Colon was not a witness

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Steelers tackle Willie Colon was with teammate Ben Roethlisberger on the night the quarterback was accused of sexual assault in a Georgia club, but did not witness anything, Colon’s agent said Wednesday.

Colon was at the Capital City nightclub in Milledgeville, Ga., last Friday, for a birthday party for Roethlisberger. But Joe Linta, Colon’s agent, said that Colon was on the dance floor and not close by when Roethlisberger allegedly sexually assaulted a 20-year-old college student.

“Willie, although he was in the building, had no knowledge of the incident and his name should not be brought up about this incident again,” Linta said. “The first knowledge he had was when he was stopped when leaving the place to be asked some questions.”

Colon was part of a group of Roethlisberger’s friends who went to Milledgeville to celebrate the quarterback’s 28th birthday.

Authorities are still investigating the matter and Roethlisberger has not been charged. He is cooperating with authorities and Milledgeville police have said they expect to interview Roethlisberger in the next several days. They plan to take a DNA sample from him.

Bengals try for Bryant

CINCINNATI

Antonio Bryant’s agent said the receiver and the Bengals were “very close” to an agreement on Wednesday, a move that would likely preclude the addition of Terrell Owens.

For the second year in a row, the Bengals are trying to find a complement for Chad Ochocinco, the only receiver with appreciable experience on the roster. Ochocinco has lobbied to get Owens, who was in town on Wednesday to meet team officials.

Instead, the Bengals appeared to be closing in on Bryant

Agent Lamont Smith told the team’s Web site that the sides were “very close” to a deal. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Bryant would get a four-year, $28 million contract.

Bryant, 29, had career highs with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns with Tampa Bay in 2008.