Bills Punter Matt Araiza, Two Former S.D State Players Accused Of Allegedly Gang-Raping A 17-Year Old Girl
Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza has been accused along with two former San Diego State football players of allegedly gang-raping a 17-year-old girl at an off-campus party in 2021. The other two former S.D State players are Nowlin Ewaliko and Zavier Leonard. Araiza’s attorney Kerry Armstrong denied the allegations against his client, claiming that witnesses his investigator spoke to contradict the complaint and that the lawsuit is nothing more than a shakedown.
“It’s a shakedown because he’s now with the Buffalo Bills. There is no doubt in my mind that Matt Araiza ever raped that girl,” Armstrong said. The Bills issued a statement regarding the lawsuit against Araiza.
“We were recently made aware of a civil complaint involving Matt from October 2021. Due to the serious nature of the complaint, we conducted a thorough examination of this matter. As this is an ongoing civil case, we will have no other comment at this point.”
Ewaliko is represented by Attorney Marc Xavier Carlos, while Leonard’s representative is Attorney Jamahl Kersey. Both lawyers have reportedly stated they are still investigating the allegations, and could not offer any statements. Leonard is entering his second year with San Diego State as an offensive lineman. Leonard only appeared in one game in 2021, when he logged only 10 snaps in the Mountain West Championship against Utah State.
Ewaliko originally committed to San Diego State in December of 2020. Ewaliko signed on as a strong-side defensive end at 6’4, 230 pounds.
Matt Araiza, whose nickname in college was “Punt God”, is a 2022 sixth-round draft pick out of San Diego State. Araiza reportedly set multiple NCAA records in his junior year, which included setting the record for most punts over 50-yards. Araiza also won the Ray Guy Award, and was recognized as the best collegiate punter in the country.
The 22-year-old made his NFL debut against the Indianapolis Colts, where his lone punt of the game went for 82-yards. Araiza ultimately won the starting job over veteran punter Matt Haack, who was released on Monday along with wide receiver Tavon Austin. Haack officially signed with the Colts on Thursday after they had waived kicker Jake Verity.
Los Angeles Times has more HERE.
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