I don't think it's true or necessarily important, but the Pittsburgh Post Gazette just said that Bettis sexually assaulted a 22 year old girl on 8/21. I don't think this will be a distraction to the team this weekend but thought you all would want to know...
sexual assault calim on "the bus"
- Thread starter Z-MAN
- Start date
Phew !! Terry Glenn just missed Bettis comin to N E and then also dodged a bullet from Mark Chmura at G Bay
**lucky gal
**lucky gal
I just hope that doesn't create a run on Patriots bets. I want NE +3, don't want the line pushed the other direction for such nonsense!!
Agreed Ace. The books got middled on game #1 of the season, don't think they are going to do it to themselves for two nationally televised games in a row.
There SHOULD be some +3's out there by Monday, but rumours like this have a way of making some people jump. GRRRRRRR....
There SHOULD be some +3's out there by Monday, but rumours like this have a way of making some people jump. GRRRRRRR....
Police defend Bettis probe
By Joe Napsha
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, September 7, 2002
Greensburg's top police officer is defending his department's investigation into allegations that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis two weeks ago sexually assaulted a 22-year-old woman he met in a city nightclub.
Chief Richard Baric said Friday the police department is following its standard procedure in handling the investigation into allegations that Bettis, 30, forced the woman to perform oral sex in his Land Rover in a secluded area off South Urania Avenue at 11:45 p.m. Aug. 21.
Bettis' attorney, Robert Del Greco of Pittsburgh, refused to comment yesterday on the allegations, but issued a denial on behalf of Bettis.
"He denies engaging in sexual misconduct or any criminal activity," Del Greco said.
While no charges have been filed in the case, Baric said he anticipates his department will do a final review and conclude its investigation next week. He hopes to turn the investigation over to the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office by Friday, and prosecutors will decide whether to pursue criminal charges.
District Attorney John Peck said the case will be handled in the same manner as other sexual assault complaints. Peck said his investigators may seek additional information once they review the police report.
According to Greensburg police, the woman from southern Westmoreland County said she met Bettis that evening in Bobby Dales Restaurant & Lounge, a popular nightspot along Hudson Avenue to the rear of the Greensburg Shopping Plaza. The chief said the victim alleged that Bettis agreed to autograph a football for her and they went to his vehicle. After signing the football, he allegedly drove the SUV to the secluded area a few blocks from the lounge, where he is accused of forcing her to perform a sex act.
She was driven back to the lounge, where she met with some of her friends, then contacted police, Baric said.
The woman underwent a physical examination that evening at Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg, Baric said. The results of those tests are being analyzed by the state police crime lab in Greensburg, he said.
City police also interviewed customers at Bobby Dales that evening, including some of Bettis' teammates who were with him, Baric said. The chief declined to identify which teammates were at the club. People at other, unspecified locations, also were interviewed as part of the investigation, he said.
Greensburg police did not interview Bettis until Thursday, in part because of the difficulties in coordinating the schedules of Bettis and his attorney with the police investigation, Baric said.
"Generally, we do not do suspect interviews until after collecting all the evidence," Baric said.
Bettis went with the team to play an exhibition game in Detroit on Aug. 24. When police contacted Bettis, Baric said they were told that he had retained an attorney to represent him in the matter.
After police conducted an initial interview with the alleged victim, Baric said they also had the woman undergo an interview with Westmoreland County Assistant District Attorney Wayne Gongaware. The chief said that is standard procedure before a charge is filed in a sexual assault case. In this case, the woman was not abducted by force and Bettis, a veteran NFL player who has been with the Steelers since 1996, was not a threat to flee, the chief said.
While he did not divulge the information she offered authorities, Baric said, "the complainant appeared credible in her interviews."
Peck said his office typically interviews an alleged victim of a sexual assault before any charges are filed in the case.
Bettis, accompanied by Del Greco, was interviewed by Greensburg police and underwent a voice stress analysis conducted by the Westmoreland County detectives.
Del Greco said he was told by the detective that Bettis passed the test. Del Greco declined to comment on Bettis' interview with police.
"I don't think it is appropriate for us to discuss or delve into the details. I think Jerome and I must respect the integrity of the investigation," Del Greco said.
Baric would not comment on the interview with Bettis or whether the football player passed the test, but noted that the results are not admissible in court by either the defense or prosecution. Baric denied that the interview was hastily scheduled for Thursday because of inquiries into the case by the news media.
Baric said Bettis has cooperated with the investigation by agreeing to supply physical evidence requested. The chief did not specify what evidence police have, but they did impound Bettis' SUV and they have the football he autographed for the woman.
Baric said state police looked for Bettis' Land Rover at the Steelers training camp on the evening of the alleged assault, but could not find it. He said several players have Land Rovers.
Bettis told reporters yesterday that he could not discuss the matter.
"But I do want to let everyone know, the people of Pittsburgh know, that I have a heavy heart because of the situation. It's been a very difficult time for me.
"I'm going to do as best I can to fully cooperate and do everything I can do to aid in the situation so that we can see the situation through. I'm doing everything that I can possibly do to make sure that happens."
