Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is once again embroiled in controversy as a new lawsuit accuses him of sexual misconduct.
Following the Browns’ disastrous 33-17 Week 1 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL confirmed it is investigating the allegations.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy issued a statement on behalf of the league: “We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy,” he stated.
The latest lawsuit, filed on Monday, September 9, in Harris County, Texas, accuses Watson of an incident dating back to 2020 when he was still the quarterback for the Houston Texans.
According to the complaint, the accuser alleges Watson became aggressive while looking for her apartment, shouting at her over the phone.
Once he located the apartment, Watson allegedly undressed while the woman was in the bathroom. Upon exiting, she reportedly found Watson “completely naked on her bed.”
“Watson then insisted she massage his buttocks, despite the woman repeating that she wasn’t a masseuse,” the lawsuit stated.
“She says she was afraid and attempted to massage his back instead. Watson turned over, the lawsuit alleges, then grabbed her and sexually assaulted her for several minutes.
“She eventually escaped and grabbed a piece of furniture for self-defense, and Watson left.”
This lawsuit marks yet another addition to the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Watson.
Between 2020 and 2021, over two dozen women came forward with accusations ranging from sexual harassment to assault during dates or massage appointments.
As a result of the earlier allegations, the NFL suspended Watson for 11 games and fined him $5 million in 2022.
This occurred after the Browns traded for and signed Watson to a record-setting five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, despite the pending legal cases.
Watson has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
While the NFL is looking into the new allegations, there are no plans for any additional punishment for Watson.
Of course, Watson is dealing with plenty of trouble on the football field. After a nightmare performance on Sunday, it’s quickly becoming apparent that Cleveland’s trade for Watson may go down as the worst in NFL history.
In addition, the record contract they inexplicable gave him may very well already be the worst signing in NFL history, if not sports history.
The pressure is beginning to boil over in Cleveland both on and off the field.
What are your thoughts on the situation?
As far as football is concerned, how quick should the hook be for Watson?
Should the Browns take a page out of the San Francisco 49ers (Trey Lance) and Denver Broncos’ (Russell Wilson) book and just rip off the band-aid and cut their losses, despite the monumental financial repercussions????