The Detroit Lions leadership, including head coach Matt Patricia, have released statements regarding the Detroit News piece on Matt Patricia being indicted but not convicted in a 1996 sexual assault case.
Patricia’s statement: “As someone who was falsely accused of this very serious charge over 22 years ago, and never given the opportunity to defend myself and clear my name, I find it incredibly unfair, disappointing, and frustrating that this story would resurface now with the only purpose being to damage my character and reputation. I firmly maintain my innocence, as I have always done. I would never condone any of the behavior that was alleged and will always respect and protect the rights of anyone who has been harassed or is the victim of violence. My priorities remain the same — to move forward and strive to be the best coach, teacher, and man that I can possibly be.”
Joint statement from Martha Ford, Bob Quinn, and Rod Wood: “Responding to a published report this evening from the Detroit News, The Detroit Lions are aware that a criminal charge involving sexual assault was brought against Matt Patricia in 1996. Matt was 21 at the time and on spring break in Texas. The charge was dismissed by the prosecutor at the request of the complaining individual prior to trial. As a result, Coach Patricia never had the opportunity to present his case or clear his name publicly in a court of law. He has denied that there was any factual basis for the charge. There was no settlement agreement with the complaining individual, no money exchanged hands and there was no confidentiality agreement. In discussions today with Lions management, the reporter involved acknowledged that the allegations have not been substantiated.
“As an organization, The Detroit Lions take allegations regarding sexual assault or harassment seriously. Coach Patricia was the subject of a standard pre-employment background check which did not disclose this issue. We have spoken to Coach Patricia about this at length as well as the attorney who represented him at the time. Based upon everything we have learned, we believe and have accepted Coach Patricia’s explanation and we will continue to support him. We will continue to work with our players and the NFL to further awareness of and protections for those individuals who are the victims of sexual assault or violence.”
The read the rest of the Detroit News Piece on the Lions’ and Matt Patricia’s statements can be read here.
BONUS CONTENT
Lions’ Patricia 1 of 2 arrested, indicted, not tried or convicted in ’96 Sexual Assault case
Woman recants story multiple times following initial allegations
According to a story by Robert Snell in the Detroit News, Matt Patricia is one of two men, college football players at the time, who sexually assaulted a 21-year-old co-ed on Spring Break in 1996.
Lions’ team president Rod Wood, who did not initially know about the allegations, is standing by his man after talking with Patricia.
“I am very comfortable with the process of interviewing and employing Matt,” Wood said. “I will tell you with 1,000-percent certainty that everything I’ve learned confirmed what I already knew about the man and would have no way changed our decision to make him our head coach.”
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