Posted on Sep 11
Deshaun Watson denies sexual assault allegations, will start for Browns on Sunday
u/alex •
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson denies allegations of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed against him in Texas.
Why it matters: The lawsuit raises serious concerns about Watson's conduct and could have significant implications for his career and reputation.
What's new: Attorney Rusty Hardin, representing Watson, stated that his client strongly denies the allegations and believes he will be vindicated.
Yes, but: This is not the first time Watson has faced such accusations. He served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after multiple women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions.
What to watch: The NFL is reviewing the complaint under the personal conduct policy, and its findings could result in disciplinary action against Watson.
What's next: While Watson is currently not placed on the commissioner's exempt list, the league may decide to take further action based on the investigation's outcome.
The lawsuit alleges that the incident occurred in October 2020 when Watson was with the Houston Texans. It claims that he aggressively yelled at the woman before their encounter and later found him naked on her bed, demanding a massage. The suit further alleges that Watson sexually assaulted the woman without her consent before she managed to escape.
It is important to note that Watson settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him in 2022, but this recent lawsuit is unrelated to those cases. Both lawsuits are represented by attorney Tony Buzbee.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Watson will start Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and emphasized the importance of due process. He stated that the team will let the legal proceedings play out while following the NFL's guidelines.
In terms of gameplay, Watson completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his first game with the Browns since undergoing shoulder surgery. The team traded six draft picks, including three first-round picks, to acquire Watson in March 2022, signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million deal.
The bottom line: The allegations against Watson are serious and could have significant consequences for his career and the Browns' reputation. The NFL's investigation and any subsequent disciplinary actions will be closely watched by fans, the league, and those affected by the alleged incidents.