Judge Clears Dak Prescott of Civil Claims Related to 2017 Sexual Assault Allegations
In a significant legal victory, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been cleared of all civil claims related to a 2017 sexual assault allegation. The resolution comes months after the Dallas police decided not to pursue any charges due to insufficient evidence.
The allegations against Prescott date back to 2017, when an unnamed accuser sought $100 million in exchange for not proceeding with a police report. The accuser eventually filed a report with the Dallas Police Department in March, which subsequently triggered a series of legal battles. Prescott countered by filing both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report, accusing the plaintiff of extortion—a charge his legal team has firmly supported throughout the case.
In April, the accuser’s legal team initially dropped their lawsuit in Dallas County, only to refile a similar case in Collin County. However, in June, Collin County Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the claims, providing a notable legal triumph for Prescott.
Levi G. McCathern, Prescott’s attorney, voiced his satisfaction with the ruling, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution." He further criticized the actions of the accuser and her legal team by saying, "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."
The Dallas Police Department's investigation concluded with insufficient evidence to support the claims against Prescott, further strengthening his position in the ongoing legal saga. Adding to the complexity, Prescott has also filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion as the motive behind the allegations made against him. Earlier this year, the accuser’s attorney sent a letter proposing to drop criminal charges in exchange for a staggering $100 million, a proposal seen by Prescott’s team as a clear indication of extortion.
Despite the judge's decision, a September hearing is still scheduled to determine if further legal action against the accuser is necessary. In the meantime, the civil lawsuits from both parties continue to be contested in Collin County.
Speaking on Prescott’s behalf, McCathern emphasized the detrimental impact false claims can have on genuine survivors, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Prescott himself remains resolute amidst the turmoil, stating, "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed." He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, "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."
This legal battle unfolds as Prescott prepares to enter the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024. Despite the off-field distractions, Prescott’s focus remains on his professional responsibilities and supporting sexual assault survivors. His attorney added, "Mr. Prescott—a new father to a baby girl—has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault."
The allegations and ongoing lawsuits have undoubtedly cast a shadow over Prescott’s career, but 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 stated.
The accuser's motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" suggests that the legal battle may not be entirely over, leaving the door open for potential refiling of the case in Dallas County. Until then, both Prescott’s extortion suit and the accuser’s suit remain in play, with future court dates likely keeping the matter in the public eye.
While the court rulings so far have favored Prescott, the legal situation remains fluid. As this case develops, its impacts on Prescott’s reputation and career—both on and off the field—will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.