Months after Dallas police decided not to press charges, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been cleared of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations made against him. These allegations, dating back to 2017, have been a significant point of contention and public scrutiny, but recent judicial developments mark a notable turn in Prescott's favor.
Allegations and Legal Maneuvering
In 2017, Prescott was accused of sexual assault, and the case has involved a series of legal back-and-forths ever since. The accuser initially sought a staggering $100 million in exchange for not bringing the matter to police authorities. This initial accusation set a tumultuous legal journey into motion, involving both civil and criminal litigation.
Significantly, the accuser filed a report with the Dallas Police Department in March, reigniting the case. Prescott responded by filing both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser, countering the allegations with claims of extortion. This legal strategy sought to turn the tables by challenging the credibility and intentions of the accuser.
Judicial Developments
Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims in June, a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings. Levi G. McCathern, Prescott's attorney, stated, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution." McCathern's comments reflect a strong confidence in the dismissal, framing the allegations as part of a broader extortion scheme.
Indeed, the Dallas Police Department concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott, further strengthening his position. Prescott has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, stating, "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed." His steadfast confidence has been a cornerstone of his public and legal defense.
Civil Lawsuits and Financial Demands
In the civil arena, Prescott filed a lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion. This lawsuit is a direct counter to the accuser's actions, who initially demanded $100 million for dropping the charges. The high financial stakes underscore the seriousness with which both parties have approached the case.
Furthermore, the accuser’s attorney initially dropped a lawsuit in Dallas County only to file a similar one in Collin County, illustrating the shifting legal landscape. A motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" was filed by the accuser, keeping the door open for refiling the case in Dallas County. The ongoing civil litigation ensures that the legal battles are far from over, with a hearing scheduled for September to determine if further legal action against the accuser is necessary.
Public Perception and Personal Impact
The public narrative surrounding the case has been complex, involving significant media coverage and public opinion. McCathern noted, "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." He added, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Prescott, a new father, has expressed empathy for survivors of sexual assault. McCathern conveyed, "Mr. Prescott—a new father to a baby girl—has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault." This personal note adds a layer of complexity to Prescott's public image, emphasizing his personal stakes in the case beyond the legal ramifications.
Looking Forward
While Prescott has been cleared of the civil claims, the broader legal and personal journey continues. The ongoing civil lawsuit and the prospect of further legal actions keep the situation fluid. McCathern remains confident, 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."
As Prescott approaches the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, the resolution of these legal challenges will undoubtedly have a significant impact on his career and personal life. For now, the dismissal of the civil claims provides a moment of relief but far from a complete resolution of the complex legal saga.