Matt Araiza accused of rape, served with a lawsuit.

[Nihilarian]

Don't be the Cleveland Browns...

 

The Buffalo Bills are not desperate for a punter! 

 

Distance the franchise from this media circus and eliminate any doubt about where this team stands on wrong behavior from players.

 

Besides, a bigger story is the backup QB punting the ball well. 😋 JMHO

[NickelCity]

1 minute ago, Rc2catch said:

And you think it goes away if they cut him? They can drop him right now and Mcdermott will still be hounded every chance for as long as this stays in the news cycle. It’s too late to avoid the distraction element 

 

Within a reasonable time frame, and relative to the current situation, of course. By a huge margin.

[GoBills808]

2 minutes ago, Rc2catch said:

And you think it goes away if they cut him? They can drop him right now and Mcdermott will still be hounded every chance for as long as this stays in the news cycle. It’s too late to avoid the distraction element 

Yes, I think it does.

[Beck Water]

4 minutes ago, Rc2catch said:

And you think it goes away if they cut him? They can drop him right now and Mcdermott will still be hounded every chance for as long as this stays in the news cycle. It’s too late to avoid the distraction element 

 

I think it's minimized if they cut him.  McDermott can stand and look the reporters in the eye and say "Matt Araiza is no longer a member of this team.  I'm here to discuss the members of this team and answer your questions about football." then stonewall "any questions about football?" just like Jordan Poyer did when asked about Covid protocols and vaccines.  The press quickly stopped asking him.

 

Then the next piece of news will roll down the pike and this story will fade from the news cycle.

Edited August 27, 2022 by Beck Water

[Rc2catch]

1 minute ago, NickelCity said:

 

Within a reasonable time frame, and relative to the current situation, of course. By a huge margin.

I don’t agree. They are now linked until this is over. The hounding might not be as bad but they’ll still receive questions every chance until it’s resolved. 

[YoloinOhio]

11 minutes ago, NickelCity said:

 

Are you ready for this topic to dominate evey press conference and interview and discussion with/about the Bills all year, and potentially beyond? It's a major, major distraction. 

The chiefs drafted a guy who was convicted of throwing his pregnant GF down the stairs. No one in the media cared. He’s a celebrated player now. I’m just saying, why was that. 
 

https://www.sportscasting.com/tyreek-hill-brutally-beat-and-choked-his-pregnant-girlfriend-in-college-but-never-saw-any-jail-time/

Edited August 27, 2022 by YoloinOhio

[DapperCam]

1 minute ago, Rc2catch said:

I don’t agree. They are now linked until this is over. The hounding might not be as bad but they’ll still receive questions every chance until it’s resolved. 

Totally disagree. If they cut him and claim they didn’t know the extent of the allegations until the suit was filed, then this thing goes away pretty quickly.

[NickelCity]

1 minute ago, YoloinOhio said:

The chiefs drafted a guy who was convicted of throwing his pregnant GF down the stairs. No one in the media cared. He’s a celebrated player now. I’m just saying, why was that. 

 

I don't know, but I don't want to play that game with my team, honestly.  

[Rc2catch]

Just now, DapperCam said:

Totally disagree. If they cut him and claim they didn’t know the extent of the allegations until the suit was filed, then this thing goes away pretty quickly.

I can understand that. I just think the window for them to wash their hands of this closed already. I believe they’re linked until this finishes even if they cut him right now. 

[GoBills808]

3 minutes ago, Rc2catch said:

I don’t agree. They are now linked until this is over. The hounding might not be as bad but they’ll still receive questions every chance until it’s resolved. 

I agree that they (knowingly or not) definitely did this to themselves. They should be doing damage control right now to limit their exposure going forward.

[mannc]

7 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

I think it's minimized if they cut him.  McDermott can stand and look the reporters in the eye and say "Matt Araiza is no longer a member of this team.  I'm here to discuss the members of this team and answer your questions about football." then stonewall "any questions about football?" just like Jordan Poyer did when asked about Covid protocols and vaccines.  The press quickly stopped asking him.

 

Then the next piece of news will roll down the pike and this story will fade from the news cycle.

Yeah, I think if they cut him now, the problem pretty much goes away, and the dropoff from Araiza to whomever they sign off the street probably won't win or lose any ball games. The dilemma is that it would be unfair to Araiza, if he's in fact innocent.  And of course, he could turn out to have a great career for another team, if he's exonerated. 

Edited August 27, 2022 by mannc

[CEN-CAL17]

100% speculation here….

 

But the thing I find the most interesting is the recorded phone call. Supposedly he admits to hooking up. This call came 10 days after. But he also makes the comments that she should be tested for STDs.

 

As guys we know that type of comment is made after the fact. Meaning Matt did hook up with her, but then later found out she slept with other guys…. That’s where things went bad. 

 

If it was a g@ngg b@ng he lead supposedly, is it more likely he telling her to get tested for STDs cause he has STDs? Or basically telling her yeah we hooked up, but I know you hooked up with more dudes that night you should get tested. Like a yeah we hooked up, but you hooked up with a bunch of guys and (he didn’t like that) told her to get tested.
 

Remember this call was 10 days after the night in question, Matt was more than willing to answer the phone and talk. Most guys I’d assume would not even answer if they truly knew what had happened.

 

I think that is Matt’s side of this…. I just don’t know why someone would “lead a gng bng” then tell someone to go get tested for diseases……

Edited August 27, 2022 by CEN-CAL17

[SCBills]

1 minute ago, Rc2catch said:

I can understand that. I just think the window for them to wash their hands of this closed already. I believe they’re linked until this finishes even if they cut him right now. 

News cycles in this country aren’t even 24 hours anymore.  And people generally have the attention span of a five year old.  

[Andy1]

There is no way this organization is going to defend this guy saying he didn’t know she was underage so we support him. If there is evidence of sex between the two, he is gone. I don’t want this team turning into the Brownies mentality.

[Dan]

I haven’t read all of this thread, hence don’t pretend to know all discussion points.   But, from the Bills’ perspective, and as a fan of this team, it seems fairy simple to me.  He’s a rookie punter, that has contributed 1 preseason punt.   He in no way represents the franchise or the entire fanbase.  The team should give him as much time as needed to deal with this personal issue and suspend him until such time that that it is resolved in a court of law.    In the meantime, sign a new punter and move on to the season.  Any questions should then be directed to him or his lawyer, and we all get back to talking about football. 

[mannc]

2 minutes ago, CEN-CAL17 said:

100% speculation here….

 

But the thing I find the most interesting is the recorded phone call. Supposedly he admits to hooking up. This call came 10 days after. But he also makes the comments that she should be tested for STDs.

 

As guys we know that type of comment is made after the fact. Meaning Matt did hook up with her, but then later found out she slept with other guys…. That’s where things went bad. 

 

If it was a ***** he lead supposedly, is it more likely he telling her to get tested for STDs cause he has STDs? Or basically telling her yeah we hooked up, but I know you hooked up with more dudes that night you should get tested. Like a yeah we hooked up, but you hooked up with a bunch of guys and (he didn’t like that) told her to get tested.
 

Remember this call was 10 days after the night in question, Matt was more than willing to answer the phone and talk. Most guys I’d assume would not even answer if they truly knew what had happened.

 

I think that is Matt’s side of this…. I just don’t know why someone would “lead a *****” then tell someone to go get tested for diseases……

Remember, the "recorded phone call" has not actually been released to the public...all we know about it is what Gilleon has told the public about what's on the tape, and I would not trust a word he says. 

Edited August 27, 2022 by mannc

[Norcalbillsfan]

12 hours ago, RyanC883 said:

 

really bush league journalists.  

I agree, vultures. Ask as many loaded questions as possible to try and get him to slip up or twist mcds words later. But that's the industry I guess.

[SWATeam]

I think a factor in all of this is the messaging in the locker room.  The "we're a family that loves each other" talking point that they get a lot of mileage out of.

