Bills Release Araiza Following Gang Rape Allegation
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the "Bills have informed rookie punter Matt Araiza that he is being released, effective immediately. Araiza has been accused along with two others of gang raping a 17-year-old girl last year in a civil lawsuit filed on Thursday."
Araiza was considered among the more coveted special team players in this year's NFL Draft. The former Aztec averaged 51.2 yards per punt for his career. While capable of playing both punter and kicker positions, Araiza was expected to serve as a punter in for the Bills. He broke the NCAA record for longest average punt.
News broke on Friday that suit was filed against Araiza.
The NFL declined to comment while acknowledging they were made aware of the suit. Because the alleged rape happened before Araiza was drafted, he would not be subject to the league's personal conduct policy.
The bills were coming in as favorites to win the 2023 Super Bowl at 6-1.
- Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
