A sexual assault case against Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is moving forward.
The Supreme Court of Texas denied an appeal by Jones’ legal representatives that stemmed from a 2020 lawsuit that was initially dismissed by a Dallas County court but revived by the state appellate court in February. A Dallas County jury will now hear the allegations.
“My client is very excited for herself and sex abuse victims from around the world to finally get some justice from the court and have a jury hear the case,” attorney Thomas Daniel Bowers, who represents the plaintiff, told The Dallas Morning News. “He’s going to be held accountable. There’s no more dodging or delaying. It’s time for justice.”
The incident in question allegedly occurred in the Tom Landry Room at AT&T Stadium in September 2018. The plaintiff alleged that Jones “kissed her on the mouth and forcingly grabbed her without consent.” Her initial lawsuit was brought against Jones, the Dallas Cowboys, and the NFL, as she claimed team officials “knew or should have known” about his alleged behavior.
The lawsuit also cites “severe emotional distress” and “psychological pain and suffering” on the part of the plaintiff.
After the case was initially dismissed, the plaintiff’s legal team filed an appeal, and the appellate court reopened the case. Jones’ team filed a petition disputing the claim in May, which the Texas Supreme Court denied on September 1.
The Dallas Express contacted the NFL and legal representatives for Jones and the plaintiff but did not receive a response by press time.
Jones is now the only remaining defendant. He also faces a paternity lawsuit in a completely unrelated case. He has continued to deny the sexual assault allegations since the case was filed.
A trial date has not been set, and it is unclear what discipline he could face from the NFL.
Jones’ Cowboys will begin their season on Sunday against the New York Giants as they try to end a 27-year Super Bowl drought.
