NEWS
Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Michael Vick, his son Britt and now Matt Araiza: Andy Reid is quick to offer second chances… but with his Chiefs looking for a threepeat, has leniency always been the best policy?
For a sport populated by disciplinarian coaches, Kelce’s outburst was a clear code violation – something that warranted an actual punishment rather than Reid’s self-deprecating humor. Instead, Reid was happy to brush it aside, as he’s done with so many other perceived transgressions.
Just this week, Reid added embattled former San Diego State punter Matt Araiza two months after the ex-Buffalo Bills draft pick was dropped from a sexual assault lawsuit that briefly derailed his NFL career. Araiza was never charged with a crime and is no longer being sued over the alleged 2021 rape of a 17-year-old girl, but his addition in Kansas City is already being scrutinized by fans and reporters alike.Adding Araiza isn’t a major financial risk. The punter signed a reported minimum deal, which is around $750,000, and the contract is unguaranteed, meaning the Chiefs can cut him without consequence.
But there are reputational risks for an NFL coach who has been derided for adding players and staff accused of everything from domestic violence to dog fighting.