Even then, they knew of the vast majority of the allegations when they cut Matt Haack and made Matt Araiza the team's . "I was really upset because I thought that I had been doing everything that I was supposed to be doing in order to get them to face consequences," she said. Araiza easily won the Ray Guy Award, and now he threatens to join Guy in the rarest class of all: Punters drafted in the first three rounds. All MLB; Team All-Time Rosters A Mexican team in need of some NFL-level talent would seemingly gladly welcome a punter of Araizas caliber, but maybe the allegations steered them away. Besides being able to kick the stuffing out of the ball, Araiza is a terrific directional punter who'll drop it inside the 10-yard line or place the ball out to the corner. They also published photos of the accuser with bruises on her legs and neck. It might not sound like a big deal, but its not normal for a punter to have his own news conference at the annual event. 13 on list of NFL's top-100 players (video), Former All-Pro, Buffalo native Brett Kern released by Titans, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Buffalo Bills released rookie punter Matt Araiza, the team announced Saturday, two days after Araiza and two of his former teammates on San Diego State University's football team . Develop Home; NFL. The kicker and punter trained at San Diego State University arrives at Galgos for the 2023 season.. Matt Araizas time with Tijuana lasted shorter than a spring break trip. No. Araiza, who was released by the Bills on Saturday, was accused of being involved in the gang rape of a 17-year-old, with details coming to light after a lawsuit was filed in San Diego County. According to USA Todays Nick Wojton, however, the Bills will likely find another new punter this offseason. The District Attorney's team also worked with the SDPD to further investigate the matter and interviewed additional witnesses before the decision was made not to press charges, according to the District Attorney's office. SPORTS NEWSLETTER: Get the latest news and stories from around the sports world delivered to your inbox. They ignored us, [when] I warned them [what] would happen could be avoided if they just kept their heads in the sand. But their decision to withhold him from Friday's game put his status with the team in doubt. In beating out veteran Matt Haack, who wasreleased this week (last season, Haack ranked 25th in the NFL in average yards per punt at 42.9),Araiza created one of the special-teams highlights in all of the league's preseason action when he uncorked an 82-yard punt. We had a great conversation and went over a couple plays, Rhyan said. Martin, 32, was signed to a one-year deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. 04/05/22. The Chargers might have an opening on the inside with slot cornerback Chris Harris Jr. scheduled to become a free agent. If its fourth and long and youre backed up on your own territory, you have to punt the ball. Tracking where Matt Araiza could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. Follow full coverage of Matt Araiza during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. Sign up for the Bills Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. I think when we spoke again this morning that he agreed that that was probably the best thing. Mocks. By . R7. Sean McDermott: Bills have learned new details on Matt Araiza since lawsuit Schedule Teams AFC East Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars. Had that happened in an actual NFL game, it would have been talked about for years as maybe the greatest punt of all time. Starting on Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, 324 draft prospec The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The San Diego State punter became a college football legend in the 2021 season, booming punts all over the Mountain West conference and setting NCAA records with kick after jaw-dropping kick. The injury could lead to Williams being available in the second round, and if that were to happen, the Chargers would be wise to target him. However, this has not been confirmed by any reports as of now., While several people didnt care for any update on Araizas football career, Unemployed punter without a single NFL snap remains unemployed. The lawsuit we filed is not in the criminal justice system.''