Deshaun Watson faces a new sexual assault allegation in a civil lawsuit filed Monday in Harris County. The lawsuit, brought by a woman identified only as Jane Doe, claims that Watson, the Cleveland Browns quarterback, assaulted her in 2020 when he was with the Houston Texans. The plaintiff is seeking $1 million in damages.
According to the lawsuit, the alleged assault occurred after Jane Doe invited Watson to her apartment. She asserts that Watson undressed soon after arriving and demanded a massage.
This lawsuit adds to Watson’s ongoing legal troubles. In 2022, he settled 23 of 24 lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and harassment during massage therapy sessions. As a result, Watson served an 11-game suspension from the NFL, paid a $5 million fine, and underwent independent counseling before his reinstatement.
The new lawsuit has been filed by Tony Buzbee, the same attorney who represented the women in the previous cases against Watson. The Cleveland Browns have not yet responded to the latest lawsuit, and the NFL has declined to comment.
Watson could face additional disciplinary action from the league. The three-time Pro Bowler has been dealing with various issues since the Browns traded five draft picks, including three first-rounders, to acquire him from the Texans in 2022. The Browns also signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Due to the suspension and a shoulder injury that required surgery last season, Watson has made only 13 starts. He recently returned to play after a 10-month absence, completing 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, with two interceptions and one touchdown, in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
