Former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia held a news conference Thursday to address a report published Wednesday that said he was accused of sexual assault in 1996.
“I’m here to defend my honor and clear my name,’’ said Patricia, who is now the head coach of the Detroit Lions.
Patricia issued a statement Wednesday night and appeared before media in Detroit Thursday for about seven minutes. He denied the accusation.
“Thankfully the truth is on my side,’’ he said. “I was innocent then and I’m innocent now.’’
Patricia said the allegation was not mentioned while he was interviewing for the Lions job.