German_Force » tight end Derek Carrier.

The NFL has determined sexual assault allegations against Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia from 1996 are not subject to its personal conduct policy.

”The allegations occurred well before his affiliation with the NFL Damarious Randall Jersey ,” the league said Monday after completing its review of the Lions’ interviewing process.

Patricia has said he was falsely accused of allegations that resurfaced in a Detroit News report . The accuser did not testify and the case was dismissed. He and a friend were indicted 22 years ago by a Texas grand jury on one count each of aggravated sexual assault. They were accused of assaulting a woman on South Padre Island.

”I was innocent then,” Patricia said earlier this month, a day after the newspaper report. ”And, I am innocent now.”

The Lions have said a pre-employment background check did not reveal the incident and they are standing by Patricia.

The NFL review determined the Lions were appropriate and thorough during the interview process. The league said Patricia did not mislead anyone with the Lions and adds he was under no league or other requirement to raise the issue.

”We determined that the Lions handled the interview process in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner and fully and appropriately complied with all applicable employment laws,” the league said. ”As we learned from both Mr. Patricia and the Lions Ramon Humber Jersey , the matter was not part of his employment interview process for job opportunities outside of or within the NFL.”

The Lions hired Patricia in February after firing Jim Caldwell. The former Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offensive lineman was hired by the Patriots in 2004. Patricia became one of Bill Belichick’s top assistants, serving as defensive coordinator from 2012 through last season.

”For 14 years in our organization, Matt conducted himself with great integrity and is known to be an outstanding coach, person and family man,” Belichick said earlier this month. ”We have always been confident in Matt’s character and recommended him highly to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions.”

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The Oakland Raiders have agreed to a three-year contract with free agent tight end Derek Carrier.

A person familiar with the deal says the sides agreed on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because signings can't become official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday. NFL Network first reported the deal.

Carrier originally signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2012 but didn't make the team. He has played 50 career games over five seasons with San Francisco Telvin Smith Jersey , Washington and the Rams. Carrier played for Raiders coach Jon Gruden's brother, Jay, in Washington and his protege, Sean McVay, with the Rams.

Carrier has 36 catches for 327 yards and one TD in his career. He caught eight passes for 71 yards last season.

The Raiders have several major holes they will look to fill in free agency starting this week as they try to rebound from a disappointing six-win season that led to the firing of coach Jack Del Rio and the move to bring Gruden back for a second stint as coach.

The most glaring spots for the Raiders are on defense Tyron Smith Jersey , where Oakland will be seeking a starting cornerback to pair with last year's first-round pick Gareon Conley. They must also decide whether to bring back middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman as a free agent or find a replacement elsewhere, and they need to upgrade the pass rush, especially at defensive tackle.

The Raiders also will likely be in the market for a receiver, a possible replacement for released former starting right tackle Marshall Newhouse, and a running back if they decide not to bring Marshawn Lynch back for a second season.

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