Lions' Patricia says he was falsely accused as 1996 sexual assault case resurfaces

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia denied Wednesday that he committed any wrongdoing in a sexual assault case he and a friend were indicted - but never tried - for in 1996.

Patricia and another man, Greg Dietrich, were charged with aggravated sexual assault following a supposed incident that took place over spring break in 1996. The case was dismissed in January 1997 after the accuser chose not to proceed to trial. Patricia addressed the matter through a statement after the case was brought back to light by The Detroit News:

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. I firmly maintain my innocence, as I have always done.

I would never condone any of the behavior that was alleged and will always respect and protect the rights of anyone who has been harassed or is the victim of violence. My priorities remain the same - to move forward and strive to be the best coach, teacher, and man that I can possibly be.

The Lions acknowledged that their background checks on Patricia prior to his hiring didn't uncover the sexual assault case. Detroit made him a first-time head coach in February, plucking him off the New England Patriots' staff.

Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford, president Rod Wood, and general manager Bob Quinn also put out a statement offering Patricia their collective support:

Responding to a published report this evening from the Detroit News, the Detroit Lions are aware that a criminal charge involving sexual assault was brought against Matt Patricia in 1996. Matt was 21 at the time and on spring break in Texas. The charge was dismissed by the prosecutor at the request of the complaining individual prior to trial. As a result, Coach Patricia never had the opportunity to present his case or clear his name publicly in a court of law. He has denied that there was any factual basis for the charge. There was no settlement agreement with the complaining individual, no money exchanged hands and there was no confidentiality agreement. In discussions today with Lions management, the reporter involved acknowledged that the allegations have not been substantiated.

As an organization, the Detroit Lions take allegations regarding sexual assault or harassment seriously. Coach Patricia was the subject of a standard pre-employment background check which did not disclose this issue. We have spoken to Coach Patricia about this at length as well as the attorney who represented him at the time. Based upon everything we have learned, we believe and have accepted Coach Patricia’s explanation and we will continue to support him. We will continue to work with our players and the NFL to further awareness of and protections for those individuals who are the victims of sexual assault or violence.