An attorney representing BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff denied the sexual assault allegations against his client, calling the claims made in a lawsuit last month “ridiculous and bizarre.”
A woman, identified as Jane Doe A.G., sued Retzlaff in May in Salt Lake County, Utah, alleging that he bit, raped and strangled her at his apartment in Provo in November 2023.
In his legal response filed on Friday with the Third Judicial District Court, Retzlaff’s lawyer said the pair engaged in consensual sex.
“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,” the attorney wrote in his legal filing with the Third Judicial District Court.
The response characterizes the lawsuit as an extortion attempt and claims that Retzlaff and his accuser exchanged lighthearted text messages through February 2024.
BYU released a statement after the lawsuit was filed.
“BYU became aware today that a civil lawsuit involving Jake Retzlaff had been filed this morning. The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment.”
Retzlaff, a California native who began his career playing for Riverside (Calif.) City College, transferred to BYU prior to the 2023 season. After starting the final four games in 2023, he won a training-camp battle to become the Cougars’ regular quarterback in 2024. He led them to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.
He finished the campaign with 2,947 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound redshirt senior had been expected to reprise his role this fall.
Friday’s court filing and its claim of consensual sex could impact Retzlaff’s eligibility at BYU. The school is operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has an honor code that prohibits premarital sex.
–Field Level Media