. The accuser in the case involving Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza shared a saddening story of the night she claimed was raped by the punter and others. "The victim is represented, and the focus is on the harm defendants caused her. https://billswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/30/nfl-teams-knew-matt-araiza-allegations-buffalo-bills-release/, Bills' Mitch Morse on Matt Araiza lawsuit: 'Shock at first', Bills' Josh Allen named No. Buffalo loves a lefty punter. The team admits learning about the allegation in July. Why didn't SDSU do more amid rape allegations against Matt Araiza, others? The outlet interviewed her anonymously and did not show her face. He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs, setting the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season record for average punt yardage as a junior. With a practice punt that immediately went viral, Araiza did what was almost routine during the 2021 season, hitting the ball with his magic right foot at the 23-yard line and sending it 75 yards in the air, where it nestled just inches from the opposite goal line for an unofficial 77-yard boot. The other one? Pour en savoir plus sur notre utilisation de vos informations, veuillez consulter notre Politique relative la vie prive et notre Politique en matire de cookies. Skip to content. "Ultimately, prosecutors determined it is clear the evidence does not support the filing of criminal charges and there is no path to a potential criminal conviction. 3 - Historic pick Araiza is the. How good Araiza was to the Aztecs. Getty Matt Araiza #19 of the Buffalo Bills smiles during mini camp on June 15, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. The next day she alerted the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) and underwenta rape exam at a children's hospital. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Araiza, a.k.a. We get things like this from guys, you know how important the character and the culture is to Sean (McDermott) and me. SDSU's investigation will continue, saidLa Monica Everett-Haynes,the school'sAssociate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. NFL Draft Hub. The Cal State Northridge graduate also spent two seasons as a breaking news editor for NFL.com. Its not a situation that I or we take lightly whatsoever, and its very serious, Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott said. Matt Araiza, punter, San Diego State . He's averaging over 51 yards on 73 punts this season, has an 86-yard punt to his credit, and more than half his punts have covered 50 yards or longer. Its unclear as of now why his deal with the Galgos suddenly fell through, especially considering that Tijuana, which borders California and is only about a 30-minute drive south of San Diego State, wouldve placed Araiza right next to where he played collegiality for three seasons. Former San Diego State punter Matt Araiza provided NFL scouts with another glimpse of what he can during SDSU's pro day. Allen has revealed that he wants the Bills offense to perform at such a high level that Araizas Punt God nickname will no longer be appropriate. The Buffalo Bills have claimed they did not know about allegations recently made in a lawsuit against former punter Matt Araiza prior to the 2022 NFL draft. Araiza at Buffalo Bills Training Camp. Here's everything you need to know about the NFL for Aug. 30 Matt Araiza 2022 NFL Draft Profile. . #Bills release latest renderings of new stadium: Big update relating to the #Bills coaching staff: Khalil Shakir working out with former #Bills WR Eric Moulds: Please check your email for a confirmation. 80 yards for Matt Araiza. The 21-year-old is a special teams star who won the 2021 Ray Guy Award, given to the best punter in college football. However, as news started to circulate on Monday that Araiza was joining the Mexican league, ESPNs Adam Schefter reported that Araiza was not signing with Tijuana. NFL MOCK DRAFT. 17 for the first round of the draft. The Miami Dolphins, currently, have eight draft . In a statement released Wednesday, the San Diego District Attorney's office said it received the investigation from the SDPD (SDPD) Aug. 5 with no recommendation to file criminal charges. "I am grateful that the District Attorney and the San Diego Police Department have discovered all the facts and found no criminal wrongdoing. McDuffie, who played at St. John Bosco High School, said he spoke with Chargers defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley at the combine. The Los Angeles Chargers, just 90 miles north of San Diego, have expressed interest. In our heart of hearts, I can lay my head down at night knowing that Ive tried to do whats right., The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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Already this summer, the Punt God'' has demonstrated his value - and the justification in his nickname. Thats the goal is find the truth and do the right thing.. Araiza, a.k.a. On Sunday, Araiza brought his special brand of punting proficiency to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. By Liam Jenkins. Araiza was drafted 124 picks later. According to the Associated Press, of five anonymous teams that were tapped for info, two were aware of the Araiza situation: A person familiar with the case told the APs @john_wawrow the Bills were not aware of the allegations against Araiza in April. "I heard his mom crying in the background, and shes very happy.. What the Ray Guy Award winner did for the Aztecs also wasnt normal and thats why he was speaking around the same time as Ahmad Sauce Gardner, a potential top-five pick in the upcoming NFL draft and arguably the best cornerback prospect. Araiza briefly spoke with employees of the Chargers because they didnt use one of their 40 formal interviews allowed at the combine on the punter. I am sure he is very upset and disappointed that his career with the Bills ended not because he played poorly but because of false allegations leveled against him by a young lady and her attorney, Araizas lawyer, Kerry Armstrong, told the AP. Business; Politics; Military; Elections; Law; Immigration; Technology. "It was a moonshot . It might not be good enough to capture the greatness that is Matt Araiza. Araiza won the Ray Guy Award as the best punter in college football in 2021, and was given the nickname, Punt God., The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Punt God former NFL player not charged in alleged gang rape, Bills sign new punter after releasing Matt Araiza, Matt Araizas accuser reveals gruesome details after gang-rape allegation, San Diego State coach, AD leave press conference over Matt Araiza gang-rape questions, will apparently get an opportunity in the NFL., they learned about the allegations against Araiza in July. Im comfortable at left tackle, but I can and I want to be able to help the team in the most ways., OTHERS TO TARGET: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State; David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan; Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan; Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia; Drake Jackson, Edge, USC. Araiza's primary flaw in his game is that his kicks could be a little too powerful, thus resulting in wild punts lacking the precise control needed at the. In anAugust interview with CBS News, Araizas unnamed accuser said the alleged incident occurred on Oct. 17, 2021 at a Halloween party at a home where Araiza had been living at the time. "The DAs decision has no bearing on the universitys independent investigation,'' she told USA TODAY Sports by emailand added, "SDSUs responsibility is to identify and address any university policy violations.". Schefter tweeted on Monday, February 20, Araiza, who was reported to have signed with Galgos de Tijuana of the Liga de Ftbol Americano Profesional in Mexico, never signed with the team and remains a free agent, hoping for an opportunity in the NFL, per his agent Joe Linta., San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Kirk Kenney was the first to break the news on Twitter on February 16. It wasn't just the distance that the San Diego State junior enjoyed, but what it did to the punt returner. In a . INDIANAPOLIS Matt Araizas viral 80-yard kicks and a historic season at San Diego State got him a podium at the NFL Scouting Combine. Extend + restructure Matt Milano: An absolute mainstay and stud in the defense, . More info pic.twitter.com/TNvSnmHOpk, Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) August 26, 2022. "Given the understandable public interest in this case, the DAs Office has a responsibility to inform the public about the process followed during the review and the conclusion reached under the law, while preserving the dignity of all individuals involved.". This is what enablers do.. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. You want to give everyone as much due process as you can. Clutch Points. The Chargers have a need at tight end with Jared Cooks expected departure in free agency. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Here's everything you need to know about the 21-year-old "Punt God" ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. GettyMatt Araiza #19 of the Buffalo Bills punts during Bills training camp at Saint John Fisher University on July 24, 2022 in Pittsford, New York. And who could blame him? "Its a different ball game here,'' Gilleonsaid. Former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza will not face charges stemming from an alleged sexual assault that took place last year. The Buffalo Bills finally sent punter Matt Araiza into the night without a job to face legal ramifications stemming from the alleged gang rape of a minor during his final year at San Diego State . Since 2001, made Public in 2003, Draft Scout has been the Gold Standard Industry Leading Database Build for Compiling & Charting College Football Prospects from Prep to Pro. During the its investigation into the alleged sexual assault, the SDPD opened a separate investigation into alleged possession of unlawful pornography byEwaliko, 19, according to the District Attorney's office. Welcome Matt Araiza! the team wrote in a tweet, including a flyer of his resume. Register and the Southern California News Group. DATABASE. But the Alabama product wasnt able to show off his blazing speed in the 40-yard dash because of the torn ACL he sustained in the national championship game. A special teams star who won the 2021 Ray Guy Award, given to the NFL for Aug. Matt. Defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley at the NFL for Aug. 30 Matt Araiza underwenta rape exam at a 's... 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