Content warning: This article contains depictions of alleged sexual assault.
A new sexual assault lawsuit filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was settled confidentially, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
The lawsuit, which prompted a new review from the NFL, accused Watson of sexual assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It was similar to the nearly two dozen that were first filed against him when he played for the Houston Texans, though it was unrelated to the initial claims.
Terms of the settlement are not known.
The lawsuit filed a month ago against #Browns QB Deshaun Watson has been settled confidentially, a league source tells clevelanddotcom. @ProFootballTalk first to report it.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 7, 2024
Watson again accused of sexual assault
Watson’s accuser filed her lawsuit anonymously last month, and said that she was supposed to go on a date with Watson in October 2020. According to the lawsuit, Watson struggled to find her apartment ahead of the date and called her, but he started “aggressively yelling and screaming” on the phone.
After that was resolved and Watson entered the apartment, the woman invited Watson in to wait in her living room while she finished getting ready. She said she kept trying to talk with Watson from the bathroom while she was putting on makeup, but he stopped responding.
When the woman came out of the bathroom, she said she found Watson “completely naked on her bed, lying face-down on his stomach.”
“While Jane Doe stood there in shock, Watson turned his head and aggressively insisted that she massage him, gesturing to his buttocks,” the lawsuit says. “Jane Doe asked if Watson meant he wanted her to massage his back, but Watson indicated that it was his buttocks he wanted massaged.
“Jane Doe was at this point in the encounter terrified. She was in her small apartment with a much larger man, and she was still reeling from Watson’s outburst and aggression on the phone. Doe thus tried to appease Watson by rubbing his back, rather than his buttocks. Watson began insisting, again, that she focus on his glutes. Seemingly frustrated that Doe would only rub his back, Watson then turned over, revealing an erection. Watson continued to demand that Jane Doe massage him, gesturing from his knees to his groin. Jane Doe froze in fear, unsure of how to refuse Watson’s advances without jeopardizing her safety. Confused and scared, she reiterated to Watson that she wasn’t a masseuse.”</
The woman stated that Watson abruptly seized her leg, partially undressed her, and penetrated her vagina without consent. Allegedly, Watson assaulted her for several minutes; however, she managed to escape from beneath him and yelled for him to leave her apartment, which he ultimately did.
In 2022, Deshaun Watson received an 11-game suspension amidst numerous sexual assault allegations against him. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The accusations closely resemble the more than 20 claims of sexual misconduct that were made against Watson during his tenure with the Texans. Although Watson faced no criminal charges and most of those lawsuits were settled confidentially, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has also rejected the allegations in the latest lawsuit.
Due to the initial investigation, Watson was handed an 11-game suspension in 2022. In light of Watson’s situation, the NFL revised its sexual assault policies and penalties. The league is presently reviewing the new allegations to ascertain whether Watson breached its personal conduct policy and if such a breach necessitates further disciplinary action.
Despite facing an initial barrage of accusations, the Browns awarded Watson a groundbreaking, fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Since then, the team has restructured that deal twice, and Watson has largely struggled to perform on the field. He participated in only six games in each of the past two seasons—first due to suspension and subsequently on account of multiple injuries last year.
In a recent 34-13 defeat to the Washington Commanders, Watson completed 15 of 28 attempts for just 125 yards and one touchdown. This season, he has yet to surpass 200 passing yards in a single game, leading the Browns to a disappointing 1-4 start.
If the Browns were to release Watson in 2025, they would incur $172 million in dead cap hits. Additionally, cutting him in 2026 would result in a $99 million penalty. Both amounts would establish a new record for dead money in NFL history. Therefore, despite his on-field struggles and recent off-field controversies, it seems the Browns remain committed to Watson for the foreseeable future.
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson Faces New Sexual Assault Lawsuit, Settled Confidentially Amid Ongoing NFL Investigation
Overview of the Situation
Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has been embroiled in legal troubles stemming from multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Recently, a new sexual assault lawsuit has come to light, raising questions about his future in the NFL and the ongoing investigations into his conduct. This lawsuit was settled confidentially, but it continues to spark discussions about accountability and player conduct within professional sports.
Details of the New Lawsuit
The new lawsuit against Deshaun Watson alleges incidents that occurred during massage therapy sessions, echoing previous claims made by multiple women. While the specifics of this lawsuit remain largely undisclosed due to the confidential settlement, it underscores a pattern of behavior that has led to significant scrutiny of Watson’s actions.
Timeline of Events
- 2020: Initial allegations surface against Watson, prompting investigations.
- 2021: Multiple lawsuits are filed, leading to an NFL investigation into his conduct.
- 2022: Watson is traded to the Cleveland Browns amid ongoing legal issues.
- 2023: A new lawsuit is filed, settled confidentially, amidst ongoing discussions about player conduct.
Impact on Watson’s Career
This lawsuit adds to the challenges Watson faces in rehabilitating his image and career. Despite being one of the league’s talented quarterbacks, his legal troubles have affected his performance on the field and his relationship with fans and teammates.
Performance Under Pressure
In recent games, Watson’s performance has been inconsistent, leading to frustration among his coaching staff and teammates. For example, during a recent match against the Washington Commanders, head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed disappointment in Watson’s decision-making during critical moments in the game, highlighting the pressure he is under both on and off the field [[1](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/browns-deshaun-watson-leaves-coach-flabbergasted-during-crucial-4th-down-loss-vs-commanders)].
NFL’s Response to Legal Issues
The NFL has a history of addressing player conduct, particularly in cases involving allegations of violence or sexual misconduct. The league’s investigation into Watson’s behavior is ongoing, and the findings could lead to further disciplinary actions, including potential suspensions or fines. The NFL has emphasized the importance of player accountability, especially in light of recent societal conversations about consent and sexual misconduct.
Previous Disciplinary Actions in the NFL
Player Allegation Type Disciplinary Action Year Ray Rice Domestic Violence Indefinite Suspension 2014 Adrian Peterson Child Abuse Indefinite Suspension 2014 Kareem Hunt Domestic Violence 8-Game Suspension 2019 Public and Fan Reactions
The public reaction to Watson’s legal troubles has been mixed. While some fans continue to support him, many are critical of his actions and the impact they have on the team’s reputation. Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions surrounding Watson’s behavior, and fans have expressed their concerns over the message his legal issues send about accountability in professional sports.
Fan Engagement Strategies
- Transparency: Teams are encouraged to be transparent about player conduct and support systems in place.
- Community Outreach: Engaging with the community to promote awareness and education around consent and respect.
- Support for Victims: Highlighting initiatives that support victims of sexual assault and misconduct.
Conclusion
The landscape surrounding Deshaun Watson continues to evolve, with his legal challenges posing significant implications for his career and the Cleveland Browns. As the NFL’s investigation unfolds, the league, fans, and stakeholders are left to navigate the complexities of player conduct, public perception, and the responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete.
