New Detroit Lions Coach Matt Patricia was indicted but not tried in a 1996 sex assault, The Detroit News reports Wednesday night.

The accuser declined to testify, citing the stress of a trial. She requested that the case be dismissed, the report said.



Patricia and the other man were football players at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York at the time. The incident is said to have happened in South Padre Island, Texas on March 15, 1996, when Patricia was 21, reports The Detroit News.

A woman accused him and his college classmate of raping her in a hotel room.



Patricia maintained his innocence in a statement:



“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.”



​​​​​Tonight Lions President Rod Wood says the accuser later recanted her story multiple times. But court records show she decided not to testify because she told prosecutors she couldn't face the pressures or stress of a trial.


The News also quotes Patricia's attorney Jeff Wilson who says his client denies all wrongdoing.

Stay with FOX 2 for more information on this developing story.

