Chris Rock’s joke likens Cosby to the Steelers quarterback.
Bill Cosby‘s name continues to dominate headlines as accusers continue to come forward with allegations that the comedy legend drugged and raped them decades ago. Many in the comedy world are being asked their thoughts on the matter and Chris Rock, who is currently on a media run promoting his new film Top Five, has given his opinion a multitude of times. Though he has remained neutral on the topic, Rock gave a rather unique perspective when speaking to an audience at the Rotunda Cinemas.
“I’m getting ready to say something real bad about [Ben] Roethlisberger,” Rock said to the crowd. “He’s the original Cosby.”
Though mentioned in jest, it is very similar to how Cosby’s troubles began after comedian Hannibal Buress made light of Cosby’s questionable past during a stand-up set. Rock’s joke has some validity, as the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback settled a civil lawsuit levied against him by casino hostess Andrea McNulty after she accused him of rape back in 2008.
Roethlisberger found himself in a similar situation back in 2010, when a 20-year old Georgia State University student alleged that Big Ben got her drunk and raped her at a Georgia bar. For what its worth, both charges were eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell did suspend Ben for four games in 2010 as a result of the charges.
