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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, April 13, 2010

NFL: Pa. sponsor drops Roethlisberger from beef jerky


Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh company that markets food products endorsed by local sports stars has dropped its beef jerky sponsorship deal with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

PLB Sports president Ty Ballou says Roethlisberger is "falling short" of the company's standards, even though a Georgia prosecutor announced Monday he will not prosecute the quarterback over a rape allegation.

The company said in a statement that facts presented at the prosecutor's news conference led to the decision.

The company sold "Big Ben's Beef Jerky" in bags depicting the quarterback at Pittsburgh-area Giant Eagle supermarkets and GetGo convenience stores.

The same company markets a breakfast cereal endorsed by Steelers receiver Hines Ward and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Max Talbot.