SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — An internal investigation into Matt Araiza by San Diego State University had no findings against the former Aztec.
A statement by the university sent to ABC 10News Thursday simply reads: “There are no findings against Matt Araiza.”
Araiza was an Aztec punter before joining the Buffalo Bills. In 2021, a 17-year-old Grossmont High School student accused him of gang rape.
Araiza told ABC 10News he had a brief encounter with the accuser that night, but the District Attorney’s investigation found that Araiza wasn’t even at the house at the time she said she was gang raped.
The DA’s office said it found no evidence of rape, or that Araiza knew the accuser was underage or intoxicated.
The accuser’s civil lawsuit against Araiza and two former SDSU football players is continuing forward, with a trial expected to begin in October.
The university responded with more details Thursday night.
It is accurate that Matt Araiza was not a named respondent in the university’s investigation; however, in terms of other individuals named as respondents, and who have been part of active investigations under the student code of conduct this past year, the university cannot share specific information about related investigative proceedings or decisions. It is inaccurate to say that the university has dropped “charges” against any individuals alleged to have been involved. While we are able to comment about Araiza given that he has provided permission to the university to do so, the university cannot comment nor disclose information about the resolution of other respondents' cases due to privacy restrictions. The university can affirm, however, that they are no longer currently enrolled, or active students, per our original statement.
10News Anchor Kimberly Hunt sat down with Araiza Tuesday. The full interview can be viewed below:
RELATED COVERAGE
- Report: Prosecutors say ex-SDSU star Matt Araiza was not at party at time of alleged rape
- Search warrants unsealed in rape case involving former SDSU football players
- Woman accusing SDSU football players of rape speaks out
- Bills fans react to team's decision to release punter Matt Araiza
- San Diego State University officials address rape lawsuit accusations
