Philadelphia Eagles lineman Josh Sills indicted on rape and kidnap charges
Josh Sills, a backup offensive lineman for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, has been indicted on rape and kidnapping charges that stem from an alleged incident in Ohio just over three years ago, authorities said Wednesday.
Sills, an undrafted free agent who was on the inactive list in Philadelphia’s conference title victory over San Francisco on Sunday, was indicted on Tuesday by a grand jury in Ohio.
The rookie, who played at West Virginia and Oklahoma State, was ordered to appear in court in Ohio on 16 February, four days after the Eagles are to play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
His attorney, Michael Connick, said the allegations are false and that Sills will be aggressively defended.
Sills is listed as a backup guard and played in just one game this season. He has been on the inactive list for much of the year.
“The organization is aware of the legal matter involving Josh Sills. We have been in communication with the league office and are in the process of gathering more information. We have no further comment at this time,” the Eagles said in a statement.
The NFL has placed Sills on the Commissioner Exempt list, meaning he cannot take part in practices or games or travel with the Eagles.
The indictment accuses Sills, who is from Sarahsville, Ohio, of engaging in sexual activity that was not consensual and holding a woman against her will in December 2019.
A statement issued by Ohio attorney general Dave Yost said the incident was immediately reported, and that the county sheriff’s office conducted a detailed investigation.