Deshaun Watson is once again under scrutiny, this time away from the football field.
The NFL announced on Tuesday it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against the Cleveland Browns quarterback, alleging sexual assault in 2020 while he played for the Houston Texans.
The civil complaint, filed on Monday by a woman in Texas, accuses Watson of sexually assaulting her during an incident at her apartment four years ago. She alleges Watson forcibly engaged in sexual activity with her for several minutes and seeks $1 million in damages.
“We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the personal conduct policy,” said NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. “Not looking at the commissioner’s exempt list as there’s been no formal charges and the league’s review has just begun.”
The commissioner’s exempt list allows NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to place a player on paid leave during a review of his case or under other unusual circumstances. Currently, Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. is on the exempt list pending his criminal charge for domestic violence.
Watson, now in his third season with Cleveland, was previously suspended for 11 games in 2022 after over two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. He was fined $5 million and subsequently settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits in 2022 before the league’s disciplinary action.
It remains unclear whether Watson disclosed this newest allegation to the NFL or the Browns before the lawsuit was filed in Harris County, Texas. The attorney representing the woman, Tony Buzbee, also represented most of the other therapists in their claims against Watson.
The Browns, who traded five draft picks, including three first-rounders, to acquire Watson from the Texans, issued a statement regarding the new lawsuit.
“We will respect the due process our legal system affords regarding the recently filed civil suit and follow the NFL’s guidelines on this matter,” the team stated.
Watson’s tenure in Cleveland, bolstered by a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, has been marred by these ongoing legal issues, a lengthy suspension, and a shoulder injury that limited him to six starts last season. In addition to missed games, Watson has struggled in his performances across 13 starts.
Despite these difficulties, the Browns managed to make the playoffs last season after signing veteran quarterback Joe Flacco for the final month. On Sunday, Watson had a rough return in his first game since undergoing surgery for a broken bone in his throwing shoulder, sustained in November. He completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions during a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Watson was also sacked six times and took several hard hits.
Amid these circumstances, Watson is expected to play in the upcoming game when the Browns visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. He usually speaks to the media on Wednesdays during game weeks.
Watson’s subpar performance against the Cowboys has heightened concerns about the Browns’ decision to sign him. He also faced personal hardships in the days leading up to the season opener, including the death of his biological father and a former Clemson teammate.
Despite the numerous distractions, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski remains confident in Watson’s abilities.
“Deshaun’s played at a very, very high level,” Stefanski said. “He’s won at every level of football. He does not lack for confidence.”
In other news, the Browns signed wide receiver Kadarius Toney to their practice squad as expected. Toney was released by the Kansas City Chiefs in August after two seasons and brings experienced depth to Cleveland’s roster. Meanwhile, cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. and wide receiver Tulu Griffin were released from the practice squad.
