NFL Won’t Discipline Lions, Matt Patricia For Prior Sexual Assault Allegations

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the NFL determined that neither the Lions nor HC Matt Patricia will be subject to any discipline in regards to prior allegations made against Patricia several years ago.

According to Schefter, the NFL met last week with the Lions and Patricia regarding the matter and the league determined that Detroit engaged in an appropriate and thorough hiring practice and the NFL believes Patricia did not mislead the Lions during the hiring process.

A few weeks ago, the Detroit News reported that Patricia and a fraternity brother were indicted for sexual assault in 1996. However, the case was eventually was dismissed a year later because the alleged victim did “not feel she can face the pressures or stress of a trial.”

Patricia addressed the prior allegations soon after, saying that he was falsely accused in the matter and never given an opportunity to defend himself.

“The truth is on my side,” Patricia said. “I lived with the mental torture of the situation where facts can be completely ignored or misrepresented with disregard to the consequence and pain that it would create for another person. I find it unfair and upsetting that someone would bring this claim up over two decades later for the sole purpose of hurting my family, my friends and this organization with the intention of trying to damage my character and credibility.”

Patricia, 43, began his NFL coaching career as an offensive assistant for the Patriots back in 2004. He has held a number of position during his 14 years in New England including assistant offensive line coach, linebackers coach, and safeties coach before he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2012.

The Lions hired Patricia as their head coach this past February.

In 2017, the Patriots’ defense ranks No. 29 in total allowed yards, No. 20 in rushing yards allowed and No. 30 in passing yards allowed and No. 5 in total points allowed.