Roethlisberger knows his punishment, but 2 police buddies face professional investigations

Roethlisberger’s police buddies investigated

PITTSBURGH — Two Pennsylvania police officers who worked as personal assistants to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger are being investigated by their full-time employers.

At issue is the role the off-duty officers played the night Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault in Georgia.

State trooper Ed Joyner’s permission to work as Roethlisberger’s assistant and chauffeur has already been rescinded. The Pennsylvania State Police say Joyner “demeaned” the agency, even though a prosecutor declined to charge Roethlisberger.

A state police internal investigation is still under way, and could result in anything from no further penalty to firing. It must wrap up by mid-August.

Meanwhile, officer Anthony Barrivecchio from suburban Coraopolis may learn his fate sooner. Solicitor Richard Start will review the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s file once he receives it, and will decide whether to recommend discipline to the town’s officials.

In each case, investigators will look at more than just each officer’s actions related to the alleged assault, for which Roethlisberger was not charged. Authorities will also review questions such as whether the two men provided alcohol to minors, or were aware that was happening.