Colts linebacker Josh McNary charged with rape

The Indianapolis Colts’ AFC title game plans suffered a major distraction when linebacker Josh McNary was accused of rape.

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A game away from a possible berth in the Super Bowl, the Indianapolis Colts have suffered the kind of distraction that has sadly defined the 2014 NFL season.

Reserve linebacker Josh McNary was charged with one count of rape, one count of criminal confinement and one count of battery, according to a report from the Indianapolis Star. The alleged incident occurred on or around December 1 when McNary met the accuser at a downtown Indianapolis bar.

Charges against McNary were filed earlier Wednesday by the Marion County (Ind.) prosecutor.

According to the victim, who originally told her story to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Sex Crimes Division, she and McNary met at Kilroy’s Bar before going to McNary’s downtown Indianapolis apartment. She said a fight then ensued before McNary allegedly raped her.

After taking photos with her cell phone, the victim went to the hospital, where an examination showed that she had sustained some injuries, including dried blood behind her ear. She told police that McNary said “look what you done to me” when she scratched him.

The victim did say she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the alleged rape.

Police then used the victim’s cell phone to connect McNary. He told police, “I know why you’re here” when they arrived at his apartment. He said he preserved evidence of the incident and also presented some of the woman’s clothing to the IMPD.

McNary signed with the Colts in 2013 after serving two years in the United States Army following his graduation from West Point, where he left as the school’s all-time leader in sacks. He appeared in five games as a rookie and played in 15 games this season while becoming one of the team’s top special teams players. McNary recorded 28 total tackles during the regular season.

The news took the Colts, who are preparing for their AFC title game showdown against the Patriots Sunday evening. McNary was apparently walking around the locker room during the media portion of Wednesday’s practice.

The Colts put out a statement late Wednesday afternoon:

Nothing has been decided, but in the more intense atmosphere the NFL lives in during a dark season filled with negative off-field news, McNary is unlikely be on the sidelines at kickoff this Sunday against the Patriots. He remains innocent until proven guilty, yet if the charges do stick, McNary’s future as both a professional football player and a member of the U.S. Army will be bleak at best.

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