The Kansas City Chiefs sign “Punt God” to leave the NFL when the allegations of rape are withdrawn.
The Bills terminated Araiza before he could even begin his rookie campaign due to rape allegations stemming from a purported event in 2021. Upon entering the league as a prized prospect, he gained the moniker “Punt God” for his outstanding collegiate career.
The 23-year-old argued his innocence for over a full year. Prosecutors eventually found he was not present when the alleged incident occurred, and they cleared him.
Araiza sent a message from his agency along with the good news that he had signed with the Chiefs: “I am honored and proud to sign a contract with the Chiefs.” Being able to continue playing in the NFL excites me. I want to express my gratitude to my numerous friends who have never wavered in their support, as well as my family, who have been my rock.”
Back in December, Araiza’s name was taken out of the lawsuit by the woman who said she was sexually assaulted by football players at San Diego State University in 2021. Araiza wanted to withdraw his own complaint, which he had filed on the grounds that she had been defamed, and she had agreed to have him removed from the case, according to his lawyers.
In the same month, Araiza declared that the encounter “changed him” and emphasized his desire for another opportunity to compete in the NFL. He said at a press conference: “My reputation and name will always be associated with me; they won’t go away.
Even though I’ve been shown to be innocent, my family had nothing to do with this; therefore, it was difficult to watch the suffering they went through.
“I had just defeated an NFL veteran and was a starter when I got cut. My contract was for four years, and I will not be getting it back. My main objective at the moment is to work my way back to where I was, as no one in the NFL is going to say, “Here’s the job that you once had.” When the time comes, I’m sure I can get back to my NFL career. In my opinion, it’s more a matter of when than if.”
Araiza has landed with the defending Super Bowl champions, who will attempt a record-tying third straight victory the following season. Tommy Townsend, the punter for the Chiefs right now, is a free agent this summer.