The NFL has placed Colts linebacker Josh McNary on the Exempt/Commissioner Permission list after he was charged with rape on Wednesday, the team has announced.
The Colts made that request this morning, and that makes McNary the first player to be placed on paid leave under the new Personal Conduct Policy. Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson were both placed on paid leave during the 2014 season as well, but that was before the NFL had codified a policy for how to deal with players who have been accused -- but not convicted -- of serious crimes.
To take McNary’s spot on the active roster, the Colts have brought back wide receiver Griff Whalen from the practice squad to the active roster. Whalen was on the active roster primarily to be a returner and special teams player earlier this season, was cut when the Colts signed Josh Cribbs to return kicks, and then was put back on the practice squad. McNary was primarily a special teams player, so Whalen will likely take over some of McNary’s special teams work.
The Colts have also signed defensive end Gannon Conway to the practice squad to take Whalen’s place.
