PITTSBURGH (AP) - A contrite Ben Roethlisberger says he got caught up in being a caricature called Big Ben, not the grounded player and person he once was, leading to his off-field problems - and affecting his play as the Steelers quarterback.

In his first detailed interviews since a Georgia college student accused him of sexually assaulting her in a nightclub bathroom on March 5, Roethlisberger told Pittsburgh TV stations KDKA and WTAE that he expects to be booed this season. He also apologized for his actions, and promised to become the role model he should have been throughout his career.

He blamed his problems on being young, dumb and immature - even though he's 28 - and is especially sorry that his behavior hurt and saddened his parents, sister and other family members.

Because lawyers did not permit the questions to be asked, the 2-time Super Bowl winner gave no details about the Milledgeville, Ga., nightclub incident that resulted in his 6-game suspension by the NFL. But he said his family members know what happened.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.