Jake Retzlaff throws the ball during a college football game.
Brigham Young University (BYU) quarterback Jake Retzlaff is facing serious legal allegations following the filing of a civil lawsuit in Salt Lake County, Utah, accusing him of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit, filed on May 21, 2025, by a woman identified in court documents as Jane Doe A.G., alleges that the incident took place in November 2023 at Retzlaff’s residence in Provo, Utah. The two reportedly met via social media, and according to the complaint, the encounter quickly turned violent. The plaintiff claims she asked Retzlaff to stop, but he ignored her plea and proceeded to assault her after retrieving a condom. She further alleges that during the assault, Retzlaff strangled and bit her, ultimately causing her to lose consciousness due to the pain inflicted.
The woman later underwent a forensic rape examination, during which medical professionals documented injuries that aligned with her account. Initially hesitant to name Retzlaff, the plaintiff reported the incident to Provo Police but claims she was discouraged from filing charges after allegedly being told by officers that “sexual assault victims never get justice.” The Provo Police Department has denied these claims, stating that law enforcement officials and victim advocates acted within proper protocol but were unable to advance the case due to a lack of actionable evidence at the time.
In response to the allegations, Retzlaff’s attorney, Mark Baute — known for defending NBA player Derrick Rose in a previous sexual assault case — has publicly declared his client “factually innocent.” Baute emphasized their commitment to proving Retzlaff’s innocence in court, stating, “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.” Despite the severity of the allegations, Retzlaff remains an active member of BYU’s football roster and is expected to start in the upcoming 2025 season. The California native transferred from Riverside City College and became the Cougars’ starting quarterback in 2024, leading the team to an 11-2 record and a victory in the Alamo Bowl. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards and accounted for 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
BYU has acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit and has stated that it will adhere to Title IX procedures. However, citing federal student privacy regulations, the university has declined to offer further comment on the matter. The civil lawsuit against Retzlaff has reignited national conversations surrounding how colleges and athletic departments handle sexual assault allegations involving student-athletes. Critics argue that institutions often prioritize athletic performance over justice and accountability, particularly when high-profile athletes are involved.
As the case moves through the legal system, the university and the NCAA face mounting pressure to address how such accusations are investigated and managed. The outcome of this case could potentially set a significant precedent, not only for BYU but also for collegiate programs nationwide grappling with similar concerns. With public scrutiny intensifying, many will be watching closely to see how both the legal process and the university’s internal procedures unfold. The intersection of athletic stardom, university responsibility, and legal accountability is once again in sharp focus — and this case may serve as a critical inflection point in that ongoing discussion.
