Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson recently settled the latest civil lawsuit filed against him by a woman who accused him of sexual assault and battery. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, confirmed that the claim has been resolved confidentially, although the details of the settlement were not disclosed.
This development comes after Watson’s suspension for the first 11 games of the 2022 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Over two dozen women had accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage therapy sessions, leading to a $5 million fine and mandatory evaluation before reinstatement.
The most recent lawsuit was filed in September in Harris County, Texas, with the woman alleging that Watson sexually assaulted her during a dinner date in her apartment in 2020. Despite vehemently denying the allegations, Watson has settled nearly two dozen civil lawsuits in the past.
Since joining the Browns on a $230 million contract, Watson’s tenure with the team has been marred by off-field controversies and an injury that limited him to just six starts last season. This year, he has struggled in the team’s new offense, prompting questions about his performance and potential benching.
Despite calls for benching, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated his support for Watson, emphasizing his commitment to the quarterback during a recent press conference. As the league’s investigation into Watson’s conduct continues, it remains to be seen if he will face further discipline.
The settlement of the lawsuit adds another layer of complexity to Watson’s tenure with the Browns, raising questions about the team’s decision to acquire him in a high-profile trade. As the situation unfolds, both Watson and the Browns will need to navigate the fallout and focus on their performance on the field.
