The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs have signed punter Matt Arraiza, who was removed from a civil suit for his role in the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in December.
Araiza, 23, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in April 2022 but has never played in an NFL game.
The Bills released Araiza in the summer of 2022, shortly after he was named on rape charges.
Prosecutors said they would not file criminal charges in December 2022.
“I am excited to continue my NFL career,” Araiza said in a statement.
“I would like to thank my family for supporting me and my many friends for their unwavering support. I am proud and honored to sign with the Chiefs.”
“I’m excited to start the next phase of my career with these Super Bowl champions.”
Araiza has always denied the allegations and issued a statement when the first civil suit was filed, saying he “looks forward to quickly setting the record straight.”
The legal representative of the alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe in the civil suit, withdrew Mr. Araiza from the lawsuit filed in August 2022, and Araiza withdrew the lawsuit against Doe filed in July 2023. Agreed to dismiss the defamation lawsuit.
During his time at San Diego State, Araiza earned the nickname “The Punting God” for his high, long kicks and set an NCAA record with a punting average of 51.19 yards.
