Facing public backlash and internal questions about Matt Araiza’s decision to wager on the job, the Buffalo Bills waived the rookie in two days on Saturday. After filing a lawsuit Allegations that the player and two college teammates gang-raped a teenager last fall.
The decision to sever ties with their sixth-round pick at San Diego State came after Buffalo cleared the way for Araiza to take over kicking duties by releasing returning veteran Matt Harker.
The bill opted to keep Araiza even after being aware of the charges against him since late July.Then the team stands by the player by declaring it The matter was “thoroughly reviewed” the day after the lawsuit was filed.
Araiza’s release begins to ease a crisis that has shaken the team, as reflected by coach Sean McDermott’s difficulty in containing his emotions when discussing the situation after Friday night’s 21-0 preseason loss to Carolina like that.
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