mannc

Usually that’s true, but not in this case. Araiza was fighting for his reputation and his career.

Not under California law, apparently.

Yes, because it’s unheard of for a punter to be signed off the street and perform well…

Maybe, but if he had articulated a compelling defense he could at least have bought more time…he didn’t give the Bills anything to work with.

Not if he didn’t outright lie about it. Happens all the time.

He probably wouldn’t outright lie about what’s on there, but he could mislead and take it wildly out of context. There really wouldn’t be any consequences for that.

They might have, which makes Araiza’s weak response even more inexplicable.

I don’t doubt there is a tape, but I certainly would not trust Gilleon to accurately and fairly report what is on it.

Araiza had at least a month to come up with a response, even though the complaint wasn’t filed until Thursday. They could have hired investigators, found witnesses who could back up his story. He should have anticipated a public furor. And Araiza could have issued a comprehensive denial, which he never did. His official statement was pathetic and weak.

What kind of review process are you talking about? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Is it performed by a clerk? A judge? What are they reviewing it for?

That’s technically true, but I think the lack of a prompt and compelling response by Araiza sealed his fate. Maybe there just aren’t any exculpatory facts available to him right now…

If Araiza and his lawyer had put together a more coherent, convincing response, the Bills might have at least let this play out a little longer. They failed.

I agree that a case number has to be assigned but that happens almost instantaneously

Once the complaint has been filed, the lawyer can issue the subpoenas and there is no court approval process. The lawyer has to give reasonable notice to the other parties and the witness. It may be worthless, but it cost Araiza his job.

Someone WAY down thread produced a link that appears reliable, stating that the prosecutor has to prove there was no reasonable mistake about the victim’s age.

I agree that trial by social media is awful, but it’s also a reality in some cases. Team Araiza found themselves in a social media “trial” not of their own choosing, and they got crushed. I’m not sure how you could dispute that. Zero chance

I’d agree that they were more professional than Gilleon, but their failure to respond to the allegations more forcefully and convincingly cost their client his job. They were in a bare-knuckles brawl and were operating out of the wrong playbook.

I don’t believe that’s correct. The court does not have to “review the complaint and make a decision” before he can issue subpoenas, and the court doesn’t review or issue the subpoenas themselves. Generally true, but not in this case. Araiza’s counsel was thoroughly unprepared and their client is now paying the price.

I don’t agree with much you’ve said on this matter, but I fully agree with your last sentence. Team Araiza did not distinguish itself over the last three days.

No tape was ever released; you are just taking Gilleon’s word for what was on the alleged tape. It And your statement as to the elements of statutory rape are incorrect. It definitely has not been established that Araiza committed statutory rape or admitted to it. It’s interesting that he said the Bills “botched their response to our claim”…almost as if he was shaking down the Bills like they were a defendant in the case. What a bizarre legal strategy…

Wrong

Only the bad ones. But I also have to say, based on the available information, it appears that Matt Araiza is paying the price of having some really awful legal representation as well.

Absolutely…

A civil lawsuit was filed only 48-hours ago and Ariza's had little or no opportunity to respond. (In the legal system, he's got 30 days to respond to the complaint.) Although the allegations are horrifying, the "evidence" against him that's been produced so far is not very convincing.

I don't disagree. Araiza's own interests are subordinate to those of the team. That's why he was released. But that doesn't mean it was fair to him...