“Big” Ben Roethlisberger in BIG Trouble

Rarely have those involved in sports betting had so many scandals to take into consideration than over the past six months. Michael Phelps was caught with marijuana, Manny Ramirez with female hormones, Jim Leyritz caught in a DUI, and now Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger involved in a sexual assault claim.

Andrea Mcnulty (pictured below) is claiming that over a year ago, at a celebrity golf tournament, Roethlisberger assaulted and raped her in a hotel room. No report was filed at the time, but she now seeks several hundred thousand dollars in damages. Those who take part in golf betting may recall that Big Ben finished tied for 30th at the event, the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament.

The timing of this lawsuit is particularly important to those betting on sports for two reasons. One is that Roethlisberger was scheduled to take part in Shaquille O’Neal’s new reality show on ABC, which may have garnered some online betting action at the BetOnline Sportsbook, on entertainment props. Secondly however, NFL camp is set to open shortly, and those analyzing football odds have to consider the effect of the negative publicity on the Steelers.

Big Ben overcame a host of injuries last season, and marched his team to a second Super Bowl title. Those betting on NFL football probably thought that nothing could rattle Roethlisberger and that he was rock solid, and a big game quarterback at this point in his career. However, scandals have a way of breaking down careers, and especially when they involve a team’s quarterback, they can spell the end of what would otherwise have been a successful season.

The Steelers are in a much tougher division than they were last year, with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns all improving in some way over the offseason. As a result, NFL odds have tightened up a little bit with regards to the Steelers repeating as Super Bowl champions.

Roethlisberger’s troubles may very well go away, however the distraction it will cause is liable to do great damage to team chemistry and focus throughout camp. A trial could also take time out of Big Ben’s training regiment, and possibly even his practice schedule.

Even if betting odds aren’t offered on the trial, those analyzing pre-season NFL lines should certainly have their eyes on these judicial dealings over the next few weeks!

photos sourced by TMZ.com