Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is facing a new civil lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct which was filed on Monday in Texas. This raises questions regarding the NFL and his employment, particularly whether he has breached the terms of his August 2022 settlement with the league.
According to sources speaking to CBS Sports, it is believed that the claims made in this latest civil lawsuit will not fall under the protections of his reinstatement agreement. Should the league determine that a violation of its personal conduct policy has occurred, Watson may once again encounter disciplinary actions from the NFL, including fines or even suspension.
Watson, who reached settlements in 23 out of 24 civil lawsuits in 2022 related to similar accusations of sexual misconduct during massages, has consistently asserted his innocence. Two grand juries in Texas chose not to indict him two years prior, and he has never faced any criminal charges. The most recent lawsuit, initiated by a Jane Doe with representation from the same attorney as most of the previous accusers, claims forcible penetration during an incident in October 2020; however, there are no associated criminal charges.
“Deshaun vehemently denies the allegations presented in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed on Monday,” stated Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, in a recent statement. “We have advised him to refrain from further comments while this matter progresses through the legal system, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated.”
“We are prepared to defend this case in court when the time comes, but we do not plan to engage in media discussions regarding our defense. We kindly request that everyone be patient as the legal proceedings unfold.”
“In the meantime, Deshaun will focus his efforts and attention on football.”
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In March 2022, the Browns acquired Watson and subsequently signed him to an unprecedented contract extension. Following this, Watson entered into a settlement agreement with the league, which entailed serving an 11-game suspension, paying a $5 million fine, and adhering to a treatment program established by behavioral specialists.
According to a source, the agreement, finalized on August 17, 2022, stated that Watson could not face additional discipline for any alleged violations of personal conduct policies stemming from ”the same or substantially similar conduct” that occurred prior to the agreement’s date.
Nonetheless, the agreement does not hinder the NFL from investigating or enacting penalties for any incidents involving ”the use or threat of physical force or a weapon, or which lead to a criminal charge,” irrespective of whether those incidents took place before the agreement was signed.
The pressing questions surrounding Watson involve the truthfulness of the allegations and whether the alleged behavior is “substantially similar” to what prior accusers had claimed. Sources have suggested that, given the league’s decision to commence an investigation, these new allegations would likely be seen as “substantially” different.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney for Jane Doe, reportedly mentioned that his client intends to meet with the NFL in the next two weeks, and will present “relevant video” to the league. According to a source, the NFL reached out to Buzbee soon after the lawsuit was filed. The investigation will be overseen by NFL Special Counsel for Investigations, Lisa Friel, and a source indicated that the interview with the accuser will likely occur in October.
In typical NFL investigations, the player accused is usually interviewed towards the end of the process, and currently, no timeline has been established for when Watson will speak with investigators.
There are no intentions to place Watson on paid leave during the ongoing investigation. The league is not interested in creating a precedent that involves suspending players or placing them on the Commissioner’s Exempt list based solely on allegations from civil lawsuits.
“As reprehensible as [these allegations are,] due process must still be respected,” remarked one source.
A breach of the personal conduct policy could result in Watson losing the guarantees in his contract. Such a decision would enable the Browns to potentially release him from his contract should they choose to do so.
If guarantees were voided and the Browns released Watson before the 2025 season, they would face a cap hit of nearly $27 million next year and almost $54 million in 2026. This total, however, would still be less than what the Denver Broncos incurred when they released Russell Wilson during the offseason.
Yet, numerous sources have informed CBS Sports that discussions regarding this matter may be premature for various reasons, with due process being a key concern.
“This could potentially lead to one of the most intriguing grievances in history,” predicted one team executive, foreseeing a protracted legal battle if such a scenario were to unfold.
Since returning to the Browns late in the 2022 season, Watson has faced difficulties on the field. He was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Texans and led the league in passing yards in 2020, but he missed the entire 2021 season.
He has yet to throw for more than 300 yards in a single game with the Browns and has only achieved that milestone twice in 13 starts with the team. His standout performance came last year against the Titans, where he completed 27 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, albeit suffering a rotator cuff injury that led to season-ending surgery.
Watson encountered challenges in his 2024 debut last week against the Cowboys, passing for a mere 169 yards and throwing two interceptions. The Browns are set to face the Jaguars on Sunday.
Deshaun Watson Faces New Civil Lawsuit Claiming Sexual Misconduct Amid NFL Investigation Concerns
Overview of the Allegations Against Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is currently facing a new civil lawsuit that alleges sexual misconduct. This lawsuit adds to the existing concerns surrounding Watson amid ongoing NFL investigations. As legal battles unfold, it is crucial to understand the implications and details surrounding these claims.
The Details of the Civil Lawsuit
The recent civil lawsuit against Deshaun Watson was filed by an unnamed plaintiff who claims to have been subjected to inappropriate behavior during a massage therapy session. Specific allegations include:
- Inappropriate touching during therapeutic sessions
- Verbal harassment and intimidation following the incidents
- Emotional distress and trauma as a result of the alleged misconduct
Timeline of Events Leading to the Lawsuit
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2021 | First allegations of sexual misconduct against Watson surface. |
| July 2021 | Multiple lawsuits filed against Watson, totaling over 20 cases. |
| August 2021 | Watson denies all allegations, asserting innocence. |
| January 2022 | Criminal charges against Watson are not pursued. |
| October 2023 | New civil lawsuit emerges amid NFL investigations. |
Impact of the Lawsuit on Watson’s NFL Career
The allegations against Deshaun Watson have significant implications for his career in the NFL. The league has a history of taking allegations of misconduct seriously, and players can face substantial penalties, including suspensions. Key points include:
- The NFL’s investigative process may lead to a suspension if Watson is found guilty of violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
- Public perception and fan response could impact Watson’s marketability and sponsorship opportunities.
- The legal outcomes could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Understanding the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy
The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy is designed to promote a culture of respect and accountability among players. Here are some key aspects of the policy:
- Players can be disciplined for conduct that undermines the integrity of the NFL, including criminal offenses and civil claims.
- Investigation findings can lead to fines, suspensions, or even expulsion from the league.
- The policy applies to all players, regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings.
Current Status of Watson’s Legal Battles
As of now, Deshaun Watson’s legal team is preparing to defend against the new civil lawsuit while ongoing discussions about potential settlements are also taking place. Here’s a look at the current status:
- Watson’s legal representation continues to deny all allegations and describes the claims as baseless.
- Settlement talks are ongoing, but no agreements have been reached as of yet.
- The NFL’s investigation is still active, and outcomes from both the civil suit and the NFL inquiry remain pending.
Potential Outcomes and Their Implications
The potential outcomes of Watson’s civil lawsuit and NFL investigation can vary widely. Here are a few possibilities:
- Settlement: If the lawsuit is settled out of court, it may lead to a quicker resolution, but Watson could face reputational damage.
- Trial: Should the case go to trial, a verdict in favor of the plaintiff could result in significant financial penalties and further disciplinary actions from the NFL.
- Exoneration: If Watson is found innocent, he may attempt to rehabilitate his public image and resume his career without restrictions.
Public and Media Reaction
The allegations against Deshaun Watson have sparked widespread media coverage and divided public opinion. Some key points include:
- Fans and analysts are polarized, with some supporting Watson and others calling for accountability.
- Social media has been a platform for both support and criticism, influencing public sentiment.
- Media outlets are dedicating extensive coverage to the ongoing developments in Watson’s case.
Conclusion: Staying Informed
As the situation develops, it is essential for fans and followers of the NFL to stay informed about the proceedings involving Deshaun Watson. The outcomes of these cases not only impact Watson’s career but also set important precedents for how allegations of misconduct are handled in professional sports.
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