Months after the Dallas Police Department decided not to proceed with any charges, a Collin County judge has cleared Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to longstanding sexual assault allegations.
The accusations against Prescott date back to 2017, and they have cast a shadow over the career of the star quarterback. The accuser initially sought a staggering $100 million from Prescott, threatening to take the matter to the police if her demand wasn't met. Subsequent to this, in March, the accuser filed an official report with the Dallas Police Department.
In response to these events, Prescott took decisive action by filing both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against his accuser, accusing her of extortion. The complexity of the legal battle intensified when the accuser’s attorney withdrew a Dallas County lawsuit in April, only to refile a similar one in Collin County. Despite these maneuvers, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the claims against Prescott in June, a significant legal victory for the quarterback.
The Dallas Police Department, after conducting an extensive investigation, determined there was insufficient evidence to support the accusations against Prescott. This conclusion echoed the sentiments of Prescott's attorney, Levi G. McCathern, who stated, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution." McCathern didn't mince words in his criticism of the accuser’s actions, labelling the series of allegations and lawsuits as part of an "extortion plot" against Prescott.
Prescott, who has staunchly maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million from the accuser. His complaint is grounded in accusations of extortion, a serious charge that underscores the contentious nature of the case. The stakes remain high as both Prescott's lawsuit and the accuser's counterclaims of extortion continue to clash in civil court in Collin County.
In January, the accuser's attorney attempted another legal maneuver by sending a letter proposing to drop the criminal charges in exchange for $100 million, a clear indication of the extortion allegations Prescott has faced. McCathern expressed frustration not only for his client but also for the wider implications of the case, noting that such actions "distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Prescott, who is entering the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, has tried to keep his focus on his professional commitments amid the ongoing legal dramas. He expressed his confidence and resolve, stating, "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed." The quarterback’s determination to clear his name and challenge the accusations head-on has been evident throughout the proceedings.
On the other side, the accuser’s legal team’s recent motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" in Collin County indicates their tactic to potentially refile the case in Dallas County. This move leaves the door open for the allegations to resurface, prolonging the legal battles and uncertainty for all parties involved. A critical hearing is scheduled for September, where it will be determined whether further legal action against the accuser is necessary.
Prescott’s attorney emphasized his client’s stance, reiterating that Prescott has never been involved in any non-consensual sexual activities. McCathern stated, "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."
For Prescott, the ongoing ordeal has been more than just a legal struggle. As a new father, he has expressed profound empathy for survivors of sexual assault, a sentiment his attorney echoed by affirming, "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault." Despite the turbulence, Prescott remains resolute in seeking justice and closure on an issue that has weighed heavily on his professional and personal life.
The resolution of these legal battles will be closely watched, as it not only impacts Prescott's career and personal reputation but also highlights broader issues concerning the handling of sexual assault allegations and the potential misuse of legal avenues for personal gain. As the case unfolds, Prescott continues to defend his innocence and fight against what he and his legal team assert to be a concerted plot to extort him for millions. The sports world will undoubtedly scrutinize each development as this high-profile case moves forward.