Months after Dallas police opted not to pursue charges in the sexual assault allegations against Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott, a Collin County judge has now dismissed all civil claims related to the case. The decision is the latest turn in a protracted legal saga that dates back to 2017.
The Origins of the Allegations
The accusations against Prescott surfaced in 2017 when he was accused of sexual assault. The situation escalated when the accuser initially sought a staggering $100 million to refrain from filing a police report. This demand eventually led to a criminal complaint filed with the Dallas Police Department in March of this year. Prescott responded by filing both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against his accuser, citing extortion.
Legal Maneuvering
After the initial lawsuit filed in Dallas County was dropped by the accuser’s attorney, a similar one was refiled in Collin County in April. However, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed these claims in June, echoing the Dallas Police Department's conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott.
"As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," said Levi G. McCathern, Prescott's attorney.
Prescott's Counteraction
Prescott has actively defended his reputation throughout the process. He filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing an extortion scheme targeting him. The accuser’s attorney sent a letter in January suggesting she would drop pursuit of criminal charges in exchange for $100 million, a move that has become central to the extortion claims.
"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.
Continuing Legal Battles
Despite Judge Tucker's dismissal, the legal battle isn't entirely over. Prescott's civil lawsuit and the accuser's extortion allegations are still clashing in civil court in Collin County. Further complicating the matter, the accuser's motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves open the possibility of refiling the case in Dallas County.
A hearing is scheduled for September to determine if additional legal action against the accuser is warranted, escalating the stakes as these contentious legal maneuvers unfold.
"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," McCathern remarked.
Prescott Speaks Out
Through it all, Prescott has maintained his innocence. Reflecting on the turmoil, he stated, "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed." His resolve remains firm as he navigates both legal challenges and the public scrutiny that accompanies such serious allegations.
"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.
Impact Beyond the Courtroom
The implications of this case reach beyond the individual parties involved. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them," McCathern pointed out, highlighting the broader social context.
Prescott, a new father, also expressed his empathy for real victims of sexual assault, recognizing the sensitivity and significance of such allegations.
"Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern revealed.
As Prescott heads into the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, the resolution of this legal matter remains a critical chapter in his career. With ongoing legal proceedings and the potential for further actions, this story continues to capture the attention of both the sports world and the public at large.