Police request for Ben Roethlisberger DNA withdrawn in Georgia

(HMG) – I was surprised to hear this last night.  But according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Georgia investigators have withdrawn their request for a DNA sample from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old college student at a nightclub in Milledgeville, Ga..

Forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht told the Tribune-Review that investigators’ decision not to seek a DNA sample could mean they lack physical evidence against Roethlisberger:

“We can infer, with some certainty, that they have nothing at all that would be male ejaculate, semen, that would be a stain on clothing or any swabs taken from the lady. Remember Monica Lewinsky‘s dress? We don’t have that kind of thing now.

“Now, medically and legally, this doesn’t mean that rape or another form of assault didn’t take place. But in the absence of DNA, if they did the proper workup, it markedly could weaken what was a case.”

It’s the second time in a year the two-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has been accused of sexual misconduct. This case comes as he faces a lawsuit filed in July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he strongly denies. Roethlisberger has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit.