Report: Bills can cut P Matt Araiza, but no discipline will come from NFL

On Thursday, a civil lawsuit emerged alleging that Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza and two San Diego State football players gang-raped a 17-year-old girl in 2021. 

The horrific incident allegedly occurred last season at an off-campus party, with names and details only now coming to light. 

While Araiza has yet to be charged with a crime, discipline is likely coming his way. However, the NFL's hands are tied because the alleged incident occurred before the Bills drafted Araiza. 

"The Personal Conduct Policy does not encompass alleged misconduct occurring before a player is drafted," Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote. "At most, the incident would be used against him for enhanced or expired discipline, if he violates the policy once he's in the NFL." 

So, any discipline handed down to Araiza will come from the Bills, who could cut the sixth-round pick. 

The then-high school senior reported the incident to San Diego Police, and an investigation was opened. Although, as of now, no arrests have been made. The district attorney's office has received case findings from detectives and now must decide whether or not to press charges.

The Bills seem to be taking the wait-and-see approach for now. 

"We were recently made aware of a civil complaint involving Matt from October 2021," said a statement from the Bills. "Due to the serious nature of the complaint, we conducted a thorough examination of this matter. As this is an ongoing civil legal case, we will have no other comment at this point."