Months after the Dallas police decided not to move forward with any charges, Collin County Judge Angela Tucker has cleared NFL quarterback Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations made against him. The legal battle, which has seen numerous twists and turns, dates back to 2017 when Prescott was first accused of sexual assault.
The Initial Allegation
The case began with a stark accusation: in 2017, Prescott faced claims of sexual assault. It escalated when the accuser, seeking a substantial settlement, demanded $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to the police. This demand was eventually followed by a formal report filed with the Dallas Police Department in March, initiating an investigation.
Legal Maneuvers and Counterclaims
Prescott responded vigorously to the allegations. Not only did he file a criminal report against the accuser, but he also pursued a civil lawsuit. The legal wrangling continued as the accuser’s attorney dropped a lawsuit in Dallas County, only to refile a similar suit in Collin County in April.
Judge Tucker’s recent dismissal of the accuser’s claims in June came after intensive scrutiny by the Dallas Police Department, which concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott. Levi G. McCathern, Prescott’s attorney, emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation, stating, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution."
Allegations of Extortion
While the initial sexual assault claims have been dismissed, the legal saga is far from over. Prescott has filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, accusing the claimant of extortion. This claim is supported by evidence, including a letter sent by the accuser’s attorney in January suggesting that she would drop her pursuit of criminal charges in return for $100 million.
McCathern has been vocal about what he perceives as the malicious nature of the accusations: "The original lies by [the accuser], her team, and their recent failed attempt to sue him civilly are all just a continuation of their extortion plot against Dak." He further criticized these actions for distracting from the serious trauma experienced by legitimate sexual assault survivors, saying, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
A Continued Battle
The legal fray is set to continue, with a hearing scheduled for September to determine whether further legal action against the accuser is warranted. Meanwhile, the accuser’s motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" allows her the option to refile the case in Dallas County, indicating that the legal confrontations might persist.
Prescott remains steadfast amid the turmoil. Expressing his confidence, he stated, "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed." This assertion reflects his unwavering stance against the allegations and his commitment to defending his reputation.
Future Implications
As Dak Prescott approaches the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, the legal proceedings cast a significant shadow over his career. However, Prescott’s resolve to clear his name remains strong. McCathern reiterated Prescott’s position and empathy for actual assault survivors: "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault." He underscored Prescott’s innocence, stressing, "To be clear, Mr. Prescott has never engaged in any nonconsensual, sexual conduct with anyone. Lies hurt. Especially, malicious lies. We will not allow the Defendant and her legal team to profit from this attempt to extort millions from Mr. Prescott."
The coming months will be crucial in determining the outcome of the ongoing legal battles. What remains clear is Prescott’s determination to see justice served and to protect his legacy both on and off the field.