Indianapolis Colts Ask Roger Goodell To Place LB Josh McNary On Exempt List Following Rape Charge

The Indianapolis Colts have asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to place linebacker Josh McNary on the commissioner's exempt list, just one day after McNary was taken into police custody on allegations that he sexually assualted a woman last month.

Here's is the Indianapolis Colts' official statement on the request, courtesy of USA Today:

"After reviewing the documents supporting the very serious criminal charges filed yesterday afternoon against Josh McNary, the Colts have requested Commissioner Goodell to immediately place Josh on the League's Commissioner Exemption list," the Colts' statement said.

"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."

The NFL passed its new personal conduct policy on December 10th, which includes a provision that allows for individuals to be place on paid leave if formally charged with a violent crime, sexual or otherwise. The alleged incident involving McNary came nine days before the institution of the new policy.

McNary's lawyer, Edward F. Schrager, released this statement on Thursday morning in regards to the charges brought against 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."

For the full report of the charges brought against McNary, follow this link.

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