Matt Patricia on 1996 sexual assault allegation: 'I'm here to defend my honor'

DETROIT — Former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is firing back at a story that details past allegations of sexual assault.

Patricia was just hired to be head coach for the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit News published an article Wednesday night detailing a 1996 incident involving then-21-year-old Patricia who was accused, along with another man, of bursting into a woman’s hotel room and sexually assaulting her.

The alleged incident occurred during spring break in Texas while Patricia was a college football player in upstate New York.

The case was eventually dismissed when the victim didn’t show up for the trial. In a statement Wednesday night, Patricia said he was falsely accused 22 years ago and said the story is only meant to damage his career and reputation.

Patricia held a press conference Thursday, and reiterated that the events never happened.

"I'm here to defend my honor and clear my name," Patricia said. "There were claims about me that never happened. Thankfully, truth is on my side. I was innocent then, and I am innocent now."

Patricia said legal process worked and his case was dismissed.

"At the same time, I was never given the opportunity to defend myself or to allow pushback to allow the truth to clear my name," he said.

Patricia, who spent 14 years on the Patriots coaching staff, said the allegations never came up during the interview process with the Lions.

Patricia followed up by saying he and his team have and will always operate under a policy of respecting others.

"I believe, and have always acted with a respect for all people," Patricia said. "I do not condone any of the type of behavior that's been alleged, and I never have. I have always been someone who respects and protects the rights of anyone who has been harassed or is the victim of violence. We as an organization will continue to operate that way.

The owner of the Lions said he stands behind Patricia:

"Based upon everything we have learned, we believe and have accepted Coach Patricia's explanation and we will continue to support him."

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick sent a statement Thursday afternoon defending Patricia:

"The New England Patriots were not aware of the matter which recently came to light. For 14 years in our organization, Matt conducted himself with great integrity and is known to be an outstanding coach, person and family man.  We have always been confident in Matt’s character and recommended him highly to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions.”

Patricia said this priorities are to move forward with his new team.

Cox Media Group