Topline
Jerry Jones, billionaire owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is scheduled to face trial on March 18, 2024, over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in 2018, according to online court records — a reversal in a case that was originally dismissed by the court.
Jerry Jones is photographed before the Dallas Cowboys take on the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on … [+]
Key Facts
The trial will center around an alleged incident on Sept. 16, 2018, at the Cowboys’ home field, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where the plaintiff — who is identified in court records simply as “J.G.” — alleges Jones “kissed her on the mouth and forcibly grabbed her without consent.”
The Dallas Cowboys Football Club and National Football League are also named as defendants, with the plaintiff arguing they knew or should have known about Jones’ actions.
Judge Aiesha Redmond is set to preside over the trial, which will take place in Dallas.
Forbes has reached out to Jones’ lawyer and the Dallas Cowboys for comment.
Jones has previously denied the accusations in court and called them “malicious and hurtful,” the Dallas Morning News reported.
Key Background
The lawsuit was originally filed in Dallas County in 2020, but in February 2022, it was dismissed on the grounds that the plaintiff hadn’t provided enough information about the alleged crimes, court records show. However, a state appellate court revived the case in February 2023 and the Texas Supreme Court affirmed in September that the case should continue, allowing the plaintiff to amend her complaint to provide additional information the court was looking for, including where exactly in the stadium the alleged incident occurred.
What To Watch For
While the trial date is set, it could be delayed for a number of reasons, including scheduling conflicts with the attorneys, as the case progresses.
Forbes Valuation
We estimate Jones’ net worth to be $14.1 billion, making him the 121st wealthiest person in the world. Additionally, we estimate the Dallas Cowboys, which Jones owns in its entirety, to be worth $9 billion, making it the most valuable NFL franchise.
Further Reading
Tentative trial date set in sexual assault lawsuit against Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (Dallas Morning News)
Dallas Cowboys top Forbes’ most valuable NFL franchises for 15th consecutive year (Dallas Morning News)