Deshaun Watson faces another lawsuit, NFL investigating
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More trouble for Deshaun. Photo: Nick Cammett/Getty Images
A lawsuit filed earlier this week accuses Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and battery, raising questions about his future as the Browns' quarterback.
Driving the news: A woman identified in court documents as "Jane Doe" filed a civil lawsuit Monday against Watson in District Court in Harris County, Texas, accusing him of sexual assault and battery in October 2020, when he was a member of the Houston Texans.
Zoom in: The new lawsuit could lead the Browns to examine whether or not they can void Watson's contract, which features language related to previous allegations of sexual misconduct.
- The Browns have not responded to Axios' request for comment on the situation.
Catch up quick: The Browns traded for Watson in 2022 before signing him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
- At the time, Watson faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. He settled 23 civil lawsuits related to the allegations and served an 11-game suspension.
The latest: The most recent lawsuit alleges that on Oct. 10, 2020, Watson arrived at "Jane Doe's" apartment for a date, but was later found naked on her bed, demanding a massage.
- Court documents allege that he "grabbed" her leg, "partially disrobed" her, and sexually assaulted her for "several minutes."
- The accuser is represented by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the women in Watson's past civil lawsuits.
What they're saying: NBC Sports' Mike Florio, who has a law degree from West Virginia University, claims that Watson is required by contract to disclose any potential incidents that could affect his availability to play with the Browns.
- "If he didn't [disclose this alleged incident], and if he ends up being suspended for it, the Browns could indeed escape the final two years of the five-year deal."
The other side: Amy Dash, a legal analyst, disagreed, saying during an interview on CBS Sports Radio yesterday it may be "virtually impossible" for the Browns to get out of Watson's contract.
- "The team might want to wait and see whether there's actually a suit that moves forward," Dash said. "Is this settled? Is there going to be discipline? Are there going to be criminal charges brought?
- "There's a lot that has to happen before they rush to judgment."
The NFL told the Akron Beacon Journal, "We are reviewing the complaint and will look into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy."
- The league said it has no plans to place Watson on the Commissioner's Exempt List at this time, with a review in its early stages and no criminal charges filed.
- Watson has not addressed the media since a press conference following Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
What's next: "This is an extremely serious matter," Buzbee told The New York Times.
- "We intend to pursue this case with the same aggressiveness with which we pursued the others. We want a jury trial."