Former Chicago Cubs utilityman Ben Zobrist dropped his lawsuit against pastor Byron Yawn that sought $6 million in damages stemming from Yawn’s extramarital affair with Zobrist’s estranged wife, Julianna, and an allegation that Yawn defrauded his charity.
According to a court document the Tribune obtained, attorney Larry Crain filed a notice Thursday in Nashville (Tenn.) Circuit Court voluntarily withdrawing the claim, though the type of notice — “without prejudice” — leaves it possible for Zobrist to refile the lawsuit within a year.
This comes as the Zobrists are engaged in a divorce trial this week in a Franklin, Tenn., court.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” Yawn’s attorney, Christopher Bellamy, told the Tribune.
“I’m suspicious for their reasons but I’m optimistic that he’ll continue to do the right things.”
The notice did not list a reason why Zobrist decided to drop the case. The Tribune attempted to reach Crain via email but didn’t immediately receive a response.