After reviewing the documents supporting the very serious criminal charges filed yesterday afternoon against Indianapolis Colts linebacker Josh McNary, the Colts have requested Commissioner Goodell to immediately place Josh on the League’s Commissioner Exemption list.
If the request is granted, Josh will not be eligible to practice or attend games with the Club while designated as Commissioner Exempt.
That designation will permit the investigation provided by the League’s Personal Conduct Policy to run its course and will afford Josh the opportunity to focus on his defense against the charges.
The Colts sincerely hope this extraordinarily serious matter will be resolved expeditiously and that justice will prevail.
McNary denies the allegations that he raped a woman after a night of drinking at a Downtown bar.
McNary, 26, who has been with the team since 2013, faces one count of rape, one count of criminal confinement and one count of battery, court documents state.
McNary was taken into police custody Wednesday night after the charges were filed.
On Thursday morning, McNary’s attorney, Edward F. Schrager, released the following statement on behalf of his client:
“Joshua McNary unhesitatingly denies all accusations made against him. Following the public release of these allegations, Joshua immediately reported to law enforcement officials in a respectful and peaceful manner.
“The charges and affidavit publicly disseminated on Wednesday afternoon are not evidence of wrongdoing, but simply one side’s story.”
The statement goes on to say that McNary believes the matter should be addressed in court rather than in the media and no further statements will be made.
