With just 11 days until the Philadelphia Eagles play in Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs, one of their offensive linemen, Josh Sills, has been indicted on one count of rape and one count of kidnapping.
The announcement comes from Ohio State Attorney General, Dave Yost, who explained in a statement that both charges are first-degree felonies. The incident happened back in December of 2019 when Sills allegedly engaged in non-consensual sexual activity and held the victim against her will.
TMZ originally reported the news nationally and noted that Sills was issued a summons to appear in court in Ohio on Feb 16, which is only four days after the Super Bowl.
Sills is an undrafted rookie who managed to surprisingly make the Eagles 53-man roster back in August. He has been on the roster ever since, though he has only appeared in one game when he took a few snaps against the Cardinals back in October. That game took place in State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which also happens to be the site of next week’s Super Bowl. For this past Sunday’s NFC Championship victory over the 49ers, Sills was one of six inactives on the Eagles roster.
The organization has since placed Josh Sills on the Commissioner Exempt List, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. This effectively means that Sills is suspended with pay pending further investigation by the NFL or, if they so choose, until the court case has concluded
Considering his lack of playing time, his absence will not have an effect on the team. However, the news can certainly serve as a distraction for the players and the organization as they attempt to win their second-ever Super Bowl, and fifth NFL Championship overall.
That distraction may prove more obvious this Tuesday during media day for the Super Bowl, as reporters will almost certainly be asking his teammates about the charges.
The Eagles could have released Sills altogether but have chosen to see how the case plays out, though that can change.
According to the NFL Conduct Policy: “An individual may be placed on paid leave if formally charged with a violent crime or sexual assault, or if the NFL investigation finds sufficient credible evidence that it appears a violation of the policy has occurred.”
Teams do not have to wait for the NFL to make that decision, at least in terms of whether or not the respective team wants to keep the player or release him. Hence, Sills’ immediate future in the NFL is likely in jeopardy, as is his future overall.