Editor’s Note: This story contains claims of alleged sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 or https://www.rainn.org
Bills rookie bet Matt Alaizha did not play in Friday night’s preseason finale against the Panthers after he was formally charged with participating in the gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl at an off-campus party last year, according to the lawsuit filed. in San Diego County Superior Court on Thursday.
While Buffalo reportedly didn’t know about the alleged incident when they drafted Alaizha, the team did know when it waived Matt Harker, leaving the rookie as the only punter on the roster.
Following the allegations, Araiza issued his first public statement on the matter.
“The facts of the incident are not what the lawsuit or the media have portrayed. I look forward to breaking the record soon,” Araiza said, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The lawsuit comes nearly two months after the incident Los Angeles Times Five members of the San Diego State football team have reportedly reported to campus officials over an alleged rape that occurred at an off-campus house party.
Araiza allegedly raped a minor outside the residence where the party took place and then took her to a room where the girl recalled being raped by multiple men, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday. Araiza was named in the lawsuit along with former teammates Zavier Leonard, a redshirt freshman at San Diego State, and Nowlin “Pa’a” Ewaliko, who left the program after last season.
According to the complaint, after the attack, the girl “stumbled out of the room, bleeding and crying. Her nose, belly button and ear piercings were all pulled out and her vagina was bleeding.”
Alaizha recently won the starter job at training camp in Buffalo, and Huck was cut earlier this week. When contacted, Bill declined to comment, citing an “ongoing civil case,” but said they “have thoroughly investigated this matter.”
Because the incident occurred while Araiza was still in college, he was not subject to disciplinary action under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
