NFL investigating latest lawsuit against Deshaun Watson

The NFL has announced that it is reviewing a civil lawsuit filed on Monday accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and battery. The lawsuit alleges that these incidents occurred in October 2020, when Watson was with the Houston Texans.

"We are examining the complaint and will investigate the matter according to the personal conduct policy," said NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. "At this time, we are not considering placing Watson on the commissioner's exempt list, as there are no formal charges and the league’s review is just beginning."

The lawsuit, filed in Harris County, Texas, details an incident involving Watson and a woman referred to as "Jane Doe." According to the complaint, Watson met Jane Doe at a Houston restaurant and bar, subsequently obtaining her phone number. The lawsuit claims Watson initially proposed a public meeting at the Houston Galleria, but Jane Doe preferred a private dinner at her apartment.

On the night of the dinner, Watson reportedly had trouble locating Jane Doe's apartment and became aggressive on the phone, expressing frustration with her. The lawsuit states that when Jane Doe found Watson in her apartment, he was fully naked on her bed. Watson then requested a massage, but Jane Doe attempted to only rub his back.

Watson allegedly continued to demand a massage of his buttocks, and when Jane Doe refused, Watson reportedly partially undressed her and sexually assaulted her. The lawsuit claims Watson assaulted Jane Doe for several minutes before she was able to defend herself and he fled the scene.

In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the Cleveland Browns said, "We will respect the legal process and adhere to the NFL's guidelines regarding this civil suit."

Watson, 28, was previously suspended for 11 games in 2022 following accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. Although two Texas grand juries chose not to pursue criminal charges, Watson served his suspension as part of a settlement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association. He was also fined $5 million, required to undergo a behavioral evaluation, and must follow a treatment program.

Watson settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits against him in the summer of 2022. The lawsuit filed on Monday is unrelated to the remaining lawsuit from another woman who also accused Watson of sexual misconduct. However, it is represented by the same attorney, Tony Buzbee.

In March 2022, the Browns acquired Watson in a trade involving six draft picks, including three first-round selections, and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, the largest in NFL history at that time.

Due to his suspension and subsequent injuries, Watson has made only 13 starts with the Browns, including a recent 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In that game, his first since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last November, Watson completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.