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
The Bills have released rookie punter Matt Araiza, who was accused of participating in the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in San Diego last year.
The news that Araiza was released was First reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefterand was announced by Bill general manager Brandon Bean shortly thereafter.
“This afternoon, we decided that releasing Matt Araiza was the best option,” Bean said. each team. “Our culture in Buffalo is more important than winning football games.”
Araiza, 22, was named in a lawsuit filed Thursday in San Diego County Superior Court with former SDSU teammates Zavier Leonard and Nowlin “Pa’a” Ewaliko. The complaint alleges that Ariaza raped the minor outside a school party last year. The girl, now 18, said she was then taken to a bedroom where Leonard, Ewaliko and at least one other man were present, and the group began raping and beating her, said Araiza, who was a junior at the time. There is still an hour and a half until the end of the party.
Following the allegations, Alaizha did not play in the Bills’ preseason game against the Panthers on Friday. The 2022 sixth-round pick recently earned a starting spot after the club released veteran Matt Harker earlier this week.
This is a developing story. Check for updates.
