NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson faces a new sexual assault lawsuit
Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns quarterback, is once again embroiled in legal issues following a new sexual assault lawsuit filed against him in Houston. This latest case was first reported by Pro Football Talk and alleges that Watson committed sexual assault and battery, as well as intentionally inflicted emotional distress on the accuser. The woman who filed the lawsuit, identified as “Jane Doe,” is not a massage therapist, a detail that sets this case apart from previous accusations against Watson, though there are some similarities in the nature of the allegations.
According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred when Jane Doe emerged from her bathroom and found Watson naked on her bed, lying face-down. The lawsuit states that Watson then turned his head and aggressively demanded that Jane Doe massage his buttocks. Despite her initial shock, Jane Doe asked if Watson wanted a back massage, but he insisted that she focus on his buttocks instead. Feeling terrified, Jane Doe tried to comply by massaging his back, hoping to de-escalate the situation. However, Watson persisted in his demand that she concentrate on his glutes.
As the encounter progressed, Watson allegedly flipped over, revealing an erection, and then took further inappropriate actions. The lawsuit claims that Watson partially disrobed Jane Doe and proceeded to sexually assault her, including non-consensual vaginal penetration. The assault reportedly lasted for several minutes before Jane Doe managed to break free. She then armed herself with an item from her dresser for protection and demanded that Watson leave her apartment, which he eventually did.
The lawsuit, which does not specify whether Jane Doe filed a police report, is being handled by attorney Tony Buzbee. Buzbee previously represented several women who accused Watson of similar misconduct in 2021. In a statement to WKYC in Cleveland, Buzbee emphasized the seriousness of the case and expressed his intention to pursue it as aggressively as the previous cases, noting that they are seeking a jury trial. He also mentioned that the lawsuit speaks for itself and did not provide further comments on the specifics of the case.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years. However, for cases involving sexual assault, the statute of limitations extends to five years. This timeline allows Jane Doe to pursue legal action despite the incident allegedly occurring some time ago.
The Cleveland Browns have not issued any public statements regarding these new allegations against Watson. This development comes after Watson had already faced significant legal challenges, including 22 lawsuits filed in 2021, which led to an 11-game suspension by the NFL in 2022. The new accusations surfaced shortly after Watson returned to the field for the first time since November 2023, following a season-ending shoulder injury