More than a decade ago, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was accused of murder in Georgia. He hired Ed Garland to handle the case. Eventually, the worst of the charges against Lewis were dropped, and he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice.
Now, Garland will be asked to help another high-profile NFL player.
Per a league source, Garland has been hired to represent the interests of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the sexual assault investigation that is still unfolding in Milledgeville, Georgia. Roethlisberger has not yet been charged.
Roethlisberger was interviewed at the scene by authorities, and he was then told that he was free to leave. He returned to Pittsburgh on Friday. Authorities have said that he could be interviewed again.
Even though no charges have been filed, there surely has been plenty of work to do for Garland and other lawyers who represent Roethlisberger. They have interviewed all of the key witnesses, and they most likely have been in close communication with authorities.
Their initial goal will be to persuade investigators that charges should not be filed. In matters of this nature, that’s the best possible outcome that can be achieved.