There is one thing we can be certain about in terms of the sexual assault allegations against Ben Roethlisberger. None of us know what took place in the hotel room in Reno.

Steelers fans are concerned that the team’s star quarterback will either miss time or be distracted during the 2009 season, which would almost certainly eliminate the team’s chances of repeating as Super Bowl champions. Other people have hurled insults at the accuser, which is unfortunately a predictable response.

As of yet, women’s groups haven’t set out to demonize Roethlisberger. On his Friday press conference, Roethlisberger was not challenged by protesters in front of the UPMC Training Facility in the same way that Clarence Thomas opponents rallied in favor of Anita Hill.

Maybe it’s a sign that there are people who still believe in innocent until proven guilty. However, what is the most troubling about the public statement issued by Roethlisberger concerning the allegations he is facing is when he said he wouldn’t ever force himself onto a woman.

If this is true then he needs to explain the pic that accompanied a January 31, 2006 article on www.deadspin.com.

It is true that pouring whiskey down a woman’s throat while at party doesn’t mean that Roethlisberger is a rapist, and the action in the photograph doesn’t in and of itself make him guilty of any current charges. It does however speak of irresponsibility. It may not speak of him forcing himself, but it does speak to him taking advantage of a woman. It provides Roethlisberger with a track record that the Rooney family surely cannot be happy with.

The Steelers have historically prided themselves on their good character. It is true that Ernie Holmes fired shots once at helicopters and the franchise has been haunted by steroid allegations. However during their 1970s heyday, the Steelers franchise seemed to have a mark that set them apart from the bad guy Oakland Raiders image or the Dallas Cowboys who were wrapped up in their Texas arrogance.

And isn’t it true that Holmes, during the helicopter shooting incident, suffered from a nervous breakdown? Does anyone really believe that the only team that had players using steroids was the Steelers? Didn’t Pittsburgh get rid of integral star plays like Bam Morris and Eric Green because of drugs, which may have prevented their team of the mid-90s from reaching their fullest potential, while players in Dallas were renting out the infamous “White House?”

Roethlisberger’s effectiveness as a quarterback is not really due to his physical abilities but more because of his leadership ability.

For example, Tommy Maddox might have been a better all-around passer and Kordell Stewart was certainly a better all-around athlete, but neither of these former Steelers quarterbacks had the personality or courage to tell their teammates, “do this!”

This leadership ability is what helped to turn the team filled with a bunch of complacent veterans with a 2003 record of 6-10 into a 2004 record of 15-1 and a 2005 Super Bowl championship.

This risk-taking, carefree demeanor that gave Roethlisberger the ability to lead a 78 yard touchdown drive with only 2:37 minutes remaining in the championship game, is the same demeanor that led him to defy Andrea Kramer openly in her questioning that followed the Steelers 10-6 win in a game last season over Cleveland, and to almost die three years ago from not wearing a helmet when he was riding a motorcycle.

This same arrogance is threatening to ruin his entire football career.

If it is proven that Roethlisberger is guilty, or even if he were to settle the case out of court, what sort of message would it send about this franchise that has always prided itself on its positive off field image if he were to continue on as the Steelers starting quarterback?