PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says allegations by a Lake Tahoe casino hostess that he raped her a year ago are "reckless and false."

Roethlisberger read a statement Thursday at the Steelers practice complex in Pittsburgh. He did not respond to questions, saying he would let the legal process run its course.

A 31-year-old Nevada woman has filed a civil lawsuit alleging the Super Bowl winning quarterback raped her in a hotel penthouse last year.

Roethlisberger called the accusation "outrageous."

"I would never, ever force myself on a woman," he said.

He said he will fight the lawsuit while remaining focused on the upcoming football season.

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