Major update in sexual assault case against BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is reportedly expected to leave the school after he admitted violating BYU's ban on premarital sex.
Retzlaff is currently fighting a sexual assault lawsuit, with the quarterback denying allegations that he 'bit, raped or strangled' a woman in November 2023.
The 22-year-old is BYU's first ever Jewish quarterback but, according to the Salt Lake Tribune, he is now likely to leave the program.
BYU is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and both students and employees are expected follow a strict Honor Code.
Among the rules is a ban on sex before marriage, with students ordered to 'live a chaste and virtuous life'.
Retzlaff has denied the allegations of sexual assault, but he admitted on Friday that he had 'consensual' sex with the woman, who has been identified only as 'Jane Doe A.G.'
Jane Doe's lawsuit states she did not immediately disclose Retzlaff's name to Provo police, but later informed them that it was the BYU quarterback, only to be told victims 'never get justice'
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Retzlaff is expecting to be hit with a seven-game suspension for violating the school's Honor Code.
That would rule him out of more than half of the 2025 season and so the quarterback is reportledy expected find another school to continue his college career.
'Jane Doe' is seeking $300,000 in damages over the alleged sexual assault.
The lawsuit, filed in Utah in late May and obtained by Daily Mail, also claims Provo cops encouraged the woman to remain silent, allegedly telling her: 'Sexual assault victims never get justice.'
But representatives for the quarterback hit back earlier this week, branding the allegations 'ridiculous and bizarre' as well as 'false and untrue'.
'Mr. Retzlaff specifically and categorically denies each and every and all allegations that he bit, raped or strangled [the woman], which are ridiculous and bizarre allegations, all of which are false and untrue.'
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