 

If Matt is innocent of these allegations, which many say doesn't matter since the distraction isn't worth a punter, can they really just cast him aside due to public pressure?

[Devilmann]

1 minute ago, Rc2catch said:

I can understand that. I just think the window for them to wash their hands of this closed already. I believe they’re linked until this finishes even if they cut him right now. 

I can see that especially since they just cut Haak not even a week ago and I’m sure someone in this organization got wind of this before that cut happened. 

[Rc2catch]

Just now, GoBills808 said:

I agree that they (knowingly or not) definitely did this to themselves. They should be doing damage control right now to limit their exposure going forward.

It might be too late. I fully understand they can lighten the pressure by the media by releasing him, but I don’t think that takes them off the hook now 

[4merper4mer]

1 minute ago, Dan said:

I haven’t read all of this thread, hence don’t pretend to know all discussion points.   But, from the Bills’ perspective, and as a fan of this team, it seems fairy simple to me.  He’s a rookie punter, that has contributed 1 preseason punt.   He in no way represents the franchise or the entire fanbase.  The team should give him as much time as needed to deal with this personal issue and suspend him until such time that that it is resolved in a court of law.    In the meantime, sign a new punter and move on to the season.  Any questions should then be directed to him or his lawyer, and we all get back to talking about football. 

I think that eats a roster spot.  That’s a no no.

 

[Brandon]

9 minutes ago, Rc2catch said:

And you think it goes away if they cut him? They can drop him right now and Mcdermott will still be hounded every chance for as long as this stays in the news cycle. It’s too late to avoid the distraction element 

 

If they unload him within the next day or two, yeah, it'll still go away pretty quickly.  If that's their move, though,  they need to get it done soon.  The longer he stays,  the more those lingering questions will persist afterward. 

[Rc2catch]

3 minutes ago, SCBills said:

News cycles in this country aren’t even 24 hours anymore.  And people generally have the attention span of a five year old.  

This is true, but it’s also assuming her lawyer doesn’t have more info he’s willing to drop if his number isn’t met. 

[NoSaint]

1 minute ago, Rc2catch said:

It might be too late. I fully understand they can lighten the pressure by the media by releasing him, but I don’t think that takes them off the hook now 

If he’s not even on the team what hook are the on and how would it effect them after about 5 minutes?

[djp14150]

1 hour ago, hondo in seattle said:

 

I'm not suggesting this is true, but it is possible that Araiza played a more peripheral role in the true story.   But when Jane Doe thought through the financial opportunities, she decided to make him the main character.  And it's possible that Dan Gilleon gave her some hints to help her in that process.   

 

 

Duh

 

hes not taking this case unless there is money….

 

him being a pro athlete or coming from a wealthy family.

 

most civil cases end in civil settlement  will go away money.  He tried thst first.

 

a more credible case is if  criminal charges come then followed by a civil case.  When civil come first …it says there is a flimsy case so it’s a choice of do you settle for X or sre you willing to pay Y for your legal fee+ possible decision against you.

 

 

[K-9]

2 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

I think that eats a roster spot.  That’s a no no.

 

Not if Goodell allows them to place him on the reserve/suspended list. I’d be surprised if the team isn’t pursuing that permission. 

[GoBills808]

1 minute ago, Rc2catch said:

It might be too late. I fully understand they can lighten the pressure by the media by releasing him, but I don’t think that takes them off the hook now 

I think they can credibly claim they didn't have all the info until recently. If he's no longer with the team I don't think there's too much they can be blamed for going forward.

[Yobogoya!]

9 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

The chiefs drafted a guy who was convicted of throwing his pregnant GF down the stairs. No one in the media cared. He’s a celebrated player now. I’m just saying, why was that. 
 

https://www.sportscasting.com/tyreek-hill-brutally-beat-and-choked-his-pregnant-girlfriend-in-college-but-never-saw-any-jail-time/

 

Honestly the most disturbing part of this thread for me is the notion that "he's just a punter" -- and of course, the implication thereof that if he were of a position more important to winning games, we could afford to weather the media storm until the truth came out or potentially even after. 

