Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is set to face trial in 2026 after a judge declined his most recent attempt to dismiss a sexual assault lawsuit.
The case, originally filed in 2020, centers on allegations stemming from a 2018 incident following a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium.
The plaintiff alleges that Jones, now 82, groped her and forced a kiss after the Cowboys‘ victory over the New York Giants. The suit was initially dismissed, but the decision was overturned on appeal, keeping the matter active.
Despite repeated efforts by Jones‘ legal team to have the case thrown out, the lawsuit remains on course for trial, nearly seven years after the alleged encounter.
During his scheduled appearance on Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan, Jones was asked about the case. Although he stated at the outset that he could not discuss the proceedings, he offered a brief response on both the timeline and the allegations.
“It’s been there for seven years, and that’s all that I can comment about it,” he declared, before adding further remarks that reflected on his position.
Jones’ statements and trial outlook
In his comments, Jones acknowledged that the lawsuit stems from a postgame gathering in 2018 where photos were being taken with fans and guests.
He said the plaintiff attended the event due to a personal connection, but rejected the notion that any misconduct took place. He added that he did not recall kissing the woman, while also declining to issue a categorical denial.
“There’s no pictures, there’s no witnesses in my view, and this thing needs to move on down the road,” Jones stated.
He went on to suggest that the claim was financially motivated, emphasizing that the setting included “several hundred other people.”
The remarks have drawn attention because of the nuanced position he expressed: conceding he did not remember the interaction, while also refraining from an outright rejection of the allegation.
Legal experts note this could become a focal point when Jones testifies under oath, as the plaintiff’s legal team may press him on the inconsistency.
Jones also commented on the judicial process itself, describing it as lengthy but necessary.
“I’m not going to complain about the system that we have in America,” he said.
“It’s flawed, but it’s the best there is in the world.”
The case has already undergone several procedural delays, with earlier trial dates postponed. The plaintiff filed within the two-year statute of limitations for civil assault claims, ensuring her complaint could proceed through the courts.
After initially winning dismissal, Jones saw the decision overturned on appeal, allowing the matter to return to the docket.
With the most recent dismissal motion denied, the case now advances toward a jury trial scheduled for 2026. At that time, the court will determine whether the plaintiff’s claims can be substantiated and, if so, whether damages should be awarded.
For Jones, the trial represents the culmination of a dispute that has lingered for nearly a decade. For the plaintiff, it provides the opportunity to present her allegations before a jury after years of procedural obstacles.
Read the full article here
