Deshaun Watson lawsuit: NFL makes decision on investigation after sexual assault accusations
The NFL has made a decision about another potential suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. The latest sexual assault allegation against the former Houston Texans star sparked conversations about another suspension, but the league has opted against that.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot reported on Friday that the league won't punish Watson over the most recent accusation against him. The suit was filed in September and the player and attorney Tony Buzbee settled on it on Oct.7. A league spokesman had this to say about this situation:
“The matter is closed. There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.”
The lawsuit was filed by Buzbee on behalf of an anonymous plaintiff who accused Watson of sexually assaulting the woman while they went on a date in Houston in 2020.
This isn't the first time that he has been accused of sexual assault, as he was previously accused by 23 different massage therapists of misconduct when treating the former Clemson quarterback.
Cabot adds that this update means that the veteran playmaker will still have the full benefits of his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal. The Browns still owe him $46 million for the next two years and they reportedly plan to bring Watson back after his 2024 season was cut short by another severe injury.
Deshaun Watson had a disappointing 2024 NFL season
Before rupturing his right Achilles tendon against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 20, Deshaun Watson had had a terrible season. He left the Browns with a 1-6 record, unable to pass for over 200 yards and two touchdowns per game. His only win as the starting quarterback came against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.
The Browns bounced back after being dominated by the Dallas Cowboys, 33-17, in the season opener, but after that, nothing went well for the AFC North franchise.
They lost, 21-15, to the New York Giants in Week 3, which was Watson's best game of the season when it came to passing yards (196). The Las Vegas Raiders beat them with a similar score the following week (20-16), to worsen their crisis. The Washington Commanders had no mercy and beat them with a 34-13 score.
The Philadelphia Eagles weren't as dominant and only won by four points (20-16) while the Bengals took them out with a 21-14 win in Week 7, the last of Deshaun Watson's 2024 NFL campaign.