Months after the Dallas Police Department decided not to pursue charges, Dak Prescott has been cleared of all civil claims related to sexual assault allegations in a Collin County court. The allegations, initially made in 2017, have shadowed the star quarterback for years, but recent judicial and legal decisions have brought significant developments to the case.
A Protracted Legal Battle
The saga began in 2017 when Prescott was accused of sexual assault, a claim that came with a hefty demand—$100 million in exchange for silence. In March, the accuser officially reported the incident to the Dallas Police Department. However, the lack of evidence led Dallas police to conclude that the case did not hold up under scrutiny.
In an attempt to defend his name and reputation, Prescott filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser. As legal maneuvers unfolded, the accuser’s attorney dropped a lawsuit in Dallas County in April, only to file a similar claim in Collin County. By June, Judge Angela Tucker had dismissed these new claims, further weakening the accuser's position.
Legal Representatives Speak Out
Levi G. McCathern, Prescott’s attorney, commented on the exhaustive investigation, stating, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution." He has consistently described the allegations and subsequent legal actions as an extortion attempt, an opinion he reiterated: "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."
Prescott, too, has been vocal about the situation. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he said, underscoring his belief in the righteousness of his actions and the untruthful nature of the claims against him.
Prescott's Legal Counteroffensive
Determined to fight back, Prescott filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion. The accuser’s attorney had previously sent a letter in January suggesting she would drop the pursuit of criminal charges in return for $100 million, a move that further fueled Prescott's resolve to clear his name. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them," McCathern remarked, highlighting the broader implications of the false claims.
With a hearing scheduled for September, the legal tussle is far from over. This hearing will determine if additional legal action against the accuser is warranted. McCathern remains optimistic, stating, "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." The pursuit of justice continues as Prescott remains steadfast in his legal strategy.
Clearing His Name and Looking Forward
As the dust begins to settle on these allegations, Prescott is entering the final season of a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract in 2024. This legal victory is a significant step in restoring not only his career focus but also his public image. "To be clear, Mr. Prescott has never engaged in any nonconsensual, sexual conduct with anyone," McCathern emphasized. "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 to a baby girl, carries a sense of empathy for real victims of sexual assault. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern affirmed, further distinguishing the quarterback’s stance on the issue.
As the legal battles continue to unfold, the resolution of these allegations marks a pivotal moment for Prescott. Supported by a robust legal team and emboldened by recent judicial decisions, he aims to move forward, focusing on his career and personal life without the shadow of these accusations.