- By Dan Becker
- news@profootballtechs.com
More Important Than Football
The Buffalo Bills released punter Matt Araiza on Saturday after a civil suit was filed alleging a gang rape involving him while attending San Diego State.
The lawsuit alleges that Araiza and several other teammates raped a 17-year-old woman for an hour and a half at his residence in 2021.
Said GM Brandon Beane of the release, “This afternoon, we decided that releasing Matt Araiza was the best thing to do. Our culture in Buffalo is more important than winning football games.”
Following Buffalo’s 21-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Friday, quarterback Case Keenum commented on the situation. “Its hard to say my reaction. I’m still processing a lot of it,” he said in an interview posted on BuffaloBills.com
Two other members of San Diego State’s roster were also named in the lawsuit.
A criminal investigation is ongoing due to the incident.
Araiza had been impressing in camp since he was drafted by the Bills in the 6th round in May.
His release leaves the team with a void in the punting position with two weeks left until the season gets underway.