 

Just goes to show most people's moral high ground is directly proportional to how useful someone is to their needs. Funny how that works. 

[SectionC3]

1 minute ago, Rc2catch said:

This is true, but it’s also assuming her lawyer doesn’t have more info he’s willing to drop if his number isn’t met. 

 

It's too late for that.  The goal now is to ruin him and to have him incarcerated.  He had his chance. 

[Mrbojanglezs]

Could the Bills be at risk of a libel lawsuit if they cut him for this and he is in fact innocent. 

 

 

 

[Rc2catch]

Just now, NoSaint said:

If he’s not even on the team what hook are the on and how would it effect them after about 5 minutes?

Because the media is going to hound them for every detail. What they knew, when they knew, everyone is already suspicious of the timeline. 

[Dan]

2 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

I think that eats a roster spot.  That’s a no no.

 

Perhaps it does.  But if you think there’s any chance he’s innocent, i think you accept that to show “support” for your teammate.   Or just cut him.  But either way they beed to distance themselves and the team from this situation.  

[RiotAct]

Sean McDermott to address the media at 3 PM; as per Sal Capaccio.

[boyst]

39 minutes ago, SCBills said:

Excuse me, but allegedly beating your gf and tweeting a racism are about 6 or 7 “current things” ago.   Please keep up.  We’re onto sexual assault allegations as the unforgivable sin now. 

There isn't the correct reaction to react to this. It is difficult to "like" it because it's absurd though true. It's not something to laugh at or cheer. Jeesh, but yeah... Sentiment here is spot on. 

 

[Rc2catch]

Just now, RiotAct said:

Sean McDermott to address the media at 3 PM; as per Sal Capaccio.

Pushed back to 4 I read 

[CEN-CAL17]

6 minutes ago, mannc said:

Remember, the "recorded phone call" has not actually been released to the public...all we know about it is what Gilleon has told the public about what's on the tape, and I would not trust a word he says. 

Araizas lawyer I think spoke on it as well…. I could be mistaken 

 

I think at the end of the day Araiza is gonna point the finger at the other 2 guys and say exactly that

[boyst]

2 minutes ago, Yobogoya! said:

 

Honestly the most disturbing part of this thread for me is the notion that "he's just a punter" -- and of course, the implication thereof that if he were of a position more important to winning games, we could afford to weather the media storm until the truth came out or potentially even after. 

 

Just goes to show most people's moral high ground is directly proportional to how useful someone is to their needs. Funny how that works. 

Or that he's just a garbage truck driver, or a factory worker, or ....

 

This is a person we are talking about. And we are willfully ending his career over speculation. 

[Bangarang]

2 minutes ago, Mrbojanglezs said:

Could the Bills be at risk of a libel lawsuit if they cut him for this and he is in fact innocent. 

Libel for what? 

[Behindenemylines]

1 minute ago, Mrbojanglezs said:

Could the Bills be at risk of a libel lawsuit if they cut him for this and he is in fact innocent. 

 

 

 

No unless they actually say something directly and knowingly false.  As an employer they can just release him. Doesn’t mean they don’t pay him portions of his contract but all depending. 

[4merper4mer]

Just now, Rc2catch said:

It might be too late. I fully understand they can lighten the pressure by the media by releasing him, but I don’t think that takes them off the hook now 

100% of the currently public info originated with the accuser.  It may indeed be the whole story.  If not, and somehow Araiza is telling truth to the Bills and they cut him for PR, how does that go over in the room when 3 months from now when more facts come out?  Yes, the press will drop it, but as McD pointed out there are people involved.  
 

The correct remedies are so simple to apply once the truth is known.  Personally I’d cut him even if he had nothing whatsoever to do with the incident but covered it up for his buddies.  If he lied at all to the Bills, bye.  Obviously anything beyond that he should rot in jail.  If he is exonerated but still cut, I think that is a bad look in the room.  People matter.  The truth matters.