Bill Belichick Comments on Matt Patricia 1996 Sexual Assault Allegations

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has issued a statement regarding the 1996 allegations of sexual assault against Matt Patricia, who worked on the coaching staff from 2004-17. 

Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com passed along Belichick's statement in which he noted the Patriots weren't aware of the situation during Patricia's time with the organization:

Per Robert Snell of the Detroit News, Patricia was indicted in 1996 after a woman told police she had been sexually assaulted by two men at a hotel where she was staying. 

Patricia, who was hired as head coach of the Detroit Lions in February, expressed his innocence while speaking to reporters on Thursday, via NFL.com:

"I'm here to defend my honor and clear my name. Twenty-two years ago, I was falsely accused of something 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."

Snell cited court records showing the accuser wouldn't testify, prompting a motion to dismiss the case. 

Lions president Rod Wood told Snell after reviewing the situation that he was "very comfortable with the process of interviewing and employing" Patricia.