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BYU Quarterback Jake Retzlaff Sued for Alleged Sexual Assault

A Salt Lake County woman has accused Retzlaff of rape and other non-consensual acts in a civil lawsuit filed in Utah, with no criminal charges currently filed.

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Oct 12, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) rolls out for a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the first quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images/File Photo
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
Jake Retzlaff #12 of the Brigham Young Cougars rushes the ball in the third quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The civil lawsuit alleges that Retzlaff sexually assaulted the woman at his Provo home in November 2023 after they connected on social media.
  • The woman claims Retzlaff ignored her verbal refusals, raped her, and engaged in acts of strangulation and biting, causing physical and emotional trauma.
  • The victim underwent a rape kit exam days after the incident and reported it to Provo police, initially withholding Retzlaff’s name due to fear and shock.
  • The lawsuit also accuses a Provo police officer of discouraging the victim from pursuing charges, allegedly stating that 'sexual assault victims never get justice.'
  • Retzlaff, BYU’s first Jewish starting quarterback, has not been criminally charged and has declined to comment, while BYU and Provo police have also remained silent.