Eagles’ Josh Sills cleared of rape and kidnapping charges

NFL Player Rape Trial: Friend of Alleged Victim Emotionally Testifies Against Josh Sills

Philadelphia Eagles lineman Josh Sills was acquitted of rape and kidnapping charges on August 4. According to the official statement by the Eagles on Twitter, he is set to return to the roster immediately.

“We are aware that Josh Sills’ case has been decided and he has been found not guilty,” the team wrote on Friday. “The organization has been monitoring the situation. The NFL has removed him from the commissioner’s exemption list and he will return to the team’s active roster.”

The 25-year-old offensive lineman was cleared of accusations following his trial in Guernsey County, Ohio, where he was alleged to have assaulted and unlawfully confined a woman five years ago.

“I still believe in sacrifice,” Dave Yost, the Ohio Attorney General, said in a statement. “But in America, criminal convictions require undoubted evidence. The jury didn’t see it, and I thank them for doing their duty before the law.”

Sills misses Super Bowl LVII appearance

Weeks before Super Bowl LVII in Ohio, authorities charged Sills with one count of rape and one count of kidnapping. As per a January statement by Yost, Sills was accused of non-consensual sexual activity and kidnapping a victim in December 2019.

The local sheriff initiated an investigation following an immediate report of the alleged incident. At that time, Sills did not respond to a comment request from Us Weekly.

After participating in a single game during his rookie season, Sills found himself placed on the Commissioner Exempt List, preventing his involvement in practices or matches with the Eagles.

In February, before the Super Bowl LVII, the NFL said that “Sills is prohibited from attending team practices, games, or travels.” The Eagles traveled to Glendale, Arizona, to face the Kansas City Chiefs but ultimately lost 38-35.

As the 2023-2024 training camp commenced recently, key players like Jalen Hurts and Jason Kelce have rejoined the Eagles. Sports journalist Josh Tolentino, who covers the Eagles, relayed that Sills is poised to resume training “within the coming days.”

Philly investigator Tolentino confirmed on Twitter that Sills’ lawyer, Michael Connick, revealed the athlete’s imminent travel plans after the verdict’s issuance. In a statement cited by Tolentino, Connick expressed that Sills would have the opportunity to advance his football career, undergo personal development, and succeed in his chosen pursuits.