Free-agent punter Matt Araiza, previously accused of rape but cleared of criminal charges, has announced his intention to sue the accuser's lawyer for defamation. In an interview on HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," Araiza stated he would not settle the pending civil lawsuit and plans to pursue legal action against attorney Dan Gilleon.
Araiza confirmed he has already retained legal counsel and drafted the necessary documents for the defamation suit. His mother, Kerry Araiza, also spoke about the potential lawsuit, highlighting the devastating impact the allegations have had on her son's career and reputation, leaving him unemployed and unemployable in the NFL.
Despite Araiza being cleared of criminal charges, Gilleon maintains the civil lawsuit, arguing that even if Araiza wasn't present during the alleged assault, he contributed to the harm suffered by the accuser. Gilleon emphasized the trauma experienced by his client, describing the incident as a gang rape, even if it didn't involve all parties simultaneously.
The allegations against Araiza surfaced in the summer of 2022, accusing him of participating in the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl while he was a student at San Diego State. The lawsuit claimed Araiza assaulted the girl, causing her to drift in and out of consciousness. After a thorough investigation, prosecutors declined to file charges in December 2022. Key evidence revealed Araiza had left the party an hour before the alleged incident occurred. Video evidence also failed to substantiate the claims of non-consensual sexual activity.
Araiza, who was released by the Buffalo Bills following the allegations, maintains that all sexual contact with the accuser was consensual. He expressed shock and disbelief at the speed with which the allegations spread and the public's immediate condemnation without waiting for the legal process to unfold.
Araiza recently had his first NFL workout since being cleared, signaling his intent to return to professional football.
