Former San Diego State football player Matt Araiza has recently signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, marking his return to the National Football League after being released by the Buffalo Bills nearly two years ago amidst allegations of a gang rape at an off-campus house party in October 2021.
Araiza’s accuser, known as Jane Doe, has since dismissed Araiza from her ongoing lawsuit and Araiza has dropped his counter defamation suit as part of a settlement agreement announced by his legal team in December of last year. Araiza denied the allegations but admitted to consensual interactions with Doe, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident.
Expressing his pride and honor in signing with the Chiefs, Araiza thanked his family and friends for their support during a challenging time. His agency, JL Sports, also commended him for handling himself with grace over the past 18 months.
Araiza, an all-conference, Ray Guy Award-winning punter at SDSU, was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His move to the Chiefs has raised speculation that All-Pro punter Tommy Townsend may not re-sign with the team.
While the lawsuit against Araiza’s former SDSU football teammates named in the complaint remains ongoing with no trial date set, Araiza is focusing on his future with the Chiefs and the opportunity to continue his NFL career. The signing has brought excitement to Chiefs fans as they anticipate Araiza’s contribution to the team in the upcoming season.
