Mike BiresTimes Sports Staff

PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger vehemently denied any wrongdoing in response toa sexual-assault lawsuit filed against him by a hotel employee from Nevada.

The Steelers star quarterback made the following statement Thursday at team headquarters:

“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 am not going to discuss my private life or this civil case in the media. I’ll respond to these 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’m going to respect the legal process and I am confident that the truth will prevail. Thanks you.”

Roethlisberger did not field any questions.

On Friday, McNulty filed a civil lawsuit against Roethlisberger, claiming hesexually assaulted her in his hotel room while he was playing in a celebrity golf tournament last year in Lake Tahoe, Nev.

Read morein Friday’s editions of The Times or on the web at www.timesonline.com.