Sean McDermott Points to ‘New Information’ When Explaining Decision to Keep Matt Araiza Out of Preseason Game Amid Rape Allegations

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott made the decision to keep punter Matt Araiza out of Friday’s preseason game following the troubling allegations centered around the rookie.

The decision came after a gang rape allegation centered around Araiza during his time at San Diego State University.

When talking about Araiza following the 21-0 loss to the Panthers on Friday night, McDermott admitted that “new information” came forward in the past 24 hours.

“I would say there’s been some [new information in the last 24 hours], and I’m not going to deny that, and that’s why I have more work to do on this,” McDermott told reporters via NY Post. “I’m more trying to be solution-oriented right now. And that’s where I’m headed. And that’s where we need to be headed.”

The head coach would go on to say that the main goal for the bills is to get to the bottom of the truth.

“It’s a matter of trying to find the truth at the end of the day,” McDermott said. “That’s the goal: Find the truth and do the right thing.”

When the gang rape accusations arose, Matt Araiza immediately defended himself.

“The facts of the incident are not what they are portrayed in the lawsuit or in the press,” Araiza said in the statement to various media outlets. “I look forward to quickly setting the record straight.”

Matt Araiza’s lawyer, Keery Armstrong, called that accusations a “shake down”, going on to say that the accuser is well-aware that his client is now a member of the Buffalo Bills.

As this remains a fluid situation, we’ll continue to track for any more updates.

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