Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger held a press conference Thursday afternoon to respond to allegations that he raped a woman one year ago.

Andrea McNulty, 31, filed a lawsuit claiming that the Super Bowl Champion raped her in a hotel room in July 2008.  McNulty is an employee at the Harrah's Lake Tahoe Resort and Casino in Douglas county, Nevada.  She said that Roethlisberger asked her to come into his room to fix his television.  She claimed that once inside his room, he grabbed her and began fondling her.  McNulty claimed that he then threw her on his bed and raped her.

Roethlisberger is facing several counts including sexual assault and battery, in civil court.  McNulty never filed criminal charges, and the sheriff's office said they won't investigate unless she does.

The lawyer for McNulty said that after this happened McNulty discussed the alleged assault with the security at the hotel.  The spokesperson for the sheriff's office said that isn't the same as going to police and "generally what they [Harrah's security] do is call us to conduct something of that nature."

Thursday afternoon Roethlisberger held a press conference.  He didn't answer any questions; he made a brief 1 minute statement and left.  That statement is as follows:

"I did not sexually assault Andrea McNulty.  Saturday was the first that I learned of her accusations.  Her false and vicious allegations are an attack on my family and on me.  I would never, ever force myself on a woman.  I'm going to fight to protect my family and my reputation.  I'm not going to discuss my private life or this civil case in the media.  I'll respond to her outrageous allegations in the appropriate forum.  I have an obligation to our fans, to my teammates, to my coaches and everyone in the organization, to remain focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I will do that.  The allegations against me are reckless and false.  As much as I would like to answer everyone's questions, I will respect the legal process, and I am confident that the truth will prevail.  Thank you."

CLICK HERE TO READ THE CIVIL LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST BEN ROETHLISBERGER