Browns’ Deshaun Watson Settles Recent Sexual Assault Lawsuit – NBC Chicago

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has settled a woman’s recent civil lawsuit against him alleging sexual assault and assault.

The plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, said in a text message to The Associated Press on Monday evening that his client’s lawsuit against Watson had been settled confidentially.

Buzbee had threatened to have his client speak to the NFL, which had launched an investigation into Watson. It is not yet known whether Watson will face further disciplinary action from the league.

A league spokesman declined to comment in an email to the AP.

The QB was suspended for the first 11 games of 2022 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage therapy sessions.

Watson was also fined $5 million and had to undergo a mandatory physical before being reinstated into the league.

The new lawsuit was filed on September 9 in Harris County, Texas. The unidentified woman claimed Watson sexually assaulted her during a dinner at her apartment in 2020. She sought more than $1 million in damages.

Watson, who was in his third season with Cleveland after being acquired from Houston in a controversial trade, had strongly denied the allegations.

The 29-year-old has previously settled nearly two dozen civil lawsuits.

Watson’s career with Cleveland didn’t turn out the way he or the team had hoped after the Browns signed him to a $230 million contract. He made just six appearances last season before breaking a bone in his right shoulder during a game and requiring surgery.

He’s had so much trouble with the Browns’ new offense this season that after Sunday’s loss to Washington, coach Kevin Stefanski was asked if he wanted Watson, who has yet to throw for 200 yards in a game this season, will put on the bench.

Stefanski said he’s sticking with QB and reiterated that during a Zoom call Monday.