Accusation Against BYU QB Retzlaff Dismissed: What You Need to Know

A civil lawsuit against BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been dismissed, closing the case that was filed last month. The dismissal was agreed upon by both parties, and it’s unclear if either side will make further comments.

Retzlaff is now set to transfer from BYU amid a possible seven-game suspension for violating the school’s honor code after admitting to premarital sex during the legal proceedings. Reports indicate he has started informing coaches and teammates about his decision to leave.

While Retzlaff had been actively training with the team, they are now focusing on preparing backup quarterbacks McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier as they anticipate his absence.

The lawsuit alleges that Retzlaff raped the woman, who claims he strangled and bit her in November 2023. In his response, Retzlaff denied these allegations, asserting that their encounter was consensual. He mentioned that they exchanged friendly text messages after the incident, characterizing the lawsuit as an attempt at extortion based on his rising profile as a potential NFL player.

Both sides agree that they met through social media and that the woman visited Retzlaff’s apartment with a friend, where they played video games. After the friend left, the two began watching a movie, initiating some kissing. However, the lawsuit claims the woman tried to stop the progression of events, stating “no” and “wait.” The allegation states that Retzlaff then assaulted her.

The woman visited a hospital shortly after the incident, where a rape kit was conducted, but she initially did not disclose Retzlaff’s identity to the police.

No criminal charges have been filed against him. Following the lawsuit, BYU issued a statement emphasizing that it takes such allegations seriously and adheres to Title IX regulations, though it could not comment further due to privacy laws.

This isn’t the first instance of a BYU athlete facing serious repercussions for honor code violations tied to premarital sex. In 2011, basketball player Brandon Davies was dismissed from the team during a successful season, while running back Reno Mahe faced a suspension in 1999. Such incidents highlight the ongoing tension between sports culture and strict university codes.

Retzlaff, who started 13 games for BYU last season and led the team to an 11-2 record, is expected to enter the transfer portal soon. With 2,947 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions under his belt, he is likely to attract interest from other programs.

As the landscape of college sports continues to evolve, incidents like this raise important discussions about athlete conduct, campus regulations, and the handling of serious allegations.



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