BYU QB JAKE RETZLAFF ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

Skyler Sorenson - May 22, 2025

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is facing a civil lawsuit filed Wednesday, in which a woman alleges he sexually assaulted her at his home on November 22, 2023.

Salt Lake Tribune/Trent Nelson 

According to the lawsuit, the two had been talking on social media for several weeks before meeting in person. There is said to be evidence that was gathered through a rape kit that was administered a few days after the incident. The woman is seeking damages for assault, battery, and emotional distress.

The Woman, Jane Doe A.G., initially did not name Retzlaff to police but later identified him after being informed that another complaint had been made involving a BYU football player. The lawsuit also claims an officer discouraged her from moving forward, telling her that “sexual assault victims never get justice.” As of now, Retzlaff has not been criminally charged.

The likely reason the incident was filed as a civil case was due to the “he said, she said” nature of the events. While there is no current criminal case filed against the Quarterback, if found guilty in the civil case, subsequent charges could be pursued in criminal court.

This also raises questions with Brigham Young University’s Honor Code. Even if the incident were to later be deemed consensual, Brigham Young’s Honor Code states that students should commit to “Live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman.” Consensual intercourse could lead to punishment within the University itself. Which could lead to suspension or dismissal from BYU’s football program.

On Wednesday, Jake Retzlaff’s attorney—Mark D. Baute—stated that, “I am counsel for Jake Retzlaff. I have met him, and he is a nice young man. He is also factually innocent, and we look forward to proving that innocence.  Jake’s focus this year will be on football. We don’t try cases in the media, we will respect the process and establish Jake’s innocence through the judicial system.”

Mark D. Baute has experience in sexual assault cases, most notably known for defending NBA player Derrick Rose in a 2016 sexual battery case.

As of today, May 22, 2025, there has been been no official trial date set for the civil lawsuit.

Our hearts go out to any sexual assault survivor. Sharing stories can help raise awareness, especially when supporting those who are still healing from traumatic experiences.