Recent news regarding BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff involves a civil lawsuit filed on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman in November 2023.  

According to the lawsuit, which was filed in 3rd District Court by a woman from Salt Lake County, the incident allegedly occurred at Retzlaff's home. The lawsuit claims that the woman and a friend went to Retzlaff's apartment to hang out and play video games. After her friend left, the woman states that Retzlaff "raped, strangled, and bit" her.  

The lawsuit alleges that after she and Retzlaff began kissing, she "did not want to do anything more," but Retzlaff continued to "escalate" the situation, inappropriately touching her and causing her pain. She claims her reaction made Retzlaff angry and he "started to shout at her." The woman tried to call someone but her phone was dead, so she plugged it in and waited for it to charge. The lawsuit states that when she tried to leave after Retzlaff briefly fell asleep, he woke up, pushed her back onto the bed, and continued to forcefully kiss and touch her. She alleges he bit her lip, leaving a cut, and then "put his hands around her neck" before sexually assaulting her.  

The woman reportedly went to a local hospital days later for a rape kit examination. She also reported the incident to the Provo Police Department, but initially did not name Retzlaff due to fear. She later identified him after a Provo police officer contacted her, stating that "someone else filed a complaint against a football player and the police wanted to see if it was the same person."

As of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, no criminal charges have been filed against Retzlaff.

Retzlaff's attorney, Mark Baute, issued a statement in response to the lawsuit, asserting his client's innocence. Baute stated, "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."  

The lawsuit accuses Retzlaff of battery, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and seeks damages greater than $300,000 for each count.

Jake Retzlaff is a key player for BYU, having started all 13 games for the Cougars in 2024, leading them to an 11-2 record.  

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