Lockup Or Guiltless? Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

Soon after the pictures were taken, Blash (an 8-year veteran of the Milledgeville Police Department) was approached by the alleged victim -- and was the cop who wrote the first police report.

As of March 8^th 2010, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was accused not once but twice for sexual assault within a year. (His first, rape. His second, sexual assault...)

Police in Milledgeville were examining the claim of a 20-year-old student, who told an officer that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early Friday. The GBI has not spoke to Ben nor anyone who was attending him the night of the alleged assault, but plan to do so early Friday. Investigators are currently waiting on lab results. When the results come back the findings will be turned over to the Baldwin County district attorney.

The case comes as Roethlisberger faces a lawsuit filed last July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he strongly denies. Roethlisberger, who was not in custody, has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit.

These two cases have strongly influenced Ben Roethlisberger’s fans and have done much damage to Ben’s reputation. Ben, however, doesn’t have a problem admitting to loving his night-life. He was seen at casinos in Las Vegas, and sometimes seen in public with a group of friends and bodyguards.

As of March 12^th 2010 investigators are still investigating the case but have released some information to the public. The two-time Super Bowl champ's lawyer, Ed Garland, said he has hired his own investigative team. Roethlisberger has not been charged, and Garland said "no criminal conduct took place."

Police Chief Woodrow Blue said at a Monday news conference that investigators expected to speak to Roethlisberger this week. He said Friday that the investigation continues at a steady pace but declined to comment on any details, including whether authorities had interviewed Roethlisberger or asked him for a DNA sample.

Lawyers for the accuser released a statement earlier this week stating “the woman”; their client is cooperating with authorities and asking the media to respect her privacy. They have not responded to calls and e-mails from The Associated Press seeking additional comment.

Photos have also surfaced online of Roethlisberger smiling alongside the officer who wrote the initial incident report early on March 5. The police chief said the photos were taken hours before the allegation was made.

Blue said Friday he wasn't concerned about the photos, saying the officer, Sgt. Jerry Blash, and others had seen Roethlisberger earlier in the evening. Beyond filing the report, Blash has not been involved in the investigation.

So as for all the fans out there, do you ever sit and wonder… “Man can this be right?” although everyone thinks “he’s in the NFL he cannot be a rapist or assaulter.” But this very well might be founded true. As of right now Ben is innocent until proven otherwise.