Ex-Bills punter Matt Araiza breaks silence after officials say he wasn't present during alleged rape
Prosecutors explained why Araiza would not be hit with criminal charges
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Matt Araiza, the former Buffalo Bills punter who was accused of rape last year, broke his silence on Tuesday after prosecutors said he was not present during the alleged incident.
Prosecutors came out with their report on Monday, according to Yahoo Sports. The claims stemmed from when Araiza was a student-athlete at San Diego State. A deputy district attorney reportedly explained why they found no evidence to press charges against Araiza or anyone else accused in the civil lawsuit to the girl and her attorneys.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza walks on the sideline during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Orchard Park, New York, on Aug. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
"I am aware that the facts of this case have been made public," Araiza told Pro Football Talk in a statement on Tuesday. "I am deeply gratified for the thorough work of the DA’s office in San Diego and for all the witnesses that were willing to come forward and tell the truth. I am thankful that the facts of this case as provided by the witnesses will prove that what I have been saying from the beginning is, in fact, the truth.
"I can only hope that now people will assess me on the facts and not what was falsely claimed in both the civil suit and in the press.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza waves to fans after a preseason NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Orchard Park, New York, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
"I am beyond thankful for the unwavering support of both my family and friends. They have been a rock in what has been a very dark eight months for me. However, now that the truth is out, I am amazed by the thousands of emails and tweets supporting me. It has truly been a blessing to know so many people have now judged me by the facts."
Araiza was released last August once the allegations came to light. He was cleared of criminal wrongdoing in December and the reporting helped reveal why prosecutors made the decision.
Matt Araiza speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Araiza faces no punishment from the NFL because the alleged incident occurred before he was selected by the Bills in the spring 2022 draft.