Months after Dallas police decided not to move forward with any charges, the legal battle surrounding Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott took a significant turn. A Collin County judge has now cleared Prescott of all civil claims related to the sexual assault allegations made against him, promising some relief for the star athlete.
Allegations and Legal Maneuvering
The allegations date back to 2017 when Prescott was accused of sexual assault. The accuser initially sought $100 million in exchange for not taking the matter to the police. This year, in March, she filed a report with the Dallas Police Department, which prompted Prescott to file both a civil lawsuit and a criminal report against her.
The accuser’s legal proceedings have been marked by inconsistency. In April, her attorney dropped a Dallas County lawsuit only to file a similar one in Collin County. Judge Angela Tucker ultimately dismissed her claims in June, marking a pivotal moment in the case.
Despite these aggressive legal maneuvers, the Dallas Police Department concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Prescott. "As we knew they would, they found nothing in their extensive exploration of the facts that would support a criminal prosecution," said Levi G. McCathern, Prescott’s attorney, praising the thorough investigation.
Prescott's Response and Counterclaims
Prescott did not stay silent amid the accusations. He responded by filing a civil lawsuit seeking over $1 million, citing extortion. This action followed a letter from the accuser's attorney in January, who suggested she would drop pursuit of criminal charges in return for $100 million.
Levi G. McCathern has been vocal in defending his client’s innocence and integrity throughout the process. "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. He also emphasized the broader impact, stating, "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them."
Current Status and Future Implications
While the judge has cleared Prescott of civil claims, the saga isn't entirely over. A hearing is scheduled for September to determine if legal action against the accuser is necessary. Prescott's lawsuit and the accuser's suit alleging extortion continue to go head-to-head in civil court in Collin County.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the accuser’s motion for a "non-suit without prejudice" leaves the door open for her to refile the case in Dallas County at a later date. Despite these legal battles, Prescott has remained steadfast and confident. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," he affirmed.
As he navigates these legal challenges, Prescott is also preparing for his professional future. He is entering the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024. Amidst these preparations, he has dismissed concerns that the lawsuits could impact his contract negotiations, stating, "Has nothing to do with it."
Reflection and Commitment
Beyond the legal intricacies, Prescott’s focus extends to a broader commitment to truth and justice. "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," McCathern shared, highlighting Prescott's personal stakes and integrity. He fervently believes that all perpetrators of such crimes should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Undoubtedly, this case has left its mark on all involved. McCathern envisions a conclusion steeped in justice, asserting, "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."
Through it all, Prescott and his legal team maintain a strong stance against what they view as an unfounded and opportunistic attack. "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 concluded.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding high-profile athletes and the impact of legal allegations on their careers and reputations. As Prescott readies for the upcoming season, his focus will undoubtedly be split between proving his prowess on the field and ensuring his name is cleared off it.