Colts Linebacker Josh McNary Formally Charged with Rape

We've got some bad news coming out of Indianapolis this afternoon: according to FOX 59 in Indianapolis, Colts linebacker Josh McNary has been formally charged with rape on Wednesday.

This according to FOX 59's Greg Margason:

Josh McNary, 26, was formally charged Wednesday in a rape investigation.

McNary faces one count of rape, one count of criminal confinement and one count of battery.

FOX59 has learned that the incident in question happened in November.

McNary is a Colts backup lineman who has been with the team for two years now out of Army and after his service commitment with them.  He has played in 20 games with the Colts (15 this year) and started four (all this year), recording 42 tackles and 0.5 sacks.  The Colts were very high on him entering the season, but he has struggled a bit this year.  He's still a valuable, versatile depth linebacker, however.

Of course, this report leaves his future in the NFL in question, but this isn't a story about football - this is never something that's ok and never something that's acceptable regardless of profession or career.  It's important to note that he hasn't been convicted of anything yet and so we do have to keep that in mind, but it's not good news at all - not because he's a Colts player but because, if true, someone was a victim of this crime and that's just awful.

Stay tuned as we learn more, and keep in mind that he hasn't been convicted, but according to FOX 59, linebacker Josh McNary has been formally charged with rape.

[UPDATE:] The Colts have issued a statement late this afternoon saying that they are continuing to gather more information.  You can read the statement here.

[UPDATE:] Josh McNary has been placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List.