NFL-Eagles’ Sills indicted on rape, kidnapping charges ahead of Super Bowl

(Reuters) -Rookie offensive lineman Josh Sills of the Super Bowl-bound Philadelphia Eagles has been indicted on rape and kidnapping charges, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Wednesday.

Sills, 25, was indicted by a Guernsey County Common Pleas Court grand jury on one count of rape and one count of kidnapping, both first-degree felonies.

The indictment alleges that in December 2019 Sills engaged in sexual activity that was not consensual and held a victim against her will. The crime was immediately reported, and the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation.

According to Yost’s office, the case was presented to a grand jury and is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section of the Attorney General’s Office.

The Eagles said in a statement that they were aware of the legal matter involving Sills.

“We have been in communication with the league office and are in the process of gathering more information,” the Eagles said. “We have no further comment at this time.”

Sills began the 2022 National Football League campaign as one of three undrafted rookies to earn an opening day roster spot. He appeared in one game this season in October, taking part in four special teams plays.

Sills has been issued a summons to appear in Guernsey County Common Pleas Court on Feb. 16, four days after the Eagles are scheduled to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Jonathan Oatis)