(BCSNN) — A civil lawsuit accusing BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff of sexual assault has been dismissed following a joint motion filed by attorneys representing both parties. The motion, approved Monday by Judge Coral Sanchez in Salt Lake City’s Third District Court, dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.
The decision comes just weeks after the lawsuit was filed in May, alleging that Retzlaff assaulted a woman in his Provo home in November 2023.
The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe A.G., claimed that Retzlaff forced her to perform sexual acts against her will after initially consenting to watch a movie and kiss. In her complaint, she alleged that Retzlaff ignored her repeated verbal refusals and physically assaulted her. Retzlaff, in a legal response filed Friday, denied all allegations and asserted that the encounter was consensual. He further claimed that the lawsuit was an attempt to extort money from him as he emerged as an NFL prospect.
No criminal charges were filed in connection with the incident, though the woman reportedly underwent a rape kit examination and submitted photographic evidence of injuries. The dismissal of the civil case does not imply guilt or innocence but ends the legal proceedings between the two parties. Neither side has publicly commented on the reasons behind the joint dismissal.
Despite the legal resolution, Retzlaff faces a separate issue with BYU’s honor code, which prohibits premarital sex. In his legal response, Retzlaff admitted to engaging in consensual sexual activity, prompting the university to reportedly issue a seven-game suspension. BYU, operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enforces a strict code of conduct for all students, regardless of religious affiliation.
As a result of the suspension and surrounding controversy, Retzlaff has informed teammates and coaches of his intention to transfer. Sources close to the program indicate that he is eyeing a move to a “top-10” football program, though no official destination has been announced. Retzlaff had been participating in summer workouts with the Cougars before the team’s break on July 7.
Retzlaff, a redshirt senior, transferred to BYU in 2023 and started several games during the 2024 season. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, he threw for 1,258 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 185 yards and three scores. His departure leaves BYU with a reshuffled quarterback depth chart, with McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier expected to compete for the starting role.
The university has not issued a new statement since the lawsuit’s dismissal but previously emphasized its commitment to Title IX compliance and student safety. “The university takes any allegation very seriously,” BYU said in a prior release. “Due to federal and university privacy laws, we are limited in what we can share.”
As Retzlaff seeks a fresh start, the case underscores the complex intersection of legal proceedings, institutional values, and athletic careers. For BYU, the situation presents both a reputational challenge and an opportunity to reinforce its standards amid the evolving landscape of college athletics.
