BYU QB Jake Retzlaff reportedly transferring in wake of honor code suspension stemming from sexual assault allegation
Content warning: This article contains depictions of alleged sexual assault.
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is anticipating a seven-game suspension from the school for an honor code violation in the wake of a sexual assault allegation against him, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
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Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Retzlaff intends to transfer in anticipation of the suspension. Retzlaff is a graduate student and has a single year of eligibility remaining.
Retzlaff has denied the allegation that was made in a lawsuit filed in May. He contends that he had consensual sex with his accuser, which appears to the the reason that he's facing a suspension from BYU, rather than the sexual assault allegation.
Per the SLT, engaging in consensual premarital sex is a violation of the honor code at BYU, which is run by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Students at BYU are subject to a strict honor code that prohibits premarital sex and instructs students to 'live a chaste and virtuous life." Retzlaff is not Mormon, but the honor code rules apply to all BYU students.
Other BYU athletes have faced lengthy honor code suspensions, including NFL running back Jamaal Williams, who missed the entire 2015 season when he was at BYU. Williams said said he told the Green Bay Packers in his pre-draft interview that "I had a girl in my room" when asked about why he missed 2015.
What Retzlaff is accused of
A Salt Lake County woman referred to as Jane Doe A.G. accused Retzlaff of sexual assault in a lawsuit that was filed in May. Per the lawsuit, Retzlaff's accuser alleges that Retzlaff sexually assaulted her in 2023 in his home. The lawsuit states that she consented to kissing while in Retzlaff's room but "did not want to do anything more." She accuses Retzlaff of forcibly raping her after she repeatedly told him "no" and to "stop."
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Per the lawsuit, Retzlaff's accuser reported the alleged sexual assault to police and underwent a rape kit. According to the lawsuit, she did not initially identify Retzlaff to police. Retzlaff does not face criminal charges.
The lawsuit seeks damages of at least $300,000 for alleged battery, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Retzlaff denied that he assaulted his accuser in a legal response filed Friday in Utah's 3rd District Court. He acknowledges that he had sex with his accuser as part of a 'normal evening of consensual sexual interaction.' His filing alleges that the accuser intends to "extort money from him" now that he's an NFL prospect.
News of Retzlaff's pending suspension arrives two days after he issued his court filing stating that he engaged in consensual sex.
Retzlaff transferred to BYU from Riverside City College in 2023 and was BYU's starting quarterback in 2024. He led the Cougars to an 11-2 season that concluded with an Alamo Bowl victory over Colorado. Retzlaff completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,947 yards (226.7 yards per game) on 8 yards per attempt with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
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