The Steelers issued a brief statement on the investigation.
"Jerome Bettis has earned an impeccable reputation as a member of our community," the statement said. "We believe him when he says he did not engage in the alleged conduct."
Steelers coach Bill Cowher also declined comment on the investigation into the allegations against Bettis. He said he was not concerned about it becoming a distraction to the team, which opens its season Monday night against the New England Patriots.
Tribune-Review sports reporter Mike Prisuta contributed to this story.
By Joe Napsha
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, September 7, 2002
Greensburg's top police officer is defending his department's investigation into allegations that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis two weeks ago sexually assaulted a 22-year-old woman he met in a city nightclub.
Chief Richard Baric said Friday the police department is following its standard procedure in handling the investigation into allegations that Bettis, 30, forced the woman to perform oral sex in his Land Rover in a secluded area off South Urania Avenue at 11:45 p.m. Aug. 21.
Bettis' attorney, Robert Del Greco of Pittsburgh, refused to comment yesterday on the allegations, but issued a denial on behalf of Bettis.
"He denies engaging in sexual misconduct or any criminal activity," Del Greco said.
While no charges have been filed in the case, Baric said he anticipates his department will do a final review and conclude its investigation next week. He hopes to turn the investigation over to the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office by Friday, and prosecutors will decide whether to pursue criminal charges.
District Attorney John Peck said the case will be handled in the same manner as other sexual assault complaints. Peck said his investigators may seek additional information once they review the police report.
According to Greensburg police, the woman from southern Westmoreland County said she met Bettis that evening in Bobby Dales Restaurant & Lounge, a popular nightspot along Hudson Avenue to the rear of the Greensburg Shopping Plaza. The chief said the victim alleged that Bettis agreed to autograph a football for her and they went to his vehicle. After signing the football, he allegedly drove the SUV to the secluded area a few blocks from the lounge, where he is accused of forcing her to perform a sex act.
She was driven back to the lounge, where she met with some of her friends, then contacted police, Baric said.
The woman underwent a physical examination that evening at Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg, Baric said. The results of those tests are being analyzed by the state police crime lab in Greensburg, he said.
City police also interviewed customers at Bobby Dales that evening, including some of Bettis' teammates who were with him, Baric said. The chief declined to identify which teammates were at the club. People at other, unspecified locations, also were interviewed as part of the investigation, he said.
Greensburg police did not interview Bettis until Thursday, in part because of the difficulties in coordinating the schedules of Bettis and his attorney with the police investigation, Baric said.
"Generally, we do not do suspect interviews until after collecting all the evidence," Baric said.
Bettis went with the team to play an exhibition game in Detroit on Aug. 24. When police contacted Bettis, Baric said they were told that he had retained an attorney to represent him in the matter.
After police conducted an initial interview with the alleged victim, Baric said they also had the woman undergo an interview with Westmoreland County Assistant District Attorney Wayne Gongaware. The chief said that is standard procedure before a charge is filed in a sexual assault case. In this case, the woman was not abducted by force and Bettis, a veteran NFL player who has been with the Steelers since 1996, was not a threat to flee, the chief said.
While he did not divulge the information she offered authorities, Baric said, "the complainant appeared credible in her interviews."
Peck said his office typically interviews an alleged victim of a sexual assault before any charges are filed in the case.
Bettis, accompanied by Del Greco, was interviewed by Greensburg police and underwent a voice stress analysis conducted by the Westmoreland County detectives.
Del Greco said he was told by the detective that Bettis passed the test. Del Greco declined to comment on Bettis' interview with police.
"I don't think it is appropriate for us to discuss or delve into the details. I think Jerome and I must respect the integrity of the investigation," Del Greco said.
Baric would not comment on the interview with Bettis or whether the football player passed the test, but noted that the results are not admissible in court by either the defense or prosecution. Baric denied that the interview was hastily scheduled for Thursday because of inquiries into the case by the news media.
Baric said Bettis has cooperated with the investigation by agreeing to supply physical evidence requested. The chief did not specify what evidence police have, but they did impound Bettis' SUV and they have the football he autographed for the woman.
Baric said state police looked for Bettis' Land Rover at the Steelers training camp on the evening of the alleged assault, but could not find it. He said several players have Land Rovers.
Bettis told reporters yesterday that he could not discuss the matter.
"But I do want to let everyone know, the people of Pittsburgh know, that I have a heavy heart because of the situation. It's been a very difficult time for me.
"I'm going to do as best I can to fully cooperate and do everything I can do to aid in the situation so that we can see the situation through. I'm doing everything that I can possibly do to make sure that happens."
The Steelers issued a brief statement on the investigation.
"Jerome Bettis has earned an impeccable reputation as a member of our community," the statement said. "We believe him when he says he did not engage in the alleged conduct."
Steelers coach Bill Cowher also declined comment on the investigation into the allegations against Bettis. He said he was not concerned about it becoming a distraction to the team, which opens its season Monday night against the New England Patriots.
Tribune-Review sports reporter Mike Prisuta contributed to this story.
