2023 Civil Lawsuit: Allegations of Sexual Assault Against BYU Quarterback Jake Retzlaff

PROVO — BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff faces serious accusations in a civil lawsuit filed Wednesday. The suit claims he sexually assaulted a woman at his apartment in 2023.

The woman stated in the lawsuit that she and a friend visited Retzlaff to hang out and play video games. However, the night took a troubling turn when Retzlaff allegedly raped, strangled, and bit her. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed.

Retzlaff’s attorney, Mark Baute, asserted his client’s innocence. He said, "Jake is a nice young man and factually innocent. We will respect the judicial process and look forward to establishing his innocence." Meanwhile, BYU emphasized their commitment to addressing such allegations seriously, adhering to Title IX guidelines.

The incident is reported to have occurred on November 22, 2023. The woman met Retzlaff a month earlier through social media.

According to the lawsuit, after her friend left, the woman and Retzlaff watched a movie. When she declined to engage further, Retzlaff allegedly began to inappropriately touch her. The lawsuit claims that as she tried to resist, he became aggressive.

Fearing for her safety, the woman attempted to call for help but found her phone dead. In a frightening moment, she felt trapped when Retzlaff allegedly pushed her back onto the bed, preventing her from escaping.

The lawsuit also details allegations of physical violence. Retzlaff is accused of biting her lip during an aggressive kiss and then putting his hands around her neck, leading to further sexual assault.

After the incident, the woman went to a local hospital for a rape kit examination. Initially hesitant to speak with the police, she later revealed Retzlaff’s name when contacted about another complaint involving a football player.

She claims that officers advised her against pursuing the case, stating, "sexual assault victims never get justice." These statements echo systemic concerns documented in studies; a survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that many sexual violence victims feel unsupported and fear reporting the crime.

The lawsuit cites emotional distress, humiliation, and anxiety as lasting effects of the alleged assault. It seeks damages exceeding $300,000.

This situation raises important conversations around sexual violence awareness, legal processes, and victim support. Statistics indicate that one in five women experiences sexual assault during their college years, highlighting the urgency for universities to establish supportive environments for victims.

As this case unfolds, it sits at the intersection of sports, legal systems, and societal attitudes towards such serious allegations.

For further insights on Title IX guidelines and how universities respond to sexual assault allegations, you can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX page.

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