CARSON CITY (AP) - A Nevada judge has denied motions by lawyers for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to dismiss a civil lawsuit filed by a Lake Tahoe casino worker who alleges he raped her in his penthouse suite in 2008.
Washoe District Judge Brent Adams rejected arguments that the suit should be dismissed, saying the woman's allegations make a "sufficient" claim that if proven, would entitle her to relief.
Roethlisberger's lawyer David Cornwell says that despite the outcome, they are encouraged by the judge's reasoning.
Cornwell says the judge used a "generous" beyond a doubt standard to allow the woman her day in court.
He says the woman's allegations are false and Roethlisberger will pursue a "vigorous defense."