also not convicted of the sexual assault charge in 2008. If he was proven not guilty, then we must accept this fact. We are talking about O.J Simpson, after all. Some also believe that the two alleged victims are only trying to cash in on a millionaire’s plight so they can pay for their next spring break ski resorts holiday.
He is currently only accused of sexual assault; there are no charges currently being laid on him. Until he is charged and convicted of sexual assault, it is unfair to label him a predator. Although no real evidence have been presented, the effects of this are devastating to the quarterback’s career and reputation. When evidence is presented, and a true sense of the case is brought to light, only then can judgement be passed.