ALLEN PARK, MI (WTVB) – The NFL will not discipline the Detroit Lions organization or new head coach Matt Patricia following a report that Patricia and a college football teammate had been indicted in a sexual assault case in 1996. The case never went to trial and was later dismissed by prosecutors when the alleged victim declined to testify.
League spokesperson Brian McCarthy said in a statement that the NFL reviewed the matter with the Lions and Patricia and found the team was appropriate and thorough in their hiring process and the coach did not mislead the team during interviews.
McCarthy also said the incident is not subject to the league’s personal conduct policy as the allegations occurred well before Patricia began his affiliation with the NFL.
The Lions claimed wide receiver Chris Lacy off waivers from the New England Patriots. Lacy was signed this year as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New England out of Oklahoma State. He had 63 receptions for 920 yards and five touchdowns in 49 career games in four seasons at OSU.
Detroit also announced yesterday that they have waived cornerback Josh Okonye .
