CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – A new lawsuit filed Thursday against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will not affect his status the NFL said Friday.
Watson is currently serving an 11-game suspension as the result of a disciplinary settlement with the league following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions while a member of the Houston Texans.
Watson returned to the Browns facility Monday in accordance with the terms of his suspension and is eligible to return to practice on November 14. He is eligible for reinstatement November 28 and is scheduled to start for the Browns December 4 at Houston against his former team.
“Watson’s status remains unchanged,” a league spokesman said in an email response to 92.3 The Fan. “We will monitor developments in the newly-filed litigation; and any conduct that warrants further investigation or possible additional sanctions would be addressed within the Personal Conduct Policy.”
Watson also paid a $5 million fine as part of the disciplinary settlement with the league.
Sue L. Robinson, a former federal judge, handled Watson’s disciplinary hearing and handed down a six-game suspension, which the NFL appealed.
Robinson outlined in her report that was released on August 1 that based on circumstantial evidence the NFL presented to her that the league carried their burden of proof to show that Watson violated the personal conduct policy in three ways – conduct that qualifies as a sexual assault as defined by the NFL, conduct that posed a danger to the safety and well-being of another person and conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL.
The suit filed Thursday in Harris County District Court by attorney Anissah M. Nguyen alleges that Watson sought a therapy session via Instagram direct messaging in December 2020.
The Plaintiff, who is listed as “Jane Doe” in the court filing, alleges that Watson pressured her into massaging his “private area.” Watson removed his towel and suggested she “get on top,” which the Plaintiff refused to do according to the complaint but Watson “was able to pressure her into oral sex.”
Watson settled 23 lawsuits earlier this year and with the latest allegations made in civil court two lawsuits remain active. One other civil complaint was dropped after a judge ruled the accusers were required to use their names in the court filings.
Although Watson has maintained his innocence following the settlements, he did apologize to “all women and people that was affected by the situation” during a team-controlled television interview that aired prior to the Browns preseason opener.
The Browns have not commented on the latest allegations made against Watson.
Cleveland acquired Watson from the Texans in March for six draft picks, including three first rounders and then gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
