Josh McNary Charged with Rape: Latest Details and Comments

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Josh McNary was charged Wednesday with one count of rape, one count of battery resulting in bodily injury and one count of criminal confinement. On Thursday, the Colts requested he be placed on the League's Commissioner Exempt List, a request that was granted by the NFL.   

Continue for updates.

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McNary Placed on Commissioner Exempt List, Could Face Additional Discipline

Thursday, Jan. 15

The Colts announced its request on the team's official website:

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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. 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.

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Indianapolis later confirmed that McNary was placed on the exempt list and announced that Griff Whalen was brought up to the active roster to replace the linebacker.

Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo provided additional details along with a comment from the Colts:

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that Josh McNary could be the subject of enhanced discipline from the league for violating the personal conduct policy:

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The Personal Conduct Policy, both the one that was promulgated on December 10 and the one that was passed in 2007, mandates prompt notice of any incident to the league that may be a violation of the policy. It’s not enough to wait for an arrest or a formal charge.

In this case, McNary knew of the accusations on December 2. He should have promptly informed the league of the situation. He didn’t.

That could be interpreted as conduct detrimental to the league, and it could be one of the factors considered when the time comes to determine the discipline to be imposed.

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McNary's Lawyer Releases Statement

Thursday, Jan. 15

Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star provided a statement from McNary's lawyer:

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Colts Release Statement After McNary is Charged for December Incident

Wednesday, Jan. 14

Fox 59's Greg Margason reported the news, noting the incident being investigated transpired "on or around December 1." Superior Court Judge Sheila Carlisle has signed a warrant for McNary's arrest.

ESPN reporter Mike Wells provided further details:

The Colts released a statement on the news via Mike Chappell of RTV6 in Indianapolis:

McNary, 26, played college football at Army and went into two years of military service thereafter before Indianapolis signed him as a free agent in 2013. He is currently one of four active NFL players serving in the National Guard or reserves, per KickoffCoverage.com.

In 20 regular-season games, including four starts this year, McNary recorded 42 combined tackles and 0.5 sacks. He has also appeared in four playoff games during his time with the team.

The Colts are preparing for a road trip to Gillette Stadium to play the New England Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship Game.