Months after Dallas police declined to proceed with any charges, a Collin County judge has now cleared Dak Prescott of all civil claims stemming from sexual assault allegations made against him. This significant development brings a new chapter to a legal saga that has entangled the NFL star since 2017.
Background of the Case
The origins of the allegations trace back to 2017 when Prescott faced accusations of sexual assault. The accuser initially sought an astonishing $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to the police. Despite the severe nature of the accusations, the Dallas Police Department later concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the claims. "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," remarked Levi G. McCathern, Prescott's attorney.
The accuser's pursuit of justice did not stop there. In March, she formally filed a report with the Dallas Police Department, which subsequently led Prescott to file both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against her, asserting extortion. The case took another twist in April when the accuser’s attorney dropped a Dallas County lawsuit only to file a similar one in Collin County.
Legal Maneuvers and Decisions
In June, a critical decision by Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims. Despite this dismissal, the ongoing legal battle remains contentious. Prescott further intensified his legal response with a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion. Notably, the accuser’s attorney had sent a letter suggesting she would drop the criminal charges in exchange for the $100 million, amplifying questions regarding her motives.
Levi G. McCathern did not mince words when discussing the accuser's actions, stating, "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 emphasized the broader societal implications, adding, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Looking Ahead
The legal conflict is far from over. A hearing is scheduled for September to determine if further legal action against the accuser is necessary. While Prescott is cleared of civil claims, both parties continue to wrestle in civil court in Collin County over the alleged extortion. Meanwhile, the accuser’s motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" keeps the possibility open for her to refile the case in Dallas County.
Personal Impact on Dak Prescott
Through this arduous legal journey, Prescott maintains his innocence. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he stated. Echoing this sentiment, McCathern said, "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."
Prescott, a new father, is keenly aware of the implications of such allegations. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern shared, highlighting the quarterback’s personal stake in ensuring justice is served on both fronts. "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."
As Prescott approaches the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, his focus on the field remains unwavering, despite the ongoing legal battles off it. With these recent developments, it appears Prescott is determined to clear his name completely and focus anew on his professional and personal life.