The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, in partnership with Dr. Jackson Katz, creator and co-founder of the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) program—the leading sexual and domestic violence prevention initiative in college and professional athletics—have developed a teaching tool to help high school and college football coaches and other athletic leaders discuss the issues related to the Ben Roethlisberger rape allegations.

The following summary of talking points are designed to give coaches and mentors some ideas about what to say to their players about the  Roethlisberger rape allegations and Steelers quarterback's NFL suspension. This situation presents a classic “teachable moment” where coaches--not and throughout the season--can raise the issue of student-athlete leadership and sexual assault prevention.

• Big Ben created a huge mess as a result of his own actions. He is not the victim. Although no rape charges were brought against Roethlisberger, his behavior was unacceptable.
• Leadership in sports means leadership on and off the field.  It doesn’t just happen. It is earned and practiced daily—and can be lost if you demonstrate that you no longer deserve it.
• Men who mistreat women are never proving their strength or manliness. They’re displaying a shortcoming in their character by treating women as objects.
• Athletes are in the spotlight. Media covers athletes for their abilities and accomplishments—that same attention will be given if you break the law.
• Sexual violence is a big problem in this country and it affects many of the girls and boys that you know. But you can help to prevent the violence by standing up to those that sexually mistreat others.
• Teammates and friends have an important role to play in interrupting and preventing violence against women.  You don’t have to stand by while someone is being mistreated. You can make a difference. Say something or do something and get others to help you.
• Alcohol does not cause men to assault women. Alcohol is often incorrectly used as a defense for abusive behavior, but people are responsible for their actions.
• False reports of rape do occur, but they are rare. Women who report rape are often the target of harassment, verbal abuse and social ostracism—even the process of reporting is often difficult, embarrassing and painful. That is one of the reasons why false reports are highly unlikely.
• Pornography is not real life; don’t mistake it for that.  In real life, women don’t enjoy being degraded and treated like objects.
• Football is a team sport. Your actions are not just a reflection on you—but on your teammates and the school’s athletic program.
• Ask yourself what matters most in life. How would you want people to view your character off the field? Learn from what Big Ben has gone through.  Treat people with respect, and they’ll respect you back.