Former NFL star David Meggett was sentenced to 30 years in prison today for raping a 21-year-old student.

Meggett, 42, who had a decade-long career with the New York Giants, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, was also convicted of burglary at the trial in Charleston, South Carolina.

He was accused of breaking into his victim’s home in the middle of the night and raping her after she said she couldn’t repay the $200 he claimed she owed him.

At the time of the attack, Meggett was on bail in connection with another sexual assault charge.

The retired athlete didn’t take the stand in his own defence to give his version of the January, 2009 incident.

Beattie Butler, of the Charleston County Public Defender's Office, argued that Meggett and the woman had consensual sex and later had an argument.

She said: 'Rapists don't ask for condoms, and they don't ask for forgiveness.'




But assistant solicitor Chad Simpson told the jury that Meggett stole the human dignity of the victim. He added that Meggett used aggravated force by choking the victim during the attack.

Meggett finished his NFL career with 336 receptions for 3,083 yards, 1,648 rushing yards, 5,566 yards returning kickoffs and 3,708 punt return yards.

He also scored 29 touchdowns. His 3,708 punt return yards is the second most in NFL history.

He was part of the New York Giants team that won Super Bowl XXV.










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