The attorney for the woman who accused former Buffalo Bills player Matt Araiza and two other college football players of raping her at a party last year criticized the team after the player was released from prison. The Bills released Araiza two days after the lawsuit was revealed. According to the Los Angeles Times, a lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court accuses Araiza of having sex with the minor outside a home and later bringing her to an off-campus party where she repeatedly raped her. The alleged victim, who was in high school at the time, said she was conscious and unconscious but can recall the times the men repeatedly assaulted her. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Buffalo Bills’ Matt Araiza greets fans after a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts in Orchard Park, New York, August 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File) Dan Gilleon, who represents the alleged victim, issued a statement after Araiza’s release saying the Bills ignored the concerns he expressed about the player when he contacted the team in late July. “The Buffalo Bills had no choice but to cut their young player after failing so badly in their response to our allegation: they ignored us, as if what I warned them about could be avoided if they kept their heads in the sand. what the activators do,” Gilleon said in a statement to The Buffalo News. “My client’s life was forever scarred in October 2021, but she handled herself with grace and dignity. Not once did she express to me a desire to hurt her attackers out of revenge or hatred. She never asked for a pound of flesh. . The question was what kind of justice could save other young women from the hell she experienced.” Gilleon added that his client was not after money and also criticized Araiza’s attorney, Kerry Armstrong, for suggesting he was. The release came less than a week after the Bills cleared the way to make Araiza their starting player. The team was aware of the ongoing investigation. Buffalo general manager Billy Beane said the team was unaware of the allegations against Araiza at the time they selected him in the sixth round of the draft in May. He said if they had known, they wouldn’t have elected um. “The last 48 hours have been very difficult for a lot of people. They’ve been difficult. And we sympathize with this whole situation, all the parties involved, this young woman, what she’s been through,” Beane said at a news conference. “But right now, we just think it’s the best move for everybody to step away from Matt and let him take care of this situation and focus on that. So we’ll part ways there.” Bills coach Sean McDermott said he was “hurt.” BILLS PUNTER MATT ARAIZA NOT SUBJECT TO NFL PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY IN EFFECT ON RAPE: REPORT Buffalo Bills’ Matt Araiza takes the field during practice on August 5, 2022, in Orchard Park, New York. (Joshua Besex/Getty Images) “It’s not easy to hear about some of the things I’ve heard them say in the last few hours. I haven’t had much sleep to be honest with you.” Araiza’s only comment since the lawsuit came to light was on Friday. “The facts of the incident are not what is presented in the lawsuit or in the press. I look forward to setting the record straight,” he said. Armstrong defended his client in a statement to The Associated Press. “I’m sure he’s very upset and disappointed that his career with the Bills ended not because he played poorly, but because of false allegations against him by a young lady and her attorney. I hope he returns to the NFL soon.” Armstrong said. Beane said it was unclear who first tipped off the team about the investigation into Araiza’s alleged wrongdoing. When asked about not contacting Gilleon for more information, he said the team’s attorney, Kathryn D’Angelo, “had heard what he had to say, and that’s when we started the process.” “We’re not perfect. But I can tell you, we just tried to do what was right,” Beane said. “In our hearts, I can lay my head down at night knowing that I tried to do what was right.” Buffalo Bills’ Matt Araiza walks on the sideline during the Indianapolis Colts game in Orchard Park, New York, on August 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The police investigation is ongoing. The results of the investigation are in the hands of the prosecutor. There is no timetable for when a decision will be made on whether or not charges will be filed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Ryan Gaydos is the sports editor for Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to [email protected]
