In a recent legal development, a lawsuit filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been resolved, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer. The lawsuit, which accused Watson of sexual assault and battery, was filed in September 2023, and the alleged incident took place in October 2020.
The woman involved in the case, identified as Jane Doe, has reached a confidential settlement with Watson. Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, also confirmed the resolution of the case. The details of the settlement have not been disclosed.
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident that occurred while Watson was still a member of the Houston Texans. The woman alleged that the assault took place before the two were supposed to have dinner at her apartment. Despite these allegations, Watson has denied any wrongdoing through a statement issued by his lawyer.
The NFL has been reviewing the case under its personal conduct policy, but no formal charges have been filed, and the league has not placed Watson on the commissioner’s exempt list.
Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the woman, had previously mentioned that she and two witnesses were prepared to speak with the NFL as part of its investigation. However, it is unclear whether the woman still intends to do so after the settlement. The NFL has declined to comment on the case, and the league’s investigation into Watson is still ongoing.
This is not the first time Watson has faced such allegations. In 2022, he served an 11-game suspension after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.
While criminal charges were not pursued by Texas grand juries, Watson settled 23 out of 24 lawsuits filed against him in the summer of 2022. He was also fined $5 million and required to undergo a behavioral evaluation and treatment program before being reinstated by the NFL.
Despite the ongoing legal controversies, Watson has continued to play for the Cleveland Browns. The team acquired him in a blockbuster trade, giving him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. However, Watson’s performance this season has been subpar, with a QBR of 21.0, the lowest among qualified passers in the league. The latest lawsuit is unrelated to the remaining active lawsuits from previous accusers, but it has continued to draw attention to Watson’s off-field issues.
