The lawsuit against BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who was accused of sexual assault, has reportedly been dropped. On Monday, the attorney representing Retzlaff and the woman who made the allegations submitted a joint motion to the 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City to dismiss the case.
This dismissal means that the plaintiff cannot refile the suit, citing reasons related to bias and the merits of her complaints against Retzlaff.
It appears Retzlaff had plans to transfer from BYU, and he faces potential suspensions for violating the university’s honor code, which prohibits premarital sex. Being a graduate student, he intends to play a full season before possibly entering the NFL Draft.
BYU is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where adherence to strict moral guidelines is expected. The Salt Lake Tribune notes that these rules demand students “live a chaste and integral life.”
Although he is not a Mormon, Retzlaff must follow the Honor Code as a BYU student. The woman, referred to as Jane Doe AG, had accused him of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed in May, claiming battery, assault, and intentional emotional distress based on encounters in his apartment.
Retzlaff, who is 22 years old, has not faced any criminal charges related to the case.
In her allegations, the woman claimed she met Retzlaff online and agreed to visit him to play video games. She asserted that he choked her and raped her when she tried to leave. However, in subsequent legal filings, Retzlaff denied these accusations, contending that their encounter was consensual.
His lawyer described the woman’s claims as “ridiculous” and entirely false, adding that Retzlaff did not know her for over a year prior to the incident.
Since the lawsuit has been dismissed, there is speculation regarding Retzlaff’s future as he prepares for possible NFL opportunities.
While the legal issues may be resolving, Retzlaff still faces suspension from BYU based on the honor code allegations.
It’s currently uncertain what team he may transfer to or which institutions are interested in recruiting him this year.
