Police investigating alleged 2017 sexual assault by Dak Prescott
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Police Probe 2017 Sexual Assault Allegations Against Dak Prescott

Todd Archer, a seasoned ESPN Staff Writer, brings his expertise to the forefront with his coverage of the NFL, focusing particularly on the Dallas Cowboys. Since 1997, Archer has been a prominent figure in NFL journalism, dedicating his efforts to covering Dallas since 2003. His journey with ESPN began in 2010, and he continues to share his insights on Twitter @toddarcher.

The Dallas Police Department confirmed on Thursday their ongoing investigation into a sexual assault allegation from 2017, involving Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Cowboys. This investigation stems from a complaint lodged by a woman on Wednesday, claiming Prescott assaulted her in the back of an SUV seven years ago.

In a separate legal move, Prescott filed a lawsuit in Collin County on Monday. He alleges that the woman and her legal team are trying to extort him for $100 million. Additionally, police in Prosper, Texas, where Prescott resides, are now looking into his extortion claim.

Levi McCathern, Prescott’s attorney, raised questions about the timing of the woman’s police report. He noted it came seven years after the alleged assault and coincided with the start of the extortion investigation. McCathern criticized the move, suggesting it was an attempt to lessen their legal responsibility for what he termed an illegal shakedown. He stressed that such actions do a disservice to genuine survivors of sexual abuse.

McCathern expressed eagerness to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure justice is served in this case. According to the lawsuit filed by Prescott, he seeks monetary relief of over $1 million. He has pledged to donate any awarded relief to the Joyful Heart Foundation or a similar organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

The lawsuit outlines several claims against the woman, including defamation, slander, business disparagement, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. In January, Prescott received a letter from attorneys representing the woman, which proposed not pursuing criminal charges or public disclosure in exchange for $100 million compensation for her mental anguish.

McCathern, in a statement, highlighted Prescott’s empathy towards survivors of sexual assault, emphasizing his belief in the importance of punishing perpetrators. He firmly stated that Prescott has never engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct. McCathern condemned the attempt to profit from what he described as malicious lies.

The woman’s legal team, through a statement, claimed Prescott acknowledged being with the woman on the night of the alleged assault. They asserted their commitment to the truth and readiness to confront Prescott and his legal team.

Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, commented on the situation, noting that it would not affect contract negotiations with Prescott. He mentioned that the team had discussed the matter with Prescott but could not comment further due to its legal nature.