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Soccer star jailed for raping teen 'too drunk to consent'

By Michael McCarthy, USA TODAY

A British soccer star has been sentenced to 5 years in jail for raping a teenager who prosecutors said was too drunk to consent.

Sheffield United striker Ched Evans broke down in tears after he was found guilty of attacking the 19-year old woman after a night on the town in Wales last year. His co-defendant, another soccer player named Clayton McDonald, was acquitted of the same charges.

The woman said she had no memory of the incident because she was intoxicated and she believed her drink was spiked.

Judge Merfyn Hughes told the 23-year old Evans during his sentencing: "You have thrown away the successful career in which you were involved."

Prosecutor Nita Dowell said: "Ched Evans took advantage of a vulnerable young woman who was in no fit state to consent to sexual activity. He did so knowingly and with a total disregard for her physical or emotional well-being."

Evans maintained his "innocence" in a statement posted on the team web site. The club said in a statement it recognizes the "seriousness of these events" and will comment when it has enough time "to consider the matter fully."

Miami-Chicago rivalry heating up with playoffs on horizon
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