Roethlisberger tells Steelers he’s sorry for causing possible distraction

Teammates say Big Ben’s apology not necessary

LATROBE, Pa. — Ben Roethlisberger quickly moved to make sure his problems don’t become those of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Roethlisberger apologized to his teammates for causing a possible distraction, then answered questions Saturday for the first time since being named as the defendant in a Nevada civil lawsuit that accuses him of sexual assault.

He declined to discuss his legal problems, or even acknowledge them, saying, “I’m playing football.”

Then Roethlisberger said it again, as if to emphasize there will be no questions answered during training camp about any issue other than the Steelers.

“This is what I do, it’s football,” Roethlisberger said after being asked if he could stay focused. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s football.”