Matt Araiza, the prolific punter who was released by the Buffalo Bills last year after accusations he participated in a gang rape in college, is getting a second chance at the NFL.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the New York Jets are working out the 23-year-old kicker.
The Bills drafted Araiza in the sixth round in 2022 but waived him before the season after allegations that he had participated in a gang rape while at San Diego State spread.
Last week, San Diego State reported an internal investigation found “no wrongdoing” by Araiza in the alleged assault at an off-campus party in 2021. Last December, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said no charges would be filed against Araiza or any of his teammates accused in the case.
However, a civil case is still pending against Araiza.
The Jets seem willing to give Araiza a second chance at the NFL. The former Ray Guy Award winner as the top collegiate punter, Araiza set an NCAA FBS record by averaging 51.2 yards per punt in 2021. His booming kicks earned him the nickname, “Punt God.”
Here is Araiza booming an 82-yard punt in the 2022 preseason.
[NFL.com]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.