BYU Quarterback Faces Civil Lawsuit Alleging 2023 Sexual Assault, Strangulation in Utah

Jake Retzlaff, the starting quarterback for Brigham Young University, has been accused of rape, strangulation, and sexual assault by a woman identified as Jane Doe A.G. in a civil lawsuit filed in Utah. The alleged incident occurred in November 2023 at Retzlaff's apartment, with the accuser stating that despite her refusal and attempts to stop, Retzlaff escalated the situation, including physical violence that caused her to pass out. The lawsuit also claims that Provo police discouraged the woman from filing charges, telling her that 'sexual assault victims never get justice.' Retzlaff's attorney, Mark Baute, has denied the allegations, asserting his client's innocence and emphasizing that the matter will be resolved through the judicial process, while Retzlaff focuses on football. BYU officials have acknowledged the lawsuit and stated they take the allegations seriously, following Title IX procedures but have not commented further due to privacy laws. The accuser continues to experience severe trauma symptoms related to the incident as she seeks justice through the civil case.