Months after the Dallas police decided not to pursue any charges, a Collin County judge has cleared Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to sexual assault allegations made against him. This marks a significant turn in the case that dates back to 2017 when Prescott was accused of sexual assault in a situation that has seen numerous twists and turns.
The Timeline of Allegations
The allegations against Prescott made headlines when the accuser sought a staggering $100 million in exchange for not taking the matter to the police. In March, the accuser formally filed a report with the Dallas Police Department. In response, Prescott didn't just sit idly by. He proactively filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against his accuser, alleging extortion. The Dallas Police Department concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims against Prescott.
Legal Maneuvering
The legal battle saw several developments over the months. Initially, the accuser’s attorney dropped a Dallas County lawsuit, only to refile a similar one in Collin County. However, in June, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims in Collin County. Prescott, on his part, sought over $1 million in damages, citing extortion by the accuser.
"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. "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."
Ongoing Legal Battles
Despite the judge's dismissal, the legal wrangling is far from over. A hearing is scheduled for September to determine if further legal action against the accuser is necessary. Prescott's lawsuit and the accuser’s suit continue to go head-to-head in Collin County civil court. The accuser’s motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves the door open for her to refile the case in Dallas County.
Commenting on the situation, McCathern emphasized, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Prescott's Position
Throughout these turbulent times, Prescott has remained steadfast in his innocence. "I know the truth. I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," expressed Prescott, underscoring his belief in the legal process. Levi G. McCathern added, "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault."
Prescott and his legal team are confident that the extortion claim will eventually lead to justice. "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 stated.
Impact Beyond the Courtroom
While Prescott deals with these legal challenges, his professional life also stands in the balance. Entering the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, it's crucial for Prescott to stay focused on his career. The allegations have undoubtedly cast a shadow, but his determination and support system remain strong.
"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 firmly asserted.
Prescott’s ordeal serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and challenges that athletes can face beyond the sports arena. As this legal drama unfolds, the world watches on, hopeful that truth and justice will ultimately prevail.