Why I'm Rooting For Pittsburgh Steeler's Big Ben

I'll come out and say it: I'm rooting for Ben Roethlisberger to emerge unscathed from the allegations of rape.

Sports figures running into trouble with the law has become commonplace, but this one feels personal.  I was born in Ben's hometown of Findlay, OH.  I have never met the man and I'm not a Steelers fan, but we have something in common and that causes me to root for Ben on a deeper level.

My small connection aside, I can't help but question some of the details emerging in this developing story.

Similar accusations tend to involve some sort of romantic rendezvous ending with some bad judgement.  Apparently, the woman was sent to the room to fix a television.

I also find it troubling that the woman has not filed criminal charges.  I can't pretend to know the psychological trauma caused by a true rape victim, but I believe that pressing criminal charges would be the first thing to come to mind.

Perhaps it would be too strong to label Ms. McNulty a gold digger.  The information set forth to date may suggest that it is not. It does not appear that Roethlisberger can be suckered into settling out of court for a sum of money.  Ben vowed to fight the allegations at a press conference today.

We have seen convincing denials before.  Rafael Palmeiro and President Clinton come to mind.  I'm hoping this one is different.

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