Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, have signed punter Matt Araiza, who was previously removed from a civil case in December concerning alleged involvement in the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl.
Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in April 2022, Araiza, 23, had not played in an NFL game before. The Bills released him in the summer of 2022 following his association with the alleged rape case. Prosecutors decided not to press criminal charges in December 2022.
In a statement, Araiza expressed his excitement about continuing his NFL career and thanked his family and friends for their unwavering support. Despite the allegations, he is proud and honored to sign a contract with the Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs. Araiza has consistently denied the accusations, stating in a previous statement that he looks forward to setting the record straight.
The legal representatives of the alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe in the civil case, dropped Araiza from the suit filed in August 2022. In return, Araiza dismissed a defamation suit against Doe filed in July 2023. Araiza, known as 'Punt God' for his high and lengthy kicks at San Diego State University, holds an NCAA record with a 51.19-yard punting average.
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