Quarterback Jake Retzlaff to Leave BYU Football Program

Reports indicate that Jake Retzlaff, the BYU quarterback, plans to depart from the football program after he confessed to engaging in pre-marital sex, which violates the school’s honor code.

This news comes in the wake of a civil lawsuit that accuses Retzlaff of raping a woman at his home in Provo, Utah, in November 2023.

During a meeting last week, Retzlaff was informed he might face consequences for breaking the honor code. Following this, he shared his intentions to leave with several members of the football team.

He has already cleared out his lockers in the athlete building and is anticipated to publicly announce his transfer decision later this week, as reported by local news sources.

Although Retzlaff participated in summer training with the team, a lawsuit filed last month by a Utah woman alleges that he raped, strangled, and bit her during their encounter.

Retzlaff’s attorney firmly rejected these allegations in a legal response, stating that “Mr. Retzlaff specifically and explicitly denies all allegations that he was bitten, raped, or strangled.” The attorney also characterized the encounter as consensual.

Insiders mentioned that a settlement regarding the lawsuit is likely to be reached this week.

According to the lawsuit, the woman and some soccer players had connected via social media prior to the incident, leading them to spend time together that November. She arrived with a friend at Retzlaff’s home, where several of his friends were also present. After her friend left, Retzlaff and the woman began watching a movie and kissing.

The lawsuit details, “At one point they started kissing, but Jane Doe asserted that she didn’t want to go any further. Retzlaff, however, began to escalate the situation, and she was attempting to slow it down, saying ‘Wait.’ She was not willing to proceed sexually with him.”

In response to her objections, Retzlaff allegedly forced the situation, leading to accusations of rape. He has continued to deny these claims.

Originally from California, Retzlaff took over the starting quarterback role last season, throwing for 2,947 yards, along with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.