The New York Jets will work Wednesday with free agent punter Matt Araiza, who was released by the buffalo bills last August, two days after a lawsuit was filed accusing him of involvement in an alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl.
Araiza’s agent informed ESPN of the practice with the Jets.
Matt Araiza, #19 of the Buffalo Bills, walks onto the field during practice on August 5, 2022 at Orchard Park, New York. (Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
Araiza, winner of the 2021 Ray Guy Award as the best kicker in the country, did not play during the 2022 NFL Season after being selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
MATT ARAIZA’S ALMA MATER SAYS NO FINDINGS AGAINST PUNTER IN RAPE INVESTIGATION: REPORT
He was released on August 27, 2022, two days after a civil lawsuit stood against him.
Last week, San Diego State University concluded «no findings» against Araiza after conducting its own investigation.
«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 alumni named in the civil lawsuit are now the subject of an investigation. Active», SDSU. he said in a statement provided to ESPN. «Furthermore, they are not currently enrolled, active students, or affiliated with any athletic activity.
«SDSU reserves the right to reinstate investigations based on new developments.»
San Diego State Aztecs kicker Matt Araiza attempts a kickoff during the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl game between the UTSA Roadrunners and the San Diego State Aztecs on December 21, 2021 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. (Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office announced in December that Araiza would not face criminal charges.
«Ultimately, prosecutors determined that it is clear that the evidence does not support the filing of criminal charges and that there is no path to a possible criminal conviction«The district attorney’s office said in a statement, according to ESPN. «Prosecutors can only bring charges when they ethically believe they can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.»
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Matt Araiza, #19 of the Buffalo Bills, during the Bills minicamp on June 15, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
The Jets signed veteran punt striker Thomas Morstead in April, who will begin his 14th NFL season.
Morestead received a guaranteed $1.1 million from the Jets, according to ESPN.