
- Big 12
- Locked On CFB
- Neutral Media
- YouTube
- + Show More
This is an automated post onto our collaborative platform by Locked On Big 12 from YouTube
If the video doesn't load/isn't available, you can watch HERE on YouTube
Find out how you can earn by sharing this content!
Here's an update on the situation:
Lawsuit Details: The lawsuit, filed by an anonymous plaintiff identified as Jane Doe A.G., alleges that the incident occurred in November 2023 at Retzlaff's home. The plaintiff claims that after she expressed a desire to stop, Retzlaff "raped, strangled, and bit" her, causing her to briefly lose consciousness. The lawsuit seeks damages greater than $300,000 for each of the three causes of action.
Amended Complaint: An amended complaint was filed on Thursday, May 22, 2025, by the plaintiff's attorney, Terence L. Rooney. According to legal experts, these changes were primarily "technical" and did not significantly alter the core allegations from the original complaint.
Provo Police Statement: The Provo Police Department issued a statement refuting claims made in the lawsuit that an officer discouraged the plaintiff from pursuing charges. Provo PD stated their records show a phone report was received in November 2023 from a woman with similar initials and account, but she declined to identify her abuser at the time, leading the case to be closed. They emphasize their team's dedication to supporting victims of sexual abuse and that their investigations regularly lead to criminal accountability.
No Criminal Charges (As of Latest Reports): As of the latest available information (late May 2025), no criminal charges have been filed against Jake Retzlaff by the Utah County Attorney's Office, which has jurisdiction over the alleged incident location. Legal experts suggest that the decision to pursue a civil lawsuit, rather than a criminal complaint, indicates prosecutors may have decided not to charge the case criminally.
Retzlaff's Response: Retzlaff's attorney, Mark Baute, has publicly stated that his client is "factually innocent" and that they intend to prove his innocence through the judicial system. Baute also indicated that Retzlaff's focus for the year remains on football.
BYU's Response: BYU leadership, including President C. Shane Reese, Athletic Director Brian Santiago, and Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake, have consistently referred to the university's initial statement from May 21. This statement confirmed BYU's awareness of the lawsuit, stated they take any allegation seriously, and are following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws, they have not provided further comment on Retzlaff's status or the ongoing legal matter.
Case Duration: Legal experts anticipate that if the civil lawsuit proceeds to trial, it could take "probably between a year and a half to two years" to resolve, potentially costing the Retzlaff family "tens of thousands of dollars," possibly approaching six figures if it goes to a jury trial.
Not Yet Served: As of May 23, 2025, Retzlaff had not yet been formally served with notice of the lawsuit. Once served, his attorneys would have 21 days to file a response.
The civil lawsuit is ongoing, and the legal process is expected to be lengthy.
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube
Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More
https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll
Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12