Prescott Cleared of Civil Claims Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Months after Dallas police opted not to pursue charges, a Collin County judge has cleared Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to the 2017 sexual assault allegations against him. The resolution comes after a tumultuous period characterized by legal battles and public scrutiny.
The allegations against Prescott date back to 2017 when he was accused of sexual assault. The accuser initially sought $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to the police. Despite this demand, in March of this year, the accuser filed a report with the Dallas Police Department, reigniting the case.
Prescott responded by filing both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser, accusing her of extortion. "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," said Prescott's attorney, Levi G. McCathern.
Legal Maneuvers and Court Rulings
In April, the accuser’s attorney dropped a Dallas County lawsuit but filed a similar one in Collin County. However, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims in June, ruling in favor of Prescott. The Dallas Police Department concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against him. "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," McCathern noted.
Prescott has maintained his innocence throughout, showing confidence in the legal process. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," Prescott declared. His attorney added, "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 Actions
While Prescott has been cleared of all civil claims in Collin County, the legal saga isn't entirely over. The accuser's attorney sent a letter in January suggesting she would drop pursuit of criminal charges in return for $100 million. Prescott has filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion. "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 asserted.
A hearing is scheduled for September to determine if further legal action against the accuser is necessary. The accuser’s motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves the door open for her to refile the case in Dallas County, ensuring that this legal battle could potentially continue.
Impact on Prescott
Prescott, who is entering the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, has expressed empathy for legitimate survivors of sexual assault. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern said. The narrative being spun around Prescott and its implications have not only been a personal challenge but also a public test of his resolve and character. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them," added McCathern.
The saga continues to be a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in legal disputes, especially those with such severe implications for all parties involved. However, for now, Prescott stands legally vindicated, free to focus on his professional and personal life as he prepares for the upcoming NFL season.