BYU football’s starting QB facing sexual assault allegations
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is being sued in civil court over rape and assault accusations linked to a 2023 event. He has not been criminally charged.
Jake Retzlaff, the starting quarterback for BYU football, is at the center of a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday, where he is accused of serious misconduct.
The suit alleges Retzlaff raped, strangled, and assaulted a woman at his home in Provo in 2023, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Filed in Utah’s 4th District Court, the plaintiff is identified only as Jane Doe A.G.
As described in the court filings, the incident occurred on November 22, 2023. The two had met via social media and agreed to meet in person that evening.
They spent time with mutual acquaintances before going back to Retzlaff’s home to watch a movie. There, the complaint alleges, he ignored her protests, escalated physical contact, and ultimately assaulted her. She claims he strangled her until she blacked out and bit her several times.
Days later, she sought medical care. A sexual assault exam revealed multiple injuries, including a split lip, bruises on her neck, and thigh contusions. These injuries were officially documented.
At first, she did not name Retzlaff in her initial police report. She later identified him after discovering another allegation involving a BYU football player. She also claims a police officer discouraged her, saying, “sexual assault victims never get justice.”
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Retzlaff’s lawyer, Mark Baute, rejected the claims, stating his client is “factually innocent” and intends to fight the allegations. “We are certain the truth will come out, and we will seek justice in court,” said Baute.
Though the claims in the lawsuit are grave, no formal criminal charges have been filed. BYU released a short statement saying it treats these situations with gravity. The school is following Title IX guidelines and declined to elaborate, citing privacy laws (via Sports Illustrated).
Retzlaff transferred to BYU from Riverside City College and emerged as the starter in 2024. He led the Cougars to an 11-2 season and an Alamo Bowl appearance. He also became BYU’s first Jewish starting quarterback—an important milestone for the team.
The lawsuit demands damages for emotional and physical trauma. As the case progresses, BYU and the broader football world watch closely for further updates.
