The woman who accused BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff of sexual assault has reportedly withdrawn her case.
Paperwork was filed to end the civil case on Monday, June 30, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported on Monday that both parties filed a joint motion for dismissal “upon the merits” of the lawsuit against Ratzlaff.
With a judge’s signature, the case will be officially resolved.
In the original filing, Retzlaff, 23, was accused of sexually assaulting the unnamed woman at his Provo, Utah home in November 2023.
The civil lawsuit was filed in May and sought damages in excess of $300,000.
Retzlaff’s attorneys filed a motion to have the lawsuit dismissed on Friday, June 27, alleging Retzlaff and the woman had a “normal evening of consensual sexual interaction.”
The quarterback denied the assault allegations throughout the legal process.
The lawsuit’s dismissal comes on the heels of Retzlaff telling his coaches and teammates he planned on leaving the BYU program, according to a Sunday, June 29, report in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Retzlaff was reportedly expecting a seven-game suspension for violating BYU’s strict Honor Code.
BYU, which is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has a strict set of guidelines for all employees and students. The Honor Code prohibits premarital sex and insists students ”live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman.”
“The Church Educational System (CES) Honor Code helps to accomplish the CES mission to build disciples of Jesus Christ,” the university’s website states. “As faculty, administration, staff, and students voluntarily commit to conduct their lives in accordance with the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they strive to maintain the highest standards in their personal conduct regarding honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others.”
The policy continues, “By accepting appointment, continuing in employment, being admitted, or continuing enrollment, each member of the campus communities personally commits to observe the CES Honor Code approved by the Board of Trustees.”
BYU faculty and students are also forced to abstain from “alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, marijuana, and other substance abuse” and must avoid using “profane and vulgar language.”
Retzlaff, who has one year of college eligibility left, will reveal his transfer destination “in the next few days,” according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
The quarterback helped lead BYU to a 11-2 record last season, including a 36-14 win over Colorado in December 2024’s Alamo Bowl. The Cougars finished the season ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press poll.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Read the full article here
