Just as BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is beginning to attract attention as a future NFL prospect, he now finds himself at the center of a disturbing legal battle.
A woman, filing under the name Jane Doe, has accused the 21-year-old of rape, strangulation, and biting during an encounter in November 2023—an incident Retzlaff firmly denies.
What the Lawsuit Claims Happened
The lawsuit, filed in Utah in May 2025, outlines chilling allegations.
According to Doe, she and Retzlaff began talking over social media a month before the alleged assault.
She claims she visited his home with a friend while several of his teammates were also present.
After her friend left, the lawsuit says the two began watching a movie and kissing, but when she wanted to stop things from going further, Retzlaff allegedly escalated the situation.
Doe claims she tried to pull away, saying “wait,” and made it clear she didn’t want to engage in sexual activity.
Despite her objections, she says Retzlaff grabbed her by the neck and raped her, leaving her in such physical distress that she lost consciousness during the encounter.
The suit says she remembers waking up with tears rolling down her face as she struggled to breathe.
Medical Visit and Delayed Identification
Doe reportedly went to the hospital two days later, where a rape kit was performed, and her injuries were documented.
At first, she didn’t tell police Retzlaff’s name.
According to the lawsuit, officers later asked her if the accused was Retzlaff, after another woman had reportedly made a separate complaint about a football player.
That’s when she confirmed his identity.
She also claims that Provo police discouraged her from moving forward, allegedly telling her, “Sexual assault victims never get justice.”
Provo Police Respond to the Accusation
The Provo Police Department pushed back hard on that claim, saying they do not dissuade victims from seeking justice.
In a public statement, they emphasized their commitment to helping survivors, writing: “They do not send people away, warning them there is no justice for victims.”
The department says they have dedicated investigators and victim advocates whose sole job is to support those who come forward.
Retzlaff and His Legal Team Deny Everything
In a statement released Friday, Retzlaff’s representatives categorically denied all the allegations.
“Mr. Retzlaff specifically and categorically denies each and every allegation that he bit, raped, or strangled the woman,” the response reads, calling the claims “ridiculous and bizarre.”
His legal team also argued that the two had a consensual relationship, with friendly and flirtatious texts exchanged months after the encounter, even into February 2024.
They’ve described the lawsuit as nothing more than a money grab, pointing out that the timing coincides with Retzlaff’s rising football profile.
The Lawsuit Seeks $300,000 in Damages
Jane Doe is seeking over $300,000 in damages for emotional trauma, PTSD, and ongoing anxiety she says stemmed from the alleged assault.
Her filing reads: “A year and a half after the rape and strangulation, Jane Doe A.G. continues to experience extreme post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma symptoms as she works to process what happened and move on.”
Retzlaff’s Lawyer Says Football Will Remain His Focus
Mark Baute, Retzlaff’s attorney, made it clear that his client is focusing on the season ahead.
“We don’t try cases in the media,” Baute said. “We will respect the process and establish Jake’s innocence through the judicial system.”
Spotlight on Retzlaff’s Personal and Public Life
Outside of this lawsuit, Jake Retzlaff has gained attention for his athletic potential and public image.
He’s the first Jewish quarterback in BYU history and previously signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with kosher food giant Manischewitz, even appearing in a quirky ad where he autographed matzoh.
He’s also been linked romantically to BYU softball player Jaelynn Lambert, another California native, sharing photos of the pair on his Instagram.
What Comes Next?
The legal process will now unfold behind the scenes, as both parties prepare for what could be a long and emotionally charged court battle.
For now, Retzlaff maintains his innocence and says he’ll let the justice system do its work.
Whether this case affects his standing with BYU or future NFL hopes remains to be seen.