Though the full impact of a second sexual assault allegation against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisbeger remains to be determined, one of his sponsors is getting nervous.
Michael McCarthy of USA Today reports that the folks who make “Big Ben Beef Jerky” have spoken out regarding the latest development.
“It’s just very concerning,” PLB Sports president and CEO Ty Ballou told McCarthy. “”Ben is a single guy. He has every right to be out doing what he’s doing. But when you’re the quarterback of any team, especially the Steelers, you have to take extra measures. . . . Obviously, this is very concerning for all parties. This is the second time this has come out. . . .
“It’s troubling,” Ballou added. “You want the offseason to be
quiet. You have to put yourself in a good positions. And Ben
unfortunately hasn’t. You even go back to the motorcycle accident. Whatever happened down there [in Georgia], I hope this will truly be
the last time something like this happens. Ben’s a good person. He does
a lot for charity. But for his career, his fans and his family, you
have to make good decisions.”
McCarthy reports that other sponsors have remained non-committal. Nike, for example, declined comment. Dick’s Sporting Goods did not return calls and e-mails from McCarthy.
Finally, we know what plenty of you are thinking. And as a sign of our gradually increasing maturity, professionalism, and responsibility, we’ll yield any further comments on this specific matter to the floor.
