The landscape of the NFL is once again clouded with a troubling lawsuit as Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces new accusations of sexual assault. According to a recent court filing obtained by News 5 Cleveland, lawyer Tony Buzbee has brought forth the lawsuit on behalf of a Texas woman known only as "Jane Doe." The suit alleges an incident that took place in October 2020, during which Watson is accused of coming to the plaintiff's apartment, disrobing, and insisting on a massage that purportedly led to sexual assault. The woman claims to have suffered from panic attacks and depression, among other emotional distresses, and is seeking at least $1 million in damages.
Having exchanged text messages with Watson for months before the alleged assault, the woman met the then-Houston Texans player in a bar, reporting that she did not immediately report the incident due to Watson's status as a "local celebrity." In the wake of the incident, two Texas grand juries have previously declined to bring criminal charges against Watson, who has consistently maintained his innocence. "I've always stood on my innocence and always said I've never assaulted anyone or disrespected anyone," Watson said in August 2022, as reported by WCPO. The new lawsuit alleges, after she was assaulted, that the woman was able to grab a "heavy piece of decor for self-defense" as she commanded Watson to leave her premises.
This latest legal hurdle follows Watson's previous settlement in 2023 of 23 out of 24 lawsuits for similar accusations involving massage therapy sessions. Post-settlement, the NFL levied an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine against Watson for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The new allegations add to the quarterback's contentious history, considering the Browns' substantial investment in him, totaling a $230 million guaranteed contract, and the trade of significant draft capital, referenced by WCPO.
Since being served with the new lawsuit, neither the Cleveland Browns organization nor Watson's legal representatives have offered public comments. Buzbee, representing "Jane Doe," signaled determination in his litigation approach. "We intend to pursue this case with the same aggressiveness as we pursued the others," Buzbee said, as News 5 Cleveland notes, further indicating his intention to push for a jury trial to unfold in Texas. Meanwhile, Watson's professional future hangs in the balance as the allegations could instigate additional disciplinary action from the NFL.
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