Months after the Dallas Police Department opted not to proceed with any charges, a Collin County judge has now exonerated Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations made against him. Prescott, the star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, has been embroiled in a legal battle that dates back to 2017 when he was first accused of sexual assault.
The accuser initially sought a staggering $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to law enforcement. In March, the accuser officially filed a report with the Dallas Police Department, prompting Prescott to take legal action himself. He filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser, alleging extortion.
In April, the situation took another turn when the accuser’s attorney dropped the lawsuit in Dallas County, only to file a similar claim in Collin County. However, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims in June, stating that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott. Consequently, the Dallas Police Department concluded their investigation, finding no basis for a criminal prosecution. Prescott has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.
Legal Manoeuvrings
The legal battle saw Prescott filing a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion. Notably, the accuser’s attorney sent a letter in January suggesting she would drop pursuit of criminal charges in return for $100 million, highlighting the extortionate demands placed on the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.
Levi G. McCathern, Prescott’s attorney, issued a scathing rebuke of the accusations and legal tactics used by the accuser. "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," McCathern stated. He went on to add, "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."
McCathern also expressed concern that such baseless allegations detract from the experiences of genuine 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."
Personal Impact and Public Perception
Prescott, who recently became a father, has been vocal about the toll the allegations have taken on him personally and professionally. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," Prescott said, maintaining his steadfast belief in his innocence.
Amidst the public scrutiny, Prescott's legal team has remained resolute. McCathern emphasized Prescott's empathy for actual sexual assault survivors and his unwavering stance against false accusations. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern noted, further adding, "We are confident that at the end of law enforcement's investigation into the extortion case that they will find the accuser and her attorneys just as guilty as Dak is innocent."
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Prescott's lawsuit and the accuser's suit alleging extortion continue to face off in civil court in Collin County. The accuser’s motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves the door open for her to refile the case in Dallas County, indicating that the legal saga is far from over.
Prescott, who is entering the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, is no stranger to pressure both on and off the field. However, the ongoing legal disputes have added an unexpected layer of complexity to his career. The scheduled hearing in September will determine whether further legal action against the accuser will be necessary, potentially extending the already protracted legal battle.
Levi G. McCathern wrapped up his statements by reiterating Prescott's innocence and condemning the accuser's actions. "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," McCathern declared.
As the courtroom drama continues to unfold, Prescott and his team remain steadfast in their defense, prepared to tackle each challenge head-on both in the courtroom and on the gridiron.