Browns QB Deshaun Watson Faces More Sexual Assault Allegations in New Lawsuit
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is facing new legal challenges after being sued on Monday in Houston for sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The latest allegations come from a woman using the alias "Jane Doe," who claims the incident occurred during a date with Watson in October 2020, when he was still a member of the Houston Texans.
The details in this lawsuit bear a resemblance to more than 20 other civil cases filed against Watson in 2021. However, unlike those earlier cases, which primarily involved accusations related to massages Watson allegedly arranged, this new suit describes an encounter following a date set at the woman's apartment.
According to the lawsuit, Watson initially arranged to meet the woman at a public location but she instead invited him to her apartment for dinner. Upon his arrival, Watson allegedly struggled to find her residence and became agitated during a phone call. The lawsuit claims he became aggressive and shouted that he "didn't have time for this."
The complaint describes that after entering the apartment, Watson waited in the living room while the woman continued to finish getting ready in the bathroom. When she returned, she found Watson naked, lying on her bed. He allegedly demanded a massage, specifically gesturing to his buttocks. As she attempted to massage his back instead, Watson reportedly grew frustrated, exposed himself, and continued to insist on a massage of his buttocks and groin. The lawsuit then alleges that Watson escalated the situation when he “partially disrobed” the woman and sexually assaulted her. After a couple of minutes, she reportedly managed to break away and immediately grabbed “a heavy piece of décor for self-defense.” She then demanded Watson to leave, and following this confrontation, Watson "stormed out of Jane Doe's apartment."
This case could have profound implications for Watson's career. It raises new questions under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, which prohibits conduct detrimental to the league and mandates appropriate disciplinary action for any violations. The policy allows the NFL to investigate and discipline players for personal conduct, regardless of whether the behavior results in criminal charges or convictions. Given the allegations of sexual assault, which directly contravene this policy, Watson could face further scrutiny or suspension by the league.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who also represented many of the women in the 2021 cases against Watson. The complaint alleges sexual assault, which under Texas law, permits a victim to file a civil lawsuit within five years from the date of the assault. This extended statute of limitations acknowledges the severe and personal nature of sexual assault, recognizing that victims may need more time to come forward due to trauma or other factors. Therefore, Jane Doe is able to pursue her claims despite the alleged incident occurring nearly three years ago. This provision ensures that victims of such crimes have a reasonable opportunity to seek justice for the physical and emotional harm suffered.
Watson has previously faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and assault, which resulted in an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine in 2022, following a settlement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association. Despite the lack of criminal charges — as two Texas grand juries declined to indict him — Watson settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits filed by women who accused him of misconduct during massage sessions.
