Months of speculation and legal maneuvering have come to a significant conclusion for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. In a recent development, a Collin County judge cleared Prescott of all civil claims related to sexual assault allegations dating back to 2017. These claims had long hovered over Prescott, impacting both his professional and personal life.
Prescott first faced these serious allegations in 2017 when an accuser demanded $100 million in exchange for not reporting the matter to the police. The situation escalated when the accuser filed a report with the Dallas Police Department in March, reigniting public scrutiny. However, months later, the Dallas Police decided not to pursue the case, citing insufficient evidence.
Legal Battles Unfold
Faced with these serious accusations, Prescott took a proactive stance. He filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against his accuser, claiming extortion. Prescott’s legal team maintained that the allegations were part of a broader scheme to extort money from him. This was echoed by his attorney, Levi G. McCathern, who said, "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."
In April, the legal drama took another twist when the accuser’s attorney dropped a Dallas County lawsuit, only to file a similar one in Collin County. However, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser's claims in June, signaling a favorable turn for Prescott. Despite this, the accuser's attorney sent another letter in January, suggesting she would drop her pursuit of criminal charges if Prescott paid her $100 million—a move that Prescott’s team construed as further evidence of extortion.
Quotes from the Accused and His Legal Team
Prescott, whose calm demeanor has often been praised, remained composed throughout this ordeal. "I know the truth," Prescott said. "I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed."
His attorney, McCathern, reinforced this stance, emphasizing the thoroughness of the investigation. "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution." He also drew attention to the larger societal impact of false allegations. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
While Judge Tucker's dismissal of the claims was a significant victory for Prescott, the legal saga is far from over. Prescott has filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, accusing the claimant of extortion. This lawsuit continues to face off against the accuser’s claims in Collin County civil court.
A hearing is also scheduled for September to determine if further legal action against the accuser is warranted. Meanwhile, the accuser’s request for a "non-suit without prejudice" has left the door open for her to potentially refile the case in Dallas County, keeping Prescott in a prolonged state of legal uncertainty.
Impact on Prescott's Career
Amidst this legal battle, Prescott is set to enter the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. While this off-field drama has undoubtedly been a distraction, Prescott has expressed unwavering confidence in his innocence. "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 asserted.
Prescott, now a father to a baby girl, has shown great empathy towards actual survivors of sexual assault, according to McCathern. "Mr. Prescott—a new father to a baby girl—has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault." Despite the legal battles, Prescott has managed to remain focused on his football career, demonstrating resilience and professionalism both on and off the field.
As the September hearing approaches, Prescott and his legal team remain steadfast in their quest for justice and resolution. "We are confident that at the end of law enforcement's investigation into the extortion case, they will find the accuser and her attorneys just as guilty as Dak is innocent," McCathern concluded.
The outcome of this prolonged legal confrontation will have lasting implications for Prescott and could serve as a poignant example of the complexities athletes face in balancing their high-profile careers with personal controversies.