The Buffalo Bills ex-punter Matt Araiza has been cleared of any wrongdoing by San Diego State University (SDSU) following a thorough investigation into allegations of gang rape.
Araiza inked the title of consensus All-American in 2021 for leading SDSU to a school-best 12-2 season in his senior year and kicked off his national football career after getting selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
However, the 2021 Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year couldn’t even play an official snap on the football field as he was released by the Bills on Aug. 27, two days after the lawsuit was filed.
Ex-Bills’ Matt Araiza is no longer subject to the SDSU investigation of the alleged rape incident
According to ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, after an extensive review of the evidence and statements from all parties involved, SDSU has reached a ‘no findings’ verdict against former Bills punter Matt Araiza in an alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at an off-campus party in October 2021.
“While the university cannot provide specific information related to its student disciplinary proceedings and investigations, or specific information related to student records, it can confirm that none of the former students named in the civil suit are now the subject of an active investigation,” the statement said.
However, SDSU reserves the right to reinstate investigations if they find any new stories regarding the incident.
The sixth-round pick alongside two of his former SDSU teammates was accused by the girl of committing gang rape, no criminal charges were filed, albeit the alleged persons were named as defendants in a civil suit scheduled for trial.
Araiza agreed on having sexual relations with the girl prior to leaving and he stated maintaining that as consensual. However, deputy district attorney Trisha Amador said there was no way to decide whether the sex acts committed on video obtained by her office were consensual or rape.
The incident highlights the need for continued discussions about sexual assault, consent, and the complex dynamics surrounding such cases in both the sports world and society at large.
The ex-Bills submitted a claim against the school for damaging his reputation through the California State University Office of the Chancellor, however, the claim was returned based on “insufficient evidence” as a separate sheet with an explanation for the late filing should be included, and “untimeliness” as any claim is required to be filed within six months after the incident occurred.
The allegations and subsequent investigation have undoubtedly had a profound impact on the young player’s reputation, and it may take time for the dust to settle and for him to move forward from this challenging period.
