BYU Quarterback Jake Retzlaff Accused of Sexual Assault in Civil Lawsuit

Brigham Young University (BYU) quarterback Jake Retzlaff is facing serious allegations after a Utah woman filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of rape, strangulation, and battery. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe A.G., claims the incident occurred in November 2023 at Retzlaff’s residence in Provo, Utah, following their initial interaction on social media.

Details of the Alleged Incident

According to the lawsuit, after meeting online, Retzlaff invited the woman to his home. She alleges that during the visit, he forcibly assaulted her, ignoring her protests and causing her to lose consciousness due to the pain. The woman later underwent a forensic examination, which documented injuries consistent with her account.

Police Response Under Scrutiny

The lawsuit also accuses the Provo Police Department of discouraging the woman from pursuing criminal charges, allegedly stating that “sexual assault victims never get justice.” The department has denied these claims, asserting that their investigators and victim advocates acted in accordance with protocols and that the case could not proceed due to a lack of actionable information at the time.

Retzlaff’s Legal Representation Responds

Retzlaff’s attorney, Mark Baute, has declared his client “factually innocent” and emphasized the intent to prove this in court. Baute stated, “Jake’s focus this year will be on football. We don’t try cases in the media; we will respect the process and establish Jake’s innocence through the judicial system.

BYU’s Statement on the Matter

BYU has acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit and stated that it will follow Title IX protocols. The university declined further comment due to privacy laws.

Broader Implications and Community Reaction

The case has sparked discussions about how sexual assault allegations are handled, particularly involving high-profile individuals. Former BYU student and sexual assault survivor Madeline MacDonald shared her own experience, highlighting concerns about the response of authorities to such allegations. As the lawsuit progresses, it brings to light serious allegations against a prominent college athlete and raises questions about institutional responses to sexual assault claims. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for how such cases are addressed in the future.

Written By Fortune Davidson