Chiefs sign Matt Araiza after punter dropped from lawsuit

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The bosses signed bettor Matt Araizawho was dismissed in December of a lawsuit alleging the rape of a 17-year-old girl in 2021.

“We are grateful to Brett Veach, Coach Reid and the @Chiefs organization for giving Matt this opportunity,” the agent said. Joe Linta wrote in X.

Thomas Townsend, the Chiefs’ punter in each of the last four seasons, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Townsend was a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection in 2022.

The girl, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, removed Araiza from the lawsuit filed in August 2022, and Araiza agreed to dismiss a defamation lawsuit against Doe filed in July 2023.

“I feel proud and honored to sign a contract with the @Chiefs,” Araiza said in a statement released through his agent. “I am excited to be able to continue my career in the NFL. I want to thank my family, who have been my support, and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Champions League.” Super Bowl!”

Araiza, 23, played college ball at San Diego State. He was recruited by buffalo bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft, but has never played in an NFL game. The Bills released Araiza in the summer of 2022, shortly after he was named in the rape lawsuit.

The San Diego District Attorney’s Office announced in December 2022 that no criminal charges would be filed in the case.

He New York Jets He had brought Araiza to train last May.