Bills cut ties with punter accused of gang rape
In the face of a major public backlash and internal questions over the decision to award Matt Araiza the punting job, the Bills reversed course by cutting the rookie on Saturday, two days after a lawsuit was filed alleging the player and two college teammates gangraped a teenager last fall.
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The decision to cut ties with their sixth-round draft pick out of San Diego State comes after Buffalo cleared the way for Araiza to take over the punting duties by releasing returning veteran Matt Haack on Monday.
The Bills opted then to keep Araiza even while being aware of the allegations against him since late July. The team then stood by the player by announcing it “conducted a thorough examination” into the matter a day after the lawsuit was filed.
Araiza’s release begins to ease a crisis which has shaken the team as reflected by coach Sean McDermott having difficulty containing his emotions while discussing the situation following a 21-0 preseason loss at Carolina on Friday night.
A lawsuit filed in San Diego County Superior Court accused Araiza and two teammates of raping a then-17year-old girl at a Halloween party at an off-campus home where Araiza had been living. A San Diego police investigation has been turned over to the district attorney’s office to determine whether to pursue charges. DA spokeswoman Tanya Sierra said Friday there was no timeline as to how long a decision will take.
Colts 27, Buccaneers 10
In Indianapolis, Tom Brady led Tampa Bay to a field goal on his first and only series of the preseason, and the Colts backups rallied to beat the Buccaneers.
Brady looked sharp in the hurry-up offense, going 6-for-8 with 44 yards while converting one fourth down on an 11-play, 66-yard drive.
Matt Ryan and the Colts starters also played about one quarter. After Ryan led Indy to a go-ahead score — Deon Jackson’s 1-yard touchdown run — on his final series, Indy’s backups dominated.
Bears 21, Browns 20
In Cleveland, Justin Fields threw three touchdown passes in the first half, leading Chicago to a win in its exhibition finale over the Browns, who got their first in-game look at substitute starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Falcons 28, Jaguars 12
In Atlanta, Desmond Ridder shook off an interception on his very first throw to lead the Falcons to their first home preseason win since 2016.
Bengals 16, Rams 7
In Cincinnati, Jake Browning came off the bench to go 19-of-24 for 173 yards and a touchdown, leading the Bengals to a win over the Rams, a preseason game mostly contested by backups.
Two days after the teams were involved in a benchesclearing brawl at a joint practice during which Rams star Aaron Donald swung a helmet, the game proceeded without incident. Both teams also appeared to avoid any serious injuries in their preseason finale.
Ravens 17, Commanders 15
Poe, the Baltimore bird mascot, was carted off at halftime of the Ravens’ win over the Commanders in Baltimore with an apparent injury. It was not clear what happened to the person wearing the Poe costume.
Other mascots joined Poe for a halftime game during Baltimore’s preseason matchup against the Commanders. Poe was lying on the ground when the cart came out, and he was lifted onto it and driven off.
Dolphins 48, Eagles 10
In Miami Gardens, Fla., Tua Tagovailoa connected with Tyreek Hill for 51 yards on the first play from scrimmage, and Miami set a franchise record for points scored in a preseason game.
Titans 26, Cardinals 23
In Nashville, Tenn., Logan Woodside scrambled for a 9-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal with 52 seconds left and the Titans wrapped up the preseason by rallying to beat the Cardinals, 26-23.
Broncos 23, Vikings 13
In Denver, Broncos backups forged ahead of the Vikings’ benchwarmers in the second quarter, getting a Montrell Washington rushing score and a defensive fumble return for a TD.
PACKERS: Green Bay remains unsure about the status of David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, its top two offensive linemen, for the Sept. 11 season opener against the Vikings.
PANTHERS: Coach Matt Rhule said backup quarterback Sam Darnold and kicker Zane Gonzalez both suffered “significant” injuries against Buffalo.
Darnold has a high ankle sprain, which is normally a four to six week injury. Gonzalez’s injury appears worse, and there is a possibility it could be season-ending.