The NFL has said that neither the Detroit Lions nor Matt Patricia will be punished in regards to a previous sexual assault allegation against the head coach.
“Our office reviewed the matter with the Lions and Mr. Patricia, and ensured the club engaged in appropriate and thorough hiring practices and that the Coach did not mislead the team during the interview process,” the NFL said in a statement.
The scandal stems from a 1996 sexual assault allegation that resurfaced earlier this month.
Patricia and a friend were indicted 22 years ago by a Texas grand jury on one count each of aggravated sexual assault. They were accused of assaulting a woman on South Padre Island. The accuser did not testify and the case was dismissed.
The Lions said that a pre-employment background check did not turn up the incident.
“We determined that the Lions handled the interview process in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner and fully and appropriately compiled with all applicable employment laws. As we learned from both Mr. Patricia and the Lions, the matter was not part of his employment interview process for job opportunities outside of or within the NFL. He was under no legal or other requirement to raise this issue,” the statement said.
