Ashley Harlan, Newcastle, PA native and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wed Saturday (July 23) at Christ Church in Ohio Township, just northwest of Pittsburgh, in a ceremony that was marked by heavy security. Ben Roethlisberger proposed to Ashley Harlan during the Christmas Holidays and it has been heavily discussed via Twitter and on blogs but Ben refused to discuss his personal business in a recent interview when asked about his engagement.Steelers fullback Merrill Hoge posted this little (unconfirmed) bombshell via Twitter:
"NFL is on! However I'm at Ben Rothlisberger wedding right now and players that should have voted just heard the news!!"
In the ceremony family members and friends, several teammates, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, members of Steelers ownership, front office and coaching staff attended.
According to USA Today, Tomlin and Roethlisberger had to gain special permission from the NFL to have Tomlin attend, since due to the NFL lockout, team personnel are barred from having contact with the players until the lockout is over. The reason is that Ben was accused of rape in March 2010 by a GA college student, was punished by the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy and suspended him for four games last year, even though the Police never pressed any charges.
The pastor at the couple's church tells the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "In a day and age when it is so much easier to go down a different road, Ben has chosen to go God's way. He sets a wonderful example for children. He is a good role model, and he is doing it God's way. He has proven he has changed."
