Joshua Sills, a Philadelphia Eagles player, has been acquitted of rape and kidnapping charges.
A Philadelphia Eagles player has been acquitted of rape and kidnapping allegations.
A jury in Ohio ruled Joshua Sills, 25, an offensive guard for the team, not guilty after a five-day trial.
“I have done nothing wrong, and I am glad that was proven today,” Mr Sills said after the ruling in court.
Mr Sills was accused of assaulting a woman in his pickup truck in December 2019.
On Friday, the jury announced its decision after deliberating for around three hours.
Following the ruling, the NFL issued a statement saying, “We have notified the Eagles that Sills has been removed from the commissioner’s exempt list and is eligible to join the club.”
Mr. Sills had been on the NFL’s exempt list since February, less than two weeks before the team’s Super Bowl appearance, banning him from participating in practices or games and removing him from the roster.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “[Mr Sills] will now be able to build his football career, grow as a person, and be successful in all of the things that he chooses to do.”
“It’s sad he was charged with this. It lost him a spot in the Super Bowl. He will move on with his life in a very honorable manner.”
Mr Sills will be reinstated to the Eagles’ active roster, according to the team.
“We are aware that the legal matter involving Josh Sills has been adjudicated, and he was found not guilty,” said the team in a statement.
Mr. Sills began his career with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent.
He joined the squad as a rookie in 2022 and appeared in one regular-season game this year.
