Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, is in the middle of a very serious court case. His lawsuit, which we now know as the Cowboys Extortion Lawsuit, is actually against a woman who says he sexually assaulted her. This woman wants a huge $100 million to keep quiet and not tell anyone about her claims. For those who don’t know, let’s break down what’s going on.
What’s the Backstory Of This Cowboys Extortion Lawsuit?
At the start of the lawsuit, a woman said that Dak Prescott had sexually assaulted her in February 2017, right after his first season with the Cowboys. At the beginning of 2024, the woman’s lawyers called Prescott and said she had been suffering ever since the claimed event. They told Prescott that if he didn’t pay, they would go public and file criminal charges against him.
Dak’s Response and Legal Moves
In response, Prescott filed a lawsuit in Collin County, Texas, alleging that the woman and her attorneys were attempting to force him into paying them money. In his lawsuit, Prescott says that these charges are false and are only meant to get him to pay money. Not only is he accusing them of extortion, but also of defamation (saying false things about him that hurt his image) and causing emotional distress (severe emotional pain because of their lies).
The Legal Arguments
Prescott’s lawyers, led by lawyer Levi McCathern, strongly deny what the woman says. They are adamant that Prescott has never done anything sexual without permission. McCathern says the woman’s claims are not only false, but they hurt real people who have been sexually assaulted. On the other hand, Bethel and Yoel Zehaie, the woman’s lawyers, believe what she says. They say that asking for $100 million is normal in these situations to make up for the pain she has apparently been through.
What’s Happening Now?
Though, recently, the woman made a police report with the Dallas police saying that Prescott sexually assaulted her in 2017. These claims are now being looked into by the cops. Prescott’s fight in Collin County is still going on. He is asking the woman and her lawyers for $1 million in damages for the harm their false claims have caused.
What Has Been The Public Reaction So Far?
For sure, the news has talked a lot about this story. News organizations like NBC News, CNN, and AP News are all over it. Both sides have made strong public comments. Prescott’s lawyer has made it clear that they will not let anyone make money off of false claims. Prescott has also said that he will give all the money he gets from the lawsuit to groups that help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Impact on Dak’s Career and Finances
The Dallas Cowboys have given Dak Prescott a very good deal that makes him a big name in the NFL. He agreed to a $160 million deal for four years in 2021. This lawsuit could hurt his business and reputation in a big way. False claims can hurt his reputation and could affect his ability to make money and get endorsements in the future.