Josh Sills was originally scheduled to play with the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on the night of February 12-13. However, the NFL rookie has now been charged with rape and his commitment is in jeopardy.
The Ohio Attorney General’s office alleges that Sills was part of a rape in December 2019. The offensive guard is said to have held the victim against his will. In addition to the rape, he is also charged with the associated kidnapping.
Although the sheriff received timely knowledge of the allegations, the trial before a grand jury is only now taking place. Sills is due to appear in court on February 16 – just four days after the Super Bowl – to comment.
NFL team makes brief statement
The Eagles issued a succinct statement Wednesday afternoon regarding the indictment. “The organization is aware of the legal matter involving Josh Sills. We have been in touch with the league office and are in the process of gathering more information. We have no further comment to make at this time.”
Meanwhile, Sills has not commented on the allegations. The 25-year-old entered the NFL draft last year but was not picked by any team. Philadelphia eventually signed him as an undrafted free agent.
In the preseason, Sills made it into the Eagles’ final roster. The newcomer was only rarely allowed to prove his skills. On October 9, the guard made his only appearance of the season when his team beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-17.
Incidentally, Sills was marked inactive for the Eagles’ two playoff games. If the pro is suspended by his employer as a result of recent events, Philly could bring up a substitute from the practice squad for the Super Bowl.