Months after the Dallas Police Department decided not to move forward with any charges, Dak Prescott has been cleared of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations made against him. This decision was handed down by a Collin County judge, providing the Dallas Cowboys quarterback a significant legal victory.
Initial Allegations
The allegations against Prescott date back to 2017 when he was accused of sexual assault by an unnamed accuser. According to the accuser, Prescott committed the assault, and she initially sought $100 million in exchange for not taking the matter to the police. Despite this, a report was ultimately filed with the Dallas Police Department this past March.
In response, Prescott chose to legally counteract. He filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against his accuser. The legal battle quickly moved across county lines. In April, the accuser’s attorney dropped a Dallas County lawsuit only to file a similar one in Collin County.
Judge's Ruling and Evidence
By June, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims. The Dallas Police Department had also concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott, backing this judicial decision. Levi G. McCathern, Prescott's attorney, commented on the thorough investigation, stating, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution."
Claims of Extortion
Prescott's legal team has maintained from the outset that the accusations were part of an extortion attempt. "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 asserted.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Despite the dismissal of the civil claims, the legal entanglements are far from over. Prescott had filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion, and the accuser’s legal team moved to drop pursuit of criminal charges in Dallas County with a non-suit without prejudice, leaving the door open for refiling. Additionally, the attorney for the accuser sent a letter in January suggesting the accuser would drop pursuit of criminal charges in return for $100 million. A hearing is scheduled for September to determine if further legal action against the accuser is necessary.
Statements from Prescott's Team
Throughout this ordeal, Prescott has maintained his confidence in his legal standing. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he stated. His attorney, McCathern, has also taken a strong public stance, criticizing the accuser’s actions as distractions from legitimate cases of sexual assault. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them," McCathern said.
Empathy for Actual Survivors
Prescott’s legal team has emphasized that the quarterback, who recently became a father, has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault, pivoting the narrative toward his character and community standing. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern remarked. He further added, "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."
Looking Ahead
Dak Prescott is entering the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024. As this chapter of legal woes seemingly nears a close, it's a pivotal time for Prescott, not only to prove himself on the field but also to distance himself from these serious allegations once and for all. In the words of McCathern, "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 situation underscores the complexities athletes face amid legal challenges, where public perception and career prospects can be heavily influenced by the outcomes of such battles. For Prescott, the court's recent ruling may finally allow for a return of focus to football and personal life, marking a significant step forward in a tumultuous period.