Matt Araiza, former punter for the Buffalo Bills, has been accused of gang rape in his college days. It has since been determined that the 22-year-old will not face criminal charges. He has announced through his agency that he is hoping for an NFL comeback.

Munich/San Diego – Matt Araiza won’t have to fear criminal charges following allegations of gang rape that also led to his dismissal from the Buffalo Bills.

“Ultimately, prosecutors decided the evidence did not support charges and there was no path to a possible conviction. Prosecutors can only bring charges if they ethically believe they can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” “ESPN” quoted from the prosecutors’ statement.

Bills: civil suit against ex-punter Araiza still ongoing

According to the prosecution, sexual assault experts were consulted, evidence such as witness statements and DNA traces were subsequently analysed and two interviews were also held with the plaintiff, “ESPN” further reports.

A civil lawsuit is currently ongoing, but is still in the early stages, according to Dan Gilleon. “I’m never surprised when a prosecutor doesn’t file sexual assault charges when the victim was intoxicated. […] The only way a sexual assault victim can get justice is through the civil justice system, and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” the plaintiff’s lawyer is quoted as saying.

Araiza’s defence lawyer, meanwhile, has already announced his intention to fight it: “Should the plaintiff proceed with her civil case despite the prosecutor’s conclusion that there is ‘no path to a possible conviction’, we will vigorously defend our client. ”

Through his agency “JL Sports”, Araiza already let it be known that he still had hope for an NFL comeback and was satisfied with the current course of developments. “I am happy that the District Attorney’s Office and the San Diego Police Department have uncovered all the facts and have not found any criminal wrongdoing. I look forward to continuing my NFL career,” the tweet read.

Statement from Matt Araiza:
I am grateful that the District Attorney and the San Diego Police Department have discovered all the facts and found no criminal wrongdoing. I am excited to continue my NFL career.

— JL Sports (@JLSports3) December 8, 2022