Prescott Cleared of Civil Claims in Sexual Assault Allegations
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been exonerated of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations that haunted him for years. The recent developments come months after the Dallas Police Department concluded its investigation, deciding not to move forward with any charges. Prescott can now find solace in a Collin County judge's decision to clear him of the sexual assault allegations dating back to 2017.
In a saga that has played out both in the courtroom and in the public eye, the accuser initially sought a staggering $100 million in exchange for not taking the matter to the police. Despite the hefty demand, the case saw numerous legal twists and turns. The accuser filed a report with the Dallas Police Department in March of this year, reigniting the media frenzy surrounding the case.
The quarterback, known for his resilience on the field, showed similar resolve off the field. Prescott filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against his accuser, accusing her of orchestrating an extortion plot. Supporting his stance, Prescott's attorney, Levi G. McCathern, vehemently denied the allegations. "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," McCathern stated, emphasizing the lack of evidence against Prescott.
The legal back-and-forth took another turn in April, when the accuser's attorney dropped a Dallas County lawsuit, only to file a similar one in Collin County. However, this move too was thwarted when Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the claims in June, reinforcing Prescott's defense. "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," added McCathern.
Prescott, maintaining his innocence throughout, expressed his confidence in the legal process. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," Prescott conveyed, standing firm against the accusations.
The allegations not only jeopardized Prescott's career but also cast a shadow over his personal life. In January, the accuser's attorney sent a letter suggesting she would drop pursuit of criminal charges in return for $100 million. This blatant attempt at extortion prompted Prescott to file a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million in damages. "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 emphasized.
The Dallas Police Department concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott, effectively closing the chapter on the criminal side of the case. Nonetheless, the civil battle continues in Collin County, where Prescott's lawsuit is set against the accuser's counterclaims of extortion. A hearing is scheduled for September to determine whether further legal action against the accuser is warranted.
The accuser's motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves the door open for her to refile the case in Dallas County, keeping the legal conflict alive. "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," said McCathern, reinforcing Prescott's unwavering stance.
With a new chapter in his professional and personal life, Prescott is looking ahead to the 2024 season, the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract. Despite the tumultuous events, Prescott remains focused on his role as a key player for the Cowboys and a new father to a baby girl. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern noted, acknowledging the broader societal implications of the case. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
As Prescott aims to move past these allegations and concentrate on his football career, the legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the complexities athletes face both on and off the field.