The Buffalo Bills have released punter Matt Araiza amid a backlash of criticism after the rookie was accused in a gang-rape lawsuit this week. Adam Schefter was the first to report the news, and general manager Brandon Beane confirmed it during a press conference on Saturday.
On Thursday, Araiza was one of three football players named in a civil lawsuit that accuses them of raping a 17-year-old girl last year while they attended San Diego State.
In the initial wake of the lawsuit, the team released a statement that noted the organization “conducted a thorough examination” of the situation involving Araiza.
We have released Punter Matt Araiza. pic.twitter.com/dlmKJnEj7v
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 27, 2022
Reports indicate the team knew about a potential lawsuit as early as late July. Teams aconduct extensive background checks on potential draft picks. Araiza was a sixth-round selection by Buffalo in April’s draft.
On Friday, Buffalo visited the Carolina Panthers for their third and final preseason game of the year. Araiza made the trip but did not play. Backup quarterback Matt Barkley held punting duties.
While watching the contest from somewhere in Bank of America Stadium, Araiza released a statement claiming his innocence.
After the game, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott answered a slew of questions relating to Araiza. He did not say much, however.
What McDermott did say is there is “work” to be done regarding the matter by the organization.
The most jarring comment was McDermott’s admission that there were new things he learned about the incident in the first 24 hours after the lawsuit’s announcement.
“There’s been some, and I’m not going to deny that,” McDermott said.
Without Araiza on the roster, the Bills currently do not have a punter. Only days prior to the bombshell report about the lawsuit, the team released incumbent punter Matt Haack. He went on to sign with the Indianapolis Colts.
Stay tuned to Bills Wire for the latest updates.
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