Months after Dallas police decided not to pursue any charges, a Collin County judge has exonerated Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to sexual assault allegations made against him. The allegations stretch back to 2017, eliciting a host of legal maneuvers and public statements from both sides. However, the recent decision has set a significant milestone in this extended legal battle.
The Allegations and Initial Legal Steps
In 2017, Prescott found himself accused of sexual assault, an allegation that would eventually lead to years of legal wrangling. Complicating matters, the accuser initially sought a $100 million settlement in a move perceived as an attempt to avoid escalating the situation to law enforcement. This demand was followed by the accuser filing a report with the Dallas Police Department in March.
Determined to clear his name, Prescott responded forcefully. He not only filed a civil lawsuit but also lodged a criminal report against the accuser, who countered by dropping a Dallas County lawsuit only to refile with similar claims in Collin County.
Judicial Rulings and Legal Manoeuvres
In a key development, Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims in June, marking a significant victory for Prescott. The Dallas Police Department also concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations, further reinforcing Prescott's stance. Levi G. McCathern, Prescott's attorney, stressed the comprehensive nature of the investigation, stating, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution."
Prescott’s civil lawsuit, seeking over $1 million for what he described as extortion, remains active. "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," McCathern asserted.
Emotional and Public Repercussions
The saga affects not only Prescott’s professional life but also touches on societal issues. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them," emphasized McCathern.
Prescott's Stance and Future Proceedings
Although relieved by the judicial decisions, Prescott remains committed to proving his innocence and seeking justice. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he stated. Prescott and his legal team express optimism about the ongoing civil cases and potential criminal findings against the accuser, “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 said.
Meanwhile, a hearing is scheduled for September to determine if further legal action against the accuser is warranted. The accuser's motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" still leaves the door open for her to refile the case in Dallas County, implying that the legal skirmish may not be entirely over.
Beyond the Courtroom
As Prescott navigates these legal challenges, he is also focusing on his professional career. Entering the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, Prescott remains a pivotal figure for his team and fans. Sharing a personal note through his attorney, McCathern remarked, "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault."
The extensive legal battle has undoubtedly been taxing, but Prescott remains unwavering. McCathern made it clear, "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."
While the road ahead includes possible further legal entanglements, the recent judicial ruling and police findings serve as crucial affirmations of Prescott's stance. What remains clear is Prescott’s determination to fight for his reputation, both in and out of court, continuing to assert the truth he believes in.