LT Arrest: Another NFL Star Accused of Rape

Ben Roethlisberger will sit out the first six games of the NFL season for decision-making that twice has lead to accusations of rape. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has been convicted of no charges, but the circumstances alone were enough to earn the punishment. The two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback has quickly become persona non grata in the National Football League, a big business desperately trying to clean up its reputation for reckless players. Now, it's all-time New York Giants great Lawrence Taylor — one of the original league bad boys — who is drawing the negative attention after being arrested early this morning for the alleged third-degree rape of a 16-year-old girl in upstate New York. According to statements from the Ramapo Police Department in local reports, the crime occurred at a Holiday Inn in Montebello. The teen victim, described as a runaway, was allegedly punched during an altercation that may have also involved a pimp. A news conference is scheduled this afternoon. The Hall of Fame linebacker, now 51, who has a history of run-ins with police and cocaine use, appeared in last season's "Dancing With the Stars" on ABC, making it seven weeks into the celebrity dance competition.  Here is a comprehensive report from our New York affiliate WABC's mid-day newscast, which includes some classic footage of Taylor on the football field. ——————– UPDATE: The Ramapo Police Department provided some additional details this afternoon about the arrest. The formal charges are statuatory rape and soliciting a minor prostitute. The rape charge alone, a felony, could carry a sentence of up to four years in prison if Taylor is convicted. Police Chief Peter Brower said that Taylor "engaged in sexual intercourse with a child less than 17 for which he paid $300." Also identified was Rasheed Davis, a man accused of bringing the girl to the hotel room against her will. He has been charged with unlawful imprisonment, assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Police allege that it was Davis who struck the teen. There were no signs of drugs or alcohol in the room, according to police. Bail for Taylor, who denied both charges, was set at $75,000. The alleged victim was originally reported as 15 years old – her age when she was reported missing in March. She is now 16.