Former buffalo bills Punter Matt Araiza, who was released from the team in August after being accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl while playing soccer at SDSU, has not signed with a professional soccer team in Mexico despite an announcement from the team last week. his agent confirmed Monday.
Araiza, who does not face criminal charges in the case, continues to seek an opportunity to return to the nfl and has not signed with an LFA team, his agent Joe Linta told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
Buffalo Bills placekicker Tyler Bass, b. 2, kicks the game-winning field goal as punter Matt Araiza, no. 19, throws the ball as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Alexander Myres, no. No. 41 tries to defend in the second half of an NFL preseason football game on Saturday. , August 13, 2022, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Galgos de Tijuana, the team Araiza had been linked to, tweeted Thursday that the former sixth-round pick would play for the team in the 2023 LFA season.
FORMER PUNTER OF BILLS MATT ARAIZA WILL NOT FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES IN THE CASE OF ALLEGED GANG RAPE
Head coach Ricardo Licona also confirmed to FOX5 last week that Araiza had signed with the team and was practicing. in Mexico.
However, according to his agent’s statement Monday, Araiza remains a free agent.
a lawsuit filed in San Diego Superior Court over the summer accused the 2022 sixth-round draft pick and two of his former Aztecs teammates with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a Halloween party on Oct. 17, 2021 .
Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza walks on the sideline during the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Orchard Park, New York on August 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
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According to the lawsuit, Araiza was accused of having sex with the teenager outside a home and then taking her to a room where she was allegedly raped by him, Zavier Leonard and Nowlin Ewaliko.
However, prosecutors announced in December that neither Araiza nor his colleagues would face criminal charges.
“Ultimately, prosecutors determined that it is clear that the evidence does not support the filing of criminal charges and that there is no pathway to a potential criminal conviction. Prosecutors can only bring charges when they ethically believe they can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,» the news read. read release.
Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza greets fans after an NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Orchard Park, New York on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
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Araiza and his lawyers have previously denied the accusations.
According to FOX5, Araiza is still facing a civil case and a trial date is set for October 20, 2023.