A sexual assault lawsuit filed against BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been dismissed by mutual agreement between both parties.
On Monday, attorneys for Retzlaff and the woman who accused him—identified in court documents as Jane Doe A.G.—filed a joint motion in Salt Lake City’s 3rd District Court to dismiss the case with prejudice. This legal term means the lawsuit is closed permanently and cannot be refiled. The dismissal comes after a turbulent few weeks for Retzlaff, who reportedly now plans to transfer from BYU following news of a school-imposed suspension.
Lawsuit Background and Legal Response
Filed in May, the lawsuit alleged that Retzlaff sexually assaulted the plaintiff in his home in 2023. According to the complaint, the woman consented to kissing but made it clear she did not want to go further. She claimed that Retzlaff ignored her repeated refusals and forcibly raped her.
The woman reported the incident to police, underwent a rape kit, and submitted photographic evidence of her injuries. However, she did not initially identify Retzlaff by name to authorities, and no criminal charges were ever filed.
In his legal response submitted last Friday, Retzlaff denied all allegations of assault, asserting instead that the encounter was consensual. His legal team described the night as a “normal evening of consensual sexual interaction.” The response also claimed that the accuser maintained contact with Retzlaff for months following the incident and accused her of attempting to extort him financially, seeking at least $300,000 in damages.
Honor Code Violation Sparks Suspension
Despite the lawsuit’s dismissal, Retzlaff is now facing a reported seven-game suspension from BYU—not for the assault allegations, but for violating the university’s honor code. In his legal filing, Retzlaff admitted to engaging in consensual premarital sex, which violates BYU’s strict student code of conduct.
BYU, owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, requires all students to abide by a moral code that prohibits premarital sexual activity regardless of religious affiliation. Retzlaff is not a member of the LDS Church, but the rules apply to all students equally.
The university acknowledged the lawsuit when it was first filed, stating:
“The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment.”
Retzlaff would not be the first BYU athlete suspended over an honor code violation. In 2015, running back Jamaal Williams missed an entire season, later telling NFL teams during the draft process that it was due to having a woman in his dorm room. Similarly, in 2011, basketball star Brandon Davies was dismissed from the team while it was ranked No. 3 nationally for a similar violation.
Retzlaff to Enter Transfer Portal
With one year of NCAA eligibility remaining, Retzlaff has reportedly informed his teammates and coaches of his decision to transfer and is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal soon.
Before the suspension news, Retzlaff had been participating in summer workouts with BYU and intended to start in the upcoming season. His time with the Cougars began in 2023 after transferring from Riverside City College. He served as a backup his first year before taking over as starting quarterback in 2024.
During the 2024 season, Retzlaff led BYU to an impressive 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado. He completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,947 yards, throwing 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with an average of 8.0 yards per attempt.
Retzlaff’s next move remains uncertain, but he is expected to draw interest from other programs given his on-field performance—though the surrounding controversy may complicate his transfer process.
