Months after the Dallas police opted not to pursue charges, a Collin County judge cleared Dak Prescott of all civil claims related to accusations of sexual assault. The allegations originated from a 2017 incident, where Prescott faced serious accusations threatening his personal and professional reputation. However, the legal journey took a significant turn as Judge Angela Tucker dismissed these claims in June, vindicating the professional quarterback.
The saga began when the accuser demanded a staggering $100 million in exchange for not involving law enforcement. This request set off a protracted legal battle, with the accuser filing a report with the Dallas Police Department in March. Subsequently, Prescott responded by initiating both a civil lawsuit and a criminal complaint against the accuser, asserting that the claims were part of an extortion attempt.
In a series of tactical legal moves, the accuser's attorney withdrew a lawsuit filed in Dallas County only to refile a similar suit in Collin County in April. Despite these efforts, the Collin County ruling effectively dismantled the accuser's claims 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, reflecting on the police and judicial review.
The Dallas Police Department concluded that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations. This determination aligned with Prescott’s unwavering stance on the issue. "I know the truth, I'm confident in what we filed, very confident in what we filed," Prescott commented, maintaining his innocence throughout the ordeal.
As the legal battles continue in civil court, Prescott has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million, citing extortion. Meanwhile, the accuser’s legal team has positioned their case to potentially re-emerge in Dallas County, leaving open the possibility for future legal confrontations. Despite these ongoing disputes, McCathern emphasized the malicious nature of the claims: "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."
Prescott’s legal strategy underscores his adamant defense against what he and his team perceive as baseless and harmful allegations. "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 stated firmly.
The harsh spotlight of such allegations has not swayed Prescott’s focus on his career or personal life. Entering the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, Prescott aims to concentrate on his responsibilities on and off the field. McCathern highlighted Prescott’s empathy, noting, "Mr. Prescott -- a new father to a baby girl -- has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault." Yet, the importance of distinguishing false allegations from legitimate claims cannot be overstated. "These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them," McCathern added.
The ongoing civil court battles will see Prescott and the accuser's lawsuits against each other play out in Collin County. Despite the legal wrangling, Prescott remains resolute in his stance of innocence and in his quest for justice. "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," remarked McCathern, reaffirming their belief in a favorable outcome.
A hearing is slated for September to decide if further legal action against the accuser is warranted. Amidst these proceedings, Prescott remains determined to clear his name fully and put an end to the controversy that has shadowed him for years. For now, the Collin County judge’s dismissal of the civil claims marks a pivotal victory for Prescott in his battle to protect his integrity.