Former San Diego State punter Matt Araiza has signed with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, his representatives announced Thursday.
In a statement posted on social media, sports agency JL Sports wrote, “We are proud to announce that our client Matt Araiza has signed with the Chiefs … Matt has been to hell and back in the last 18 months. He has handled himself with grace and humility that is truly inspiring. Matt can now move forward knowing that this ordeal is behind him.”
Araiza, who had been embroiled in allegations that he and other ex-Aztecs had taken part in a gang rape at an off-campus house party, was recently dismissed from a lawsuit filed by the alleged victim against him and the other former players.
Prosecutors also declined to file criminal charges against any of the men. Araiza has said that he left the party before the alleged attacks.
Araiza’s dismissal from the civil case was accompanied by his own dismissal of a defamation lawsuit against his accuser.
The civil case remains ongoing against the other former Aztecs.
The signing comes nearly two years after Araiza was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, who cut Araiza during the 2022 preseason after the allegations surfaced.
In his own statement, Araiza said, “I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career. I want to thank my family, who have been my rock, and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support.”
– City News Service
