Jake Retzlaff, the starting quarterback for BYU, is facing serious legal allegations after a civil lawsuit was filed against him in Salt Lake County, Utah. The lawsuit, initiated by a woman identified as Jane Doe A.G., accuses Retzlaff of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress stemming from an incident in November 2023 at his home in Provo, Utah.
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe and a friend visited Retzlaff’s home after initially connecting via social media. The friend left during the evening, and the plaintiff claims that while they were watching a movie, she asked Retzlaff to stop advancing their physical interaction, but he allegedly continued and assaulted her. She later underwent a hospital exam, including a rape kit, and reported the incident to Provo police, though she did not initially name Retzlaff. The lawsuit suggests that the delay in naming Retzlaff was due to discouragement from law enforcement, who reportedly told her that sexual assault victims rarely achieve justice.
Retzlaff’s attorney, Mark Baute, has denied the allegations, asserting his client’s innocence and expressing confidence in proving it in court. BYU has acknowledged the lawsuit and stated it will follow Title IX procedures, declining further comment due to privacy policies. Retzlaff, who transferred to BYU in 2023 and became the starting quarterback in 2024, led the team to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl victory. He is expected to return as the starting quarterback in the upcoming season.
This development has cast a shadow over BYU’s football program and raised questions about the handling of such serious allegations within collegiate athletics. The outcome of the legal proceedings will likely have significant implications for Retzlaff’s future with the team and the university’s policies regarding student-athletes and allegations of misconduct.
