Deshaun Watson lawsuit update: Browns QB denies latest assault allegation
Days after a sexual assault lawsuit was filed against Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson in Houston, his lawyer released a statement regarding the case. A screenshot of the statement was shared by Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot on X:
"Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed on Monday. We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately by vindicated."
This came a day after the NFL said it would be investigating the civil lawsuit filed against the QB to gauge whether he went against the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Regarding the allegations, a Browns spokesperson said, via ESPN:
“We will respect the due process our legal system affords regarding the recently filed civil suit and follow the NFL’s guidelines on this matter.”
The Browns acquired Watson in 2022 and extended him for a staggering $230 million. However, his stint with the Browns has been marred with injuries and lawsuits.
In a time when Browns fans are concerned that the allegations could distract Watson from football, his lawyer said that he remains committed to the team and the season.
Accuser's attorney tried for settlement before suing Deshaun Watson
As per a statement from the accuser's attorney, Tony Buzbee tried to reach a settlement before suing the Browns QB. Furthermore, they waited 10 months before finally taking a call.
“We reached out to attorney Rusty Hardin’s office for ten months in an attempt to resolve this case. We knew this case was the most serious and egregious case brought against Watson to date and our client, who is rightly traumatized by these events, wanted to attempt a private resolution.
"We thought that was the best approach given the media storm that occurred surrounding the legion of other clients. Unfortunately, Watson’s team or maybe his lawyers couldn’t or wouldn’t give this case the attention it was due. Mr. Hardin now has tried to contact us since we filed suit.
"Unfortunately, we see that now as too little too late."
That being said, Watson apparently wasn't aware of any new allegation until the civil suit was filed.
With the Browns set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, will the new allegation impact Watson's already wavering performance on the gridiron?