Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has settled the latest civil lawsuit filed against him, which accused him of sexual assault and battery. The suit, filed by an unnamed woman in Harris County, Texas, claimed the incident occurred in October 2020, before a dinner date at her apartment. Watson, who was then playing for the Houston Texans, denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin.
Tony Buzbee, the plaintiff’s attorney, confirmed the settlement on Monday. “We have now resolved our client’s claim with Deshaun Watson,” Buzbee stated in a message to the press. However, he emphasized the confidential nature of the agreement, adding that no further details would be disclosed. Watson’s legal team also confirmed the resolution, marking an end to this particular lawsuit.
NFL Investigation on Watson Remains Unclear
The NFL had begun reviewing the case under its personal conduct policy, but it’s uncertain whether Watson will face any additional consequences from the league. The plaintiff had initially expressed intentions to speak with the NFL and provide testimony, but it remains unknown if this will still happen following the settlement. A spokesperson for the NFL declined to comment on the ongoing review.
This lawsuit is one of many legal challenges Watson has faced in recent years. In 2022, Watson was suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault during massage sessions. Despite Texas grand juries declining to pursue criminal charges, the NFL imposed its sanctions after a lengthy investigation.
Watson’s legal issues have coincided with a rocky start to his career with the Cleveland Browns. Since signing a $230 million contract with the team, he has struggled to meet expectations. After returning from his suspension last season, Watson played only six games before suffering a shoulder injury. This season, his performance has been disappointing, leading to speculation about his future with the Browns. Still, head coach Kevin Stefanski affirmed his support, saying, “We’re sticking with Deshaun.”