Star punter falsely accused of rape finally signed to NFL contract by Kansas City Chiefs

Free-agent punter Matt Araiza who was falsely accused of sexual assault has signed on to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The NFL announced Arazia's signing on Thursday, writing in a press release, "The Kansas City Chiefs signed free-agent punter Matt Araiza on Thursday, the team announced."

"Araiza was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he was released before the start of the '22 regular season after he was accused in a civil lawsuit of participating in the gang rape of a minor during an off-campus party at San Diego State University in 2021," the release added. " Last year, Araiza was dropped from a lawsuit filed by the alleged victim."

Araiza said of the signing that he was proud to be able to join with the Chiefs. "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."

The Missouri-based NFL team just won its second consecutive Super Bowl earlier in February.

When Araiza was accused in the case, he denied all allegations. He will not face any criminal charges. Since joining the league, he has gotten the nickname, the "punt god."

Right before the 2022 season, he was accused of the gang-rape of a 17-year-old at a college party at San Diego State. He was released by the team that picked him up in the draft, the Buffalo Bills, at the time.

After more than a year of fighting to clear his name, the accuser dropped the lawsuit against him.

JL Sports, which represents Araiza, stated online, “Matt has been to hell and back in the last 18 months. He has handled himself with grace. And humility that is truly inspiring."