ALLEN PARK -- Matt Patricia is maintaining his innocence, and the Detroit Lions are standing behind him.
The Detroit News reported on Wednesday night that the new Lions coach was indicted on one count of aggravated sexual assault in 1996. But his accuser never showed for trial, citing the stress and pressures of doing so, and the case was dropped before it ever made it to trial.
Patricia says the allegations were false, and questioned why they would resurface more than 22 years later.
"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," he said in a written statement issued through the team.