ORCHARD PARK, New York –
A major public backlash coupled with the graphic details of a lawsuit alleging Matt Araiza’s involvement in a teenage gang rape last fall left Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane with no choice but to release the team’s rookie punter on Saturday .
The decision to sever ties with the 22-year-old marks a major turning point for the Bills two days after they endorsed the player, based on the findings of what the team called a “detailed review” of the lawsuit referred to allegations filed.
And it comes less than a week after the Bills – although aware he was the target of a police investigation – cleared the way for Araiza to take over punting duties by offering the returning veteran on Monday Cut off Matt Haack.
“The last 48 hours have been very difficult for many people. It was hard. And we sympathize with this whole situation, all parties involved, this young woman, what she’s been through,” Beane said during a 26-minute news conference while seated next to coach Sean McDermott.
“But at this point we just think the best move for everyone is to walk away from Matt and let him take care of this situation and focus on that. So we part ways there,” added Beane.
Beane said the Bills were unaware of the allegations against Araiza when they selected him in the sixth round of the draft in April. And had they known, he said, they would have taken him out of their sights.
Araiza’s release is beginning to ease a crisis that has rocked the two-time AFC East champion. McDermott was visibly upset while discussing the situation after a 21-0 preseason loss at Carolina on Friday night.
“I’m hurt,” McDermott said. “It’s not easy hearing about some of the things I’ve heard over the past few hours. I didn’t sleep much to be honest.”
The Bills began distancing themselves from Araiza as early as Friday when he was stopped from playing. Instead, he watched the game from an undisclosed location in the stadium rather than from the sidelines with his teammates.
On Saturday, Araiza was absent from training, although the Bills said he was on his list, while at the same time his No. 19 jersey was no longer available for sale on the Bills’ online store after it was listed earlier in the day.
Araiza’s only comment since the lawsuit was filed came in a statement released by his agent during Friday’s game.
“The facts of the incident are not what they are presented in the lawsuit or in the press. I’m looking forward to breaking the record quickly,” said Araiza.
In a text to The Associated Press, Araiza’s attorney, Kerry Armstrong, defended his client by writing, “I’m sure he is very upset and disappointed that his career with the Bills ended not because of his bad play, but because of false allegations that.” were brought against him by a young lady and her lawyer. I hope he’s back in the NFL soon.”
The victim’s attorney, Dan Gilleon, issued his own statement, saying the Bills ignored concerns he raised about Araiza when he contacted the team in late July.
“The Buffalo Bills had no choice but to cut their young punter after so botching their response to our claim,” Gilleon said. “They ignored us (when) I warned them that this could happen if they just stuck their heads in the sand. That’s what enablers do.”
Beane said the team did what they could to get as many details as possible while noting that many of the allegations were unavailable because the results of the San Diego police investigation were not released. He said the team decided not to “judgment” based on the information they had, while noting that Araiza never changed his version of what happened.
“They want to offer everyone as much process as possible. Again, we’re not a judge or jury,” Beane said.
The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, accused Araiza and two San Diego State teammates of raping a then 17-year-old girl at a Halloween party at a house off campus where Araiza had lived.
The results of the police investigation are in the hands of the prosecutor’s office, although there is no timetable for when a decision will be made on whether or not to bring charges.
Executives from two different teams told The Associated Press they became aware of Araiza’s involvement in an incident during the drafting process, but neither person knew the extent of the allegations. Executives from three other teams said they were unaware of the allegations against Araiza prior to the draft and only found out about the incident on Thursday. All individuals spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Beane said it was unclear who — Araiza or the victim’s attorney, Gilleon — first notified the team of the allegations. Regarding the decision not to contact Gilleon for more information, Beane said the team’s attorney, Kathryn D’Angelo, “had heard what he had to say and then we began our process.”
Beane said Araiza’s version of what happened never changed.
“We’re not perfect. But I can tell you, we were just trying to do the right thing,” Beane said. “In our heart of hearts, I can lay my head down at night and know that I was trying to do the right thing.”
The Bills also notified the NFL of the incident as soon as it was brought to their attention, a person familiar with the situation told The AP. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, was unsure of the timetable.
The NFL declined to comment other than saying it was aware of the matter.
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Associated Press writer Julie Watson and AP Pro Football writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.