A day after a 1996 sexual assault allegation involving Matt Patricia resurfaced, Bill Belichick came to the defense of his former assistant.
Belichick released a statement supporting the ex-Patriots defensive coordinator, now Lions head coach, and mentioned the Patriots were never aware of the allegations while Patricia was with the team.
Patricia spoke on the matter shortly after the report resurfaced, continuing to vehemently deny the allegations:
"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 a statement issued by the Lions.