Months after the Dallas Police Department decided not to pursue charges, a Collin County judge has now exonerated Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to sexual assault allegations brought against him.
Background of Allegations
The accusations stem from an incident in 2017, where Prescott faced allegations of sexual assault. The accuser initially sought a staggering $100 million in exchange for not going to the police. Fast forward to March, and the accuser filed an official report with the Dallas Police Department. In a bid to fight what he deemed unsubstantiated claims, Prescott filed both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against the accuser.
Legal Battles and Court Decisions
In April, the accuser’s attorney withdrew a lawsuit in Dallas County, only to refile a similar suit in Collin County. Judge Angela Tucker dismissed the accuser’s claims in June, supporting the earlier decision by the Dallas Police Department that found insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations against Prescott. Addressing the outcome, Prescott’s attorney, Levi G. McCathern, stated, "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution."
Prescott proceeded with a civil lawsuit seeking more than $1 million, accusing the plaintiff of extortion. McCathern has been vocal in condemning the efforts against Prescott, asserting, "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 that such actions detract from the trauma experienced by genuine survivors of sexual assault, stating, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
While Judge Tucker’s dismissal cleared Prescott of civil claims, a hearing is listed for September to determine if legal action against the accuser is warranted. Prescott's civil lawsuit and the accuser's lawsuit alleging extortion remain active in Collin County's civil court. The attorney for the accuser has left the door open to refile the case in Dallas County by submitting a motion for a "non-suit without prejudice."
Prescott's Response and Future Outlook
Through it all, Prescott has maintained his innocence, emphasizing his belief in the judicial process. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," Prescott remarked. His attorney echoed this sentiment, highlighting Prescott's empathy, particularly as a new father to a baby girl, and commitment to seeking justice. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault. 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 declared.
As Prescott is set to enter the final season of a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, his legal battles continue to command as much attention as his imminent return to the field. McCathern expressed confidence in the ongoing investigations, stating, "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."
With both legal proceedings still underway, Prescott remains focused on clearing his name and maintaining his reputation off the field as steadfastly as he performs on it.