Deshaun Watson Denies New Assault Allegations

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns quarterback strongly denies the latest sexual assault allegations according to his attorney, Rusty Hardin. On Monday, an unidentified woman filed a civil lawsuit in Houston, Texas, seeking $1 million in damages for an alleged incident during a date in October 2020.

Despite the lawsuit, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Watson will play in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after their season-opening loss to the Dallas Cowboys.  Stefanski said he did not know about the allegations before the lawsuit and did not consider benching Watson.

Watson’s attorney expressed confidence that the quarterback “will be vindicated” but Watson remains focused on football for now. The NFL announced it is reviewing new allegations against Watson. He previously served an 11-game suspension and paid a $5 million fine in August 2022 following investigations into multiple sexual misconduct claims.

Watson has consistently denied the accusations, and two grand juries found insufficient evidence to charge him. In 2022, Watson reached confidential settlements with 23 of the 24 women who filed civil suits. Since he signed  a record five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns in March 2022, Watson has played just 13 games.

He joined Cleveland after the Houston Texans traded him where the initial allegations surfaced. As the NFL continues to review the case, Deshaun Watson remains in the lineup for now.