“Signing pedophile r**ists!” – Chiefs signing Matt Araiza draws unnecessary criticism from ‘salty’ Bills fans on social media

Araiza is set to become the new punter for the Chiefs.

“Signing pedophile r**ists!” – Chiefs signing Matt Araiza draws unnecessary criticism from ‘salty’ Bills fans on social media

Former San Diego State and Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza signs with the Kansas City Chiefs (Image via IMAGO)

On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Kansas City Chiefs were signing punter Matt Araiza. The former San Diego State player became an NFL player after the Buffalo Bills drafted him in the 2022 draft.

Araiza could be the answer to the Chiefs’ outgoing punter, Tommy Townsend. The Florida Gators alumnus is set to enter free agency after winning two Super Bowl rings, one All-Pro (2022), and one Pro Bowl (2022) nod. With Araiza now seemingly part of the roster, Townsend’s departure appears certain.

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Meanwhile, the man known at the college level as the ‘punt god’ generated a massive buzz after signing with the Bills. However, he did not make a single appearance for the team before being entangled in an alleged gang r*pe case.

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Unhappy football fans on social media frown at the Chiefs signing alleged s*x offender Matt Araiza

In 2021, while still being part of the SDU, Araiza and two of his teammates had intercourse without the consent of the accuser, who was 17 years old at the time. Jane Doe alleged that Araiza and his friends took turns violating her at an off-campus event.

"Signing pedophile r**ists!" - Chiefs signing Matt Araiza draws unnecessary criticism from 'salty' Bills fans on social media
Matt Araiza answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on March 5, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center Indianapolis (Image via IMAGO)

She later filed a lawsuit in which Araiza was named as the defendant in 2022. As the girl was a minor due to the State of California laws, the situation became even more dire and complicated. The 23-year-old’s parents claimed that it ‘was hell’ for them and received ‘death threats.’

However, the San Diego County Court dismissed the lawsuit, citing a lack of evidence to put criminal charges on Matt Araiza or his two companions. Despite the court’s judgment, football fans aren’t thrilled with the Chiefs signing an individual with a checkered past. They argue that the case was inconclusive and he wasn’t proven innocent. 

The District Attorney’s office noted that Araiza wasn’t involved in any wrongdoing with Jane Doe. He apparently left the place just after midnight, and the alleged offence did not take place. Araiza later filed a defamation lawsuit against his accuser in July 2023, which he dropped in December following a mutual out-of-court settlement.

Araiza thanked the Chiefs general manager, Brett Veach, for giving him a second chance. His agent, Joe Linta‘s agency, JL Sports, wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

We are proud to announce that our client, Matt Araiza, has signed with the Chiefs. We are grateful to Brett Veach, Coach Reid, and the Chiefs organization for giving Matt this opportunity.

This is only the initial news. They have yet to release Araiza’s contract details.

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