Thursday, July 23, 2009
Roethlisberger Canceled A Press Conference
As details of the sexual assault allegations against Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger continue to emerge -- his lawyer has vigorously denied the claims, pointing out that no criminal complaints were ever filed in Nevada (where the civil suit was filed) -- it appears the signal-caller of the reigning Super Bowl champions is beginning to assume a bunker mentality.
Roethlisberger canceled a Thursday press conference at the Steelers' facilities according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He was scheduled to promote the reality television show Shaq Vs. Filming of the show, which pits NBA star Shaquille O'Neal against top athletes in their respective sports (including Roethlisberger in football), was slated to begin this week in Pittsburgh.
The NFL is currently mum on Roethlisberger's case. It has not been acknowledged on NFL.com or NFL Network -- ESPN is also currently silent on the developments -- as of 5:30 p.m. ET today.
Greg Aiello, the NFL senior vice president of public relations did respond to a Post-Gazette e-mail, saying: "The facts are not clear; it's a civil matter, and it's premature to comment on how the Personal Conduct Policy applies, if at all."
Roethlisberger canceled a Thursday press conference at the Steelers' facilities according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He was scheduled to promote the reality television show Shaq Vs. Filming of the show, which pits NBA star Shaquille O'Neal against top athletes in their respective sports (including Roethlisberger in football), was slated to begin this week in Pittsburgh.
The NFL is currently mum on Roethlisberger's case. It has not been acknowledged on NFL.com or NFL Network -- ESPN is also currently silent on the developments -- as of 5:30 p.m. ET today.
Greg Aiello, the NFL senior vice president of public relations did respond to a Post-Gazette e-mail, saying: "The facts are not clear; it's a civil matter, and it's premature to comment on how the Personal Conduct Policy applies, if at all."
Ben Roethlisberger Press Conference
Ben Roethlisberger was supposed to meet with the media on Thursday to talk about his upcoming appearance on Shaquille O'Neal's new reality show. But that was before he became the focus of a civil suit by a woman who has accused him of sexual assault.
So as you would expect, Roethlisberger will not be going anywhere near reporters tomorrow. The press conference has been canceled.
But a spokesman for ABC told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Roethlisberger is still planning to tape his part for "Shaq Vs" a show where O'Neal challenges different athletes in their own sport. The episode is scheduled to take place Friday night at a high school football stadium just outside of Pittsburgh.
That show will be taped in front of an audience of up to 7,500 people. If Roethlisberger does appear it would send a message that he's going about business as usual in front of the public despite the court case.
Considering training camp is just 10 days away, he doesn't seem to have much choice -- avoiding the public and media is an OK option during the offseason, but it doesn't work well at training camp, when the media has the most access it has all year and fans are allowed to get up close with the players.
So as you would expect, Roethlisberger will not be going anywhere near reporters tomorrow. The press conference has been canceled.
But a spokesman for ABC told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Roethlisberger is still planning to tape his part for "Shaq Vs" a show where O'Neal challenges different athletes in their own sport. The episode is scheduled to take place Friday night at a high school football stadium just outside of Pittsburgh.
That show will be taped in front of an audience of up to 7,500 people. If Roethlisberger does appear it would send a message that he's going about business as usual in front of the public despite the court case.
Considering training camp is just 10 days away, he doesn't seem to have much choice -- avoiding the public and media is an OK option during the offseason, but it doesn't work well at training camp, when the media has the most access it has all year and fans are allowed to get up close with the players.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)