For the second time in less than a year, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is facing sexual assault allegations. And for the second time, ESPN is late on the story.
TMZ reported on Friday that Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault by a Georgia woman. Charges have not yet been filed. The alleged incident took place “early [Friday] morning,” and the alleged victim has already been interviewed by police.
This comes on the heels of Roethlisberger being sued for sexual assault last summer.
ESPN.com first ran a story on the allegations at 6:19 PM ET. Competing websites SI.com and FoxSports.com both got to the story before ESPN, as did USAToday.com, MSNBC.com and CBSNews.com. The original TMZ.com report was published at 3:15 PM.
SportsCenter ran the story at 6:30 PM.
Shortly before 6 PM ET, an ESPN spokesman confirmed to Sports Media Watch that the Roethlisberger story would be reported “shortly,” and will include comment from Roethlisberger’s agent and any comments by authorities.
ESPN famously issued a “do not report” memo on the sexual assault suit against Roethlisberger last year, citing a general policy against reporting on civil suits involving athletes.
When contacted by NBC Sports blog Pro Football Talk, Roethlisberger’s representatives denied the allegations.
