NFL investigates sexual assault lawsuit against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson

CLEVELAND – Deshaun Watson is once again in the spotlight off the field.

The NFL announced Tuesday that it is investigating the recent civil lawsuit against the Cleveland Browns quarterback over an alleged sexual assault that occurred in 2020 while he was playing for Houston.

On Monday, a woman in Texas accused Watson of sexually assaulting her in an incident in her apartment four years ago. She claims Watson sexually forced himself on her for several minutes. According to the lawsuit, she is seeking $1 million in damages.

“We are reviewing the complaint and will investigate the matter under the Code of Conduct,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “We are not looking at the commissioner's exception list because there are no formal charges and the league's review has only just begun.”

The exemption list allows Roger Goodell to grant a player paid leave while his case or unusual circumstances are reviewed.

Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. is on the exempt list while his domestic violence charge is processed.

Watson, who is playing his third season with Cleveland, has already been suspended by the league for 11 games in 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage therapy sessions. Watson was also fined $5 million.

He settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits brought by the women in 2022 before taking disciplinary action from the league.

It is not known whether Watson disclosed the latest allegation to the league – or the Browns – before filing the lawsuit in Harris County, Texas. The woman's attorney is Tony Buzbee, who has represented most of the other therapists in their lawsuits against the quarterback.

The Browns, who traded five draft picks – three of them in the first round – to the Texans in exchange for the three-time Pro Bowler, also released a statement.

“We will respect the due process provided by our legal system regarding the recently filed civil action and follow NFL policies in this matter,” the team said.

Watson's destined career in Cleveland began when the team gave him a guaranteed $230 million contract.

The Browns' hopes that he could prove to be a long-term quarterback for them were dashed by his legal problems, lengthy suspension and a shoulder injury that limited Watson to just six starting appearances last season.

He has also failed to meet expectations in 13 starts. The Browns made the playoffs last season after signing free agent Joe Flacco last month.

On Sunday, Watson, 28, put in a poor performance in his first game since breaking a bone in his throwing shoulder in November and requiring surgery.

Watson, who did not play at all in the preseason, completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He was sacked six times and took several other hard shots.

Watson is currently expected to play this week when the Browns visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Watson typically speaks to the media on Wednesdays during game week.

Watson's shaky performance against the Cowboys did little to assuage concerns that the Browns made a mistake in signing him, and he was also dealing with some personal issues after his biological father and a former Clemson teammate died in the days leading up to the opening game.

Despite numerous distractions, coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday he did not feel Watson had lost confidence.

“Deshaun has played at a very, very high level,” Stefanski said. “He has won at every level of football. He doesn't lack confidence.”

NOTES: As expected, the Browns signed WR Kadarius Toney to their practice squad. Toney was released by Kansas City in August after two seasons. A star in one of the Chiefs' Super Bowl victories, Toney gives Cleveland experienced depth. … CB Justin Hardee Sr. and WR Tulu Griffin were released from the practice squad.

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