Sex Assault Allegations Against Lions New Coach Patricia Revealed

DETROIT, MI — Local media has learned that new Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia was indicted in a 1996 sexual assault case, but not tried after his accuser declined to testify. The Lions, who hired Patricia away from the New England Patriots, first learned about the case when the Detroit News surfaced the story and asked team officials for comment, according to reports.

A 21-year-old college student told police she had met Patricia on a beach in Texas during spring break of 1996, The Detroit News reported. She alleged on March 15, 1996 that two men burst into her upscale hotel where she was sleeping and took turns “violently sexually assaulting her." One of the alleged attackers was then-21-year-old Patricia and the other man was a friend named Greg Dietrich.

According to The Detroit News report, the men were arrested at the time and later released on a $20,000 bond. They never stood trial and were not convicted, the report said.

Cameron County, Texas, court records show that Patricia and Dietrich were both indicted by a grand jury on one count of aggravated sexual assault but the charge was later dismissed.

Patricia issued a statement Wednesday saying he was falsely accused of the crime.

"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," Patricia said in the statement. "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."

Read the full story at the Detroit News

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File photo: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)