Pittsburgh company discontinues ‘Big Ben’s Beef Jerky’ after Roethlisberger investigation ends

Pa. sponsor drops Roethlisberger from beef jerky

PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh company that markets food products endorsed by local sports stars has ended 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 after a Georgia prosecutor announced Monday he will not prosecute the quarterback over sexual assault allegations.

The company said in a statement on Tuesday 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.