Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

SDSU coach, AD walk out of press conference following questions about sexual assault

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 8/29/22

San Diego State University football coach Brian Hoke and athletic director JD Wicker abruptly walked out of their press conference on Monday after being asked questions about a gang-rape lawsuit involving three players.

According to media in the room at the time, Hoke and Wicker said they would only discuss football at Monday's presser, then left when they were asked about the rape allegations.

#SDSU AD JD Wicker and football coach Brady Hoke just got up and walked out of a news conference because they wanted to discuss Saturday's football game, not the many questions swirling around the Matt Araiza gang-rape lawsuit.
— Bernie Wilson (@berniewilson) August 29, 2022

Here’s video of @GoAztecs JD Wicker & Brady Hoke walking out of press conference on sexual assault allegations after multiple questions about assault. They said they would only talk football after initial statements. @nbcsandiego pic.twitter.com/tSWdARjnX4
— Todd Strain (@TODDSTRAINNBCSD) August 29, 2022

Wicker then returned to answer the media's questions and insisted the school isn't trying to brush off the serious allegations.

SDSU Athletic Director JD Wicker just walked back in to press conference room & is answering questions. Wow. @GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/HRtlescOBk
— Todd Strain (@TODDSTRAINNBCSD) August 29, 2022

After returning #SDSU Wicker answered questions on sexual assault allegations/investigation. Says it’s “absolutely not true” university tried to sweep incident away without anyone noticing.
— Todd Strain (@TODDSTRAINNBCSD) August 29, 2022

A civil lawsuit was filed last week alleging that former punter Matt Araiza and two of his teammates gang-raped a minor. Araiza, a sixth-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, was released by the Buffalo Bills over the weekend following news of the lawsuit.

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