In a significant turn of events, a Collin County judge has cleared Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations that initially surfaced in 2017. This decision comes months after the Dallas police chose not to pursue any charges against the prominent NFL quarterback.
The allegations, dating back to 2017, emerged when Prescott was accused of sexual assault. The accuser had originally demanded $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to law enforcement. In March, this individual proceeded to file a report with the Dallas Police Department, prompting Prescott to take legal action by filing both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser.
By April, the accuser’s attorney had dropped a lawsuit in Dallas County, only to refile a similar suit in Collin County. In June, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed these claims, affirming the Dallas Police Department’s earlier conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to support the accusations against Prescott.
"As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," Levi G. McCathern, Prescott's attorney, commented.
The complex legal battle has seen Prescott not only defending himself but also actively pursuing justice against what he perceives to be an attempt to tarnish his reputation. Prescott filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, alleging extortion. This claim is grounded in a letter the accuser’s attorney sent in January, suggesting the criminal pursuit would be dropped in exchange for $100 million.
"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.
The ongoing litigation reflects broader implications on the perceptions and challenges surrounding sexual assault claims. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them," McCathern stated.
Prescott himself has remained steadfast throughout the ordeal. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he said, expressing his assurance in the legal process.
As this civil dispute continues, a hearing is scheduled for September to ascertain whether further legal action against the accuser is warranted. Meanwhile, Prescott's lawsuit and the accuser's allegations remain locked in a contentious battle within the Collin County civil courts.
"Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern noted, underscoring Prescott's personal circumstances and his broader stance on the issue.
McCathern also highlighted the damage caused by what he described as malicious lies. "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."
As Prescott prepares for the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, the legal proceedings have undeniably cast a shadow over his professional journey. Yet, his legal team remains confident. "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 concluded.
These developments mark another chapter in an intricate legal saga that continues to unfold in the public eye, with significant implications for all parties involved.