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DEDHAM, Mass.—A former NFL lineman has been sentenced to two years in jail after pleading guilty to raping a 15-year-old who attended the high school where he was a football coach.

Daniel Villa was sentenced Wednesday in Norfolk Superior Court to seven years of probation, banned from working with children under 16 and ordered to register as a sex offender after pleading guilty to statutory rape and enticing a minor.

He told the judge he was "thirsty for a clear conscience."

His lawyer said he pleaded guilty to avoid further pain to the victim and her family.

Prosecutors say Villa sent the girl thousands of text messages. He was arrested in December.

The 44-year-old Arizona native played six seasons for the New England Patriots during a 12-year career.

The Associated Press
Posted: 08/27/2009 03:19:27 AM PDT
Updated: 08/27/2009 04:24:19 AM PDT

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