Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Josh Sills was found not guilty of raping and kidnapping a former high school classmate in 2019.
The jury deliberated for 2 hours and 45 minutes before reaching the ‘Not Guilty’ verdict. Upon hearing that he was not guilty, Sills showed no emotions in court but did thank the jury for its resolution.
“I have done nothing wrong and am glad that was proven today” Sills said in court after thanking the jury.
According to the indictment out of Ohio, Sills allegedly raped and kidnapped the woman on Dec. 5, 2019 in Guernsey County.
Ohio Attorney General Still Believes The Victim’s Claims
The justice system allows defendants to remain innocent until proven guilty. But in some cases, the court of public opinion doesn’t always follow the court’s lead.
Despite being acquitted of the charges, Sills is not entirely off the hook in the eyes of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Yost issued a statement on the verdict, saying “I still believe the victim. But in America, criminal convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury did not see it, and I thank them for doing their duty under the law.”
Will Sills Be Allowed To Rejoin The Eagles?
Despite being found not guilty, Sills’ future in the NFL is still up in the air.
The 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive lineman was placed on the “Reserve/Commissioner Exempt List” on the day that the indictment was published and hasn’t played for the Eagles since.
Sills was indicted on both first-degree felony charges on Feb. 1, 2023, just two weeks before the Eagles played the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
According to Sills’ attorney, Michael Connick, Sills is expected to travel to Philadelphia and rejoin the Eagles within the next couple of days.
“He’ll be able to build his football career and grow as a person and be successful in all of the things that he chooses to do. It’s unfortunate he was accused of this. It cost him a Super Bowl appearance,” Connick said, via Josh Tolentino of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “He will move on and live his life in a very honorable fashion.”
