Matt Patricia at Thursday's press conference.
Lions Coach Matt Patricia held a press conference Thursday to defend his image and save his job after reports surfaced in the media that he was charged in 1996, along with a fellow college student, of sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room in Texas.
The alleged victim was not willing to testify in court and the charges were dropped several months later.
"I'm here to defend my honor and clear my name,” Patricia said. “Twenty-two years ago, I was falsely accused of some very serious, very serious allegations. There were claims made about me that never happened. I am thankful on one level that the process worked, and the case was dismissed. At the same time, I was never given the opportunity to defend myself or allowed to push back with the truth to clear my name.
The alleged victim was not willing to testify in court and the charges were dropped several months later.
“This was something that was very traumatic to me when I was 21 years old, and once it was finally addressed, I tried to put it behind me," he said at a press conference, according to the Detroit Lions' website.
“For those of you that are just getting to know me and for those that have known me for a long time, you should know that I was raised the right way by two amazing parents who taught me to know the difference between right and wrong. To stand up for what’s right, and to stand up for those who’ve been wronged.
“I have two older sisters that taught me respect and love. I’ve always tried to protect them, and keep them from harm. I am a husband and a father to a wonderful and amazing family. I try to share those same values with them. I am so thankful to my wife and family for being supportive of me. I believe and have always acted with a respect for all people, knowing that everyone is someone’s dad, mom, sister, brother, son or daughter.”
