Matt Araiza, a former sixth-round special teams draft pick, was engaged in controversy shortly after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills for alleged rape of a San Diego State University student.
Araiza was subsequently cut by the Bills, though it was later revealed that the punter would not be charged in the purported heinous conduct complaint.
In another twist of events, it appears that the entire lawsuit against Araiza has now been dismissed – notwithstanding the possibility of future accusations against other individuals.
What Happened With Matt Araiza?
ESPN reports statements from Araiza’s lawyer as such:
“Thankfully, there was extensive evidence that was key to securing Matt’s voluntary dismissal from this lawsuit,” the statement said. “Matt was and has always been innocent. The case is over, and Matt has prevailed.”
They further said that Araiza intends to return to the NFL and pursue a career in professional football.
However, while stuff like this is tragically dismissed in certain instances – witness Deshaun Watson – punters, no matter how good, are not given a pass. Although it should be noted that these circumstances are not comparable – Araiza did not have nearly two dozen women testifying against him. Even yet, the accusations leveled against the SDSU alum are absolutely horrifying; viewer discretion is suggested. In the same article, ESPN recounts:
According to the lawsuit, Araiza, who was 21 at the time, led Doe to the side of the house and instructed her to perform oral sex on him before engaging in sexual intercourse. According to the lawsuit, Araiza then took her inside the house, where at least three other males were present, and raped her for about 112 hours.
The girl reported the alleged rape the next day to the San Diego Police Department, which investigated the claims for nine months before turning the case up to prosecutors on August 5, 2022.
It is unclear whether he will play again; before this summer, it appeared that one team was already interested in the punter; nevertheless, it is difficult to get signed from a workout for any special teamer, let alone one with significant baggage.
The litigation against the other defendants continues, and any further developments will surely be made public.
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