BREAKING NEWS: Bills Confirms The Departure Of Another Key Star
The Kansas City Chiefs have achieved back-to-back Super Bowl victories, a feat not seen in the NFL since the 2000s when Tom Brady and the New England Patriots accomplished it. Looking ahead to the 2024 season, their aim is to become the first NFL team since the 1965-67 Green Bay Packers to secure three consecutive championships, encompassing the 1965 NFL Championship and Super Bowls I and II.
To maintain their winning streak, the Chiefs must focus on refreshing their roster and filling the gaps left by departing players entering free agency. Among these potential departures is punter Tommy Townsend, who was expected to seek a higher salary elsewhere. In anticipation of his exit, the Chiefs made the strategic move to sign Matt Araiza, a former sixth-round pick from the 2022 draft.
New Kansas City Chiefs Punter Matt Araiza Was Cut by the Buffalo Bills Following Serious Allegations
Matt Araiza, nicknamed the Punt God after his booming kicks at San Diego State University, was picked by the Buffalo Bills in 2022. He had a solid training camp and preseason, earning a starting spot on the Bills’ special teams.
can the swifties lock in here for a second https://t.co/nwYsJhRTNw
— 🌸sports tweeter Matthias🌸 (tonesetter) (@KryzivenTake2) February 22, 2024
However, before the season began, Araiza was named in a lawsuit for allegedly raping a woman at a college party. The Buffalo Bills promptly released him. The lady who accused Araiza and other San Diego State football players was 17 at the time of the alleged assault. Araiza was twenty years old at the time.
Matt Araiza’s Name Was Dropped from the Lawsuit in December 2023
Soon after being mentioned in the lawsuit, Araiza filed a defamation countersuit against the defendant. Investigations by both authorities and San Diego State revealed that the punter was not even present at the party when the alleged assault occurred. Transcripts of talks between the authorities and the accuser show that she lied:
Witness statements from the party, including two of the girl’s own friends who arrived with her, revealed that she did not appear to be intoxicated at the time. Other witnesses reported that the girl was telling people she was 18.
“A witness who was in the house gave a statement saying that at — at least one point in the party, that you made a statement telling people at the party you were 18,” the accuser was told by Amador. “Another witness at the party, a different one, says that they specifically heard you say you were 18 …”
Amador also told the girl that other witness testimony said that at the time, “you were approaching men at the party saying, ‘I want you to [expletive] me and if you don’t, you’re a [expletive].”
While a civil complaint against other football players is still pending, authorities have opted not to file charges. As previously stated, Araiza was dropped from the complaint.
Fans React to the Kansas City Chiefs Signing Matt Araiza
Despite being dismissed from the lawsuit, Araiza has already been convicted in the court of public opinion, as evidenced by numerous social media comments to the signing:
can the swifties lock in here for a second https://t.co/nwYsJhRTNw
— 🌸sports tweeter Matthias🌸 (tonesetter) (@KryzivenTake2) February 22, 2024
Welcome to the league moment for the swifties https://t.co/gCmhtRUv6i
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) February 23, 2024
burning goodwill on a punter is insane most teams only absorb this kinda PR hit for a gamebreaking edge rusher or something https://t.co/Pf9Tht4THx
— lil bump stock (@m_booker1) February 22, 2024