Alleged Watson sexual harassment victim meets with NFL | News, Sports, Jobs

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is set up by James Hudson III, left, after Watson threw an incomplete pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)

CLEVELAND – A woman who accuses Deshaun Watson of sexual assault could meet in the next two weeks with the NFL, which is investigating the Cleveland Browns quarterback's off-field conduct, the woman's attorney said Thursday.

Attorney Tony Buzbee said in an email to several media outlets that his client, who filed a civil lawsuit against Watson in Houston on Monday for sexual assault and battery, would soon speak with the league.

In addition, Buzbee, who has represented two dozen other women in lawsuits against Watson, said he has video and two other witnesses.

Watson, who served an 11-game suspension for the previous allegations at the start of the 2022 season, could face additional punishment if he did not disclose the incident with that woman during the league's previous investigation. That incident occurred in 2020, according to the lawsuit.

The woman, identified only as “Jane Doe,” said in the lawsuit that Watson “grossly sexually assaulted her for several minutes” while she was at a dinner party at her apartment.

The Browns remain supportive of Watson, who will face Jacksonville on Sunday. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he is not considering benching Watson despite the severity of the new allegations.

On Wednesday, Watson said he “strongly denies” the woman's allegations and that the lawsuit surprised him.

Watson will likely speak to league investigators at some point. He said he has not considered that he could be suspended again.

“Honestly, I haven't thought about it yet,” he said. “My focus is on working through Jacksonville's defensive scheme and focusing on my skills to be the best quarterback I can be for this team on Sunday. That's something the NFL has to do in their free time, and I have to focus on what's in front of me now.”

The Browns traded three first-round picks for Watson to the Texans, who initially rejected Cleveland's offer before waiving a no-trade clause and agreeing to the deal after the team offered him a five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract.

Watson has made just 13 starts in three seasons. His 2023 season ended after six starts when he broke a bone in his right shoulder and required surgery.