BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff accused of sexual assault in civil lawsuit filed by Utah woman

Jake Retzlaff, the starting quarterback for Brigham Young University (BYU), is facing serious allegations in a newly filed civil lawsuit that accuses him of rape, strangulation, and battery during an alleged incident in November 2023.

The suit, filed Wednesday in Utah state court by a woman identified as Jane Doe A.G., also claims local law enforcement discouraged her from seeking justice after she came forward with her accusations.

According to the lawsuit, the woman met Retzlaff via social media in October 2023. After exchanging messages for several weeks, she accepted an invitation to visit his home around November 22. When she arrived with a friend, others, including Retzlaff's teammates, were also present.

Eventually, the woman was left alone with Retzlaff, at which point the alleged assault took place.

Graphic claims of assault and disturbing police response

The complaint states that while the two began kissing, the woman did not consent to any further sexual activity. "Retzlaff began escalating the situation ... and Jane Doe A.G. tried to de-escalate the situation and attempted to slow things down, trying to pull away, and saying 'wait.' She did not want to do anything sexual with him," the lawsuit says.

Despite repeatedly saying "no" and "stop," Retzlaff allegedly overpowered her, placing his hands around her neck and forcing intercourse. The woman claims the pain and trauma caused her to lose consciousness.

"It hurt so bad and caused so much pain that Jane Doe A.G. ed out. Jane Doe A.G. re tears rolling down her face as she fought to breathe," the lawsuit reads.

Days later, she went to a hospital where a rape kit was performed and photographs of her injuries were taken. The woman then spoke with the Provo Police Department, though she initially withheld Retzlaff's identity.

According to the lawsuit, officers later ed her regarding a similar complaint against a football player. When she confirmed Retzlaff was the alleged perpetrator, she was reportedly told not to pursue the case.

"At that point Jane Doe A.G. shared Retzlaff's name, and the Provo police then encouraged her not to do anything because, as they claimed, 'sexual assault victims never get justice,'" the lawsuit alleges.

Retzlaff's legal team has denied the accusations. His attorney, Mark Baute, said in a public statement, "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." He added, "We look forward to proving that innocence."

BYU acknowledged the lawsuit in a separate statement, saying, "The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX." BYU cited federal privacy regulations in declining further comment.

Retzlaff transferred to BYU from Riverside City College in California and became the Cougars' starting quarterback late in the 2023 season. He was named a team captain ahead of the 2024 campaign. As of now, neither the Provo Police nor the university has confirmed whether an internal investigation is ongoing.

The civil case remains active, and no criminal charges have been announced.