Bills punter Araiza doesn’t play in Friday’s preseason game; Sean McDermott talks situation
Matt Araiza, Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WHEC) – Bills punter Matt Araiza, who is the subject of rape allegations, will not play in Friday’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported.
This decision comes just one day after news broke about a civil lawsuit against Araiza. The lawsuit alleges that Araiza and two others on the San Diego State football team gang-raped a 17-year-old girl at an off-campus party last October.
Araiza delivered a statement on Friday night.
Shortly after the game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott took to the podium.
“It’s emotional. It’s not easy to to hear about some of the things that I’ve heard about over the last several hours say and you know, and slept a lot, to be honest with you, because this is this is a game. But there’s other things that are more important in this,” said McDermott.
McDermott also said his goal is to find the truth of the alleged situation.
“People are hurting. Fans are hurting. I understand that and again, we want to find the truth and figure this thing out the right way and do the right thing. That’s what I know to do and that’s what we’re gonna work on,” said McDermott.
Matt Barkley took over punting duties during the game.