The civil lawsuit that led to Matt Araiza’s abrupt departure from professional football has now been resolved.
According to Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports, the lawsuit accusing Araiza, a former punter for the Buffalo Bills, of rape will be dismissed. As part of the resolution, Araiza will drop his defamation claim against his accuser.
Although Araiza retains the option to pursue defamation claims against the accuser’s lawyer, he had previously stated his intention to do so.
With the dismissal of the lawsuit, any potential disciplinary action from the NFL against Araiza is now off the table. However, whether this development paves the way for his return to the league remains uncertain.
Civil rape lawsuit against Matt Araiza has been dropped; will that get him back into the NFL? https://t.co/iLBPz6cffC
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 12, 2023
Many argue that it should. Legally, Araiza has been vindicated of any wrongdoing. Consequently, they believe that no employer, including NFL teams, should bar him from employment based on these past accusations.
Araiza’s attorney expressed mixed feelings about the resolution, labeling it “bittersweet.” He noted the toll the accusations took on Araiza’s career and personal life over the past sixteen months. Despite this, Araiza now has the opportunity for a fresh start.
Following his selection in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and subsequent release by the Bills, Araiza disappeared from the league’s radar. Only the New York Jets reportedly gave him a workout after news of the lawsuit surfaced. However, it remains to be seen whether other teams, especially playoff contenders, will consider bringing him in for a tryout or offering him a roster spot before the end of the season
