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.

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 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.