Philadelphia Eagles WR Nelson Agholor Being Investigated For Rape
Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver Nelson Agholor now stands accused of rape as a result of an incident that occurred yesterday at Cheerleader’s gentleman’s club in the South Philadelphia section of the city.
Sources told Philadelphia magazine that Agholor, who is a second-year pass-catcher for the Eagles, is under investigation by Philadelphia police for his role in the sexual assault of an exotic dancer. The performer — who is as yet still unidentified — is 27-years-old.
Despite the seemingly damning nature of the accusations he faces, however, officials have been quick to note that Agholor has yet to actually be charged with any crime.
The incident is alleged to have taken place after Agholor wrapped up a round of offseason practices at the Eagles’ nearby NovaCare facility. Agholor, who is 23, was accompanied by “at least two other Eagles,” sources told Philadelphia.
Strangely, the rape was alleged to have occurred around 3 p.m. EST, which could mean fewer patrons were at the club at the time. This tidbit has partially fueled speculation by some members of the media that he might be able to prove the charges false.
“There was an allegation made against one of the [Eagles] players of a sexual assault,” Philadelphia police commissioner Richard Ross told the news outlet, noting that his detectives were working with Cheerleaders’ management staff to locate video evidence from the club.
“Our Special Victims Unit is actively running on the investigation,” continued Ross, who also revealed that Agholor, himself was on the docket to be interviewed by investigators in the very near future.
Cheerleaders’ owner John Meehan, meanwhile, told Philadelphia magazine that he was not present at the club at the time, and that he and the club’s attorney, Marc Raspanti, had not been made aware of the allegations until after they were approached by Philadelphia magazine.
The Philadelphia Eagles, however, were quick to issue an official statement. Derek Boyko, an Eagles team spokesperson, said the following.
“We are aware of the police investigation involving Nelson Agholor. The organization has been in contact with [Agholor] and with the proper authorities in Philadelphia. Because of the legal nature of this matter, we will have no further comment.”
Agholor, who was drafted with the Eagles’ top pick (20th overall) in 2015 from the University of Southern California, is heading into his second year with the team. The Nigeria native — who has lived in the U.S. since the age of five — accrued just 23 receptions for 283 yards and one touchdown last season.
Agholor, the Eagles noted, had recently completed a round of offseason workouts and was to now be given six weeks of rest prior to having to return to team facilities for Eagles training camp.
“It’s just to get away, enjoy their families,” Agholor’s new head coach Doug Pederson told NJ.com of the time off. Peterson replaced former coach Chip Kelly this offseason.
For Nelson Agholor, however, the coming weeks, months, and potentially even years could turn out to be anything but rejuvenating, regardless of his level of guilt.
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