Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson could be in danger of losing his job and the remaining money on his contract after new allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced on Monday, September 9.
Mike Florio of NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk reported that a lawsuit for sexual assault and battery has been filed against Watson in Houston from an incident that allegedly occurred in 2020.
“This new case raises plenty of issues, from the standpoint of the league and the Browns,” Florio wrote. “It’s possible that Watson could be subject to further scrutiny under the Personal Conduct Policy. It’s also possible that a suspension – if one is imposed – could give the Browns a path toward voiding his remaining salary guarantees and ending the relationship.”
Watson on Sunday played the first game of the third season of his current five-year, $230 million fully-guaranteed contract with the Browns. He completed 24-of-45 passes for 169 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTS, finishing the contest with an abysmal QBR of 9.4.
He has started just 13 games since joining Cleveland, missing 11 contests in 2022 due to a suspension for violations of the Personal Conduct Policy following more than two dozens accusations of sexual misconduct. Watson also missed 11 games last year, primarily due to a shoulder injury that required surgery to repair.
The plaintiff in the lawsuit against Watson filed Monday, described in court documents as Jane Doe, was set to go on a date with the quarterback on the evening in question. She made the following accusations as to Watson’s behavior.
WARNING: Some readers may find the following material distressing.
“Jane Doe came out of her bathroom to investigate Watson’s silence and shockingly found him completely naked on her bed, lying face-down on his stomach,” the lawsuit said. “While Jane Doe stood there in shock, Watson turned his head and aggressively insisted that she massage him, gesturing to his buttocks. Jane Doe asked if Watson meant he wanted her to massage his back, but Watson indicated that it was his buttocks he wanted massaged.”
The lawsuit continued, describing Jane Doe as “terrified” throughout the ordeal.
Seemingly frustrated that Doe would only rub his back, Watson then turned over, revealing an erection. Watson continued to demand that Jane Doe massage him, gesturing from his knees to his groin. Jane Doe froze in fear, unsure of how to refuse Watson’s advances without jeopardizing her safety. Confused and scared, she reiterated to Watson that she wasn’t a masseuse.
Watson asked her what she wanted to do instead. Before Jane Doe could answer, Watson grabbed Jane Doe’s leg and positioned her so that she was lying down. Watson then partially disrobed Jane Doe and penetrated her vagina without consent, implicit or explicit. Jane Doe felt paralyzed, unsure if she should risk her safety by trying to stop Watson or endure his assault. Watson roughly sexually assaulted Jane Doe for several minutes in a “missionary position” before grabbing her and flipping her over.
Watson continued to assault Doe aggressively from behind. Jane Doe finally gathered the courage and strength to escape Watson. Jane Doe quickly ran to her dresser to grab a heavy piece of décor for self-defense, and yelled at Watson [to] get out of her apartment. Enraged, Watson stormed out.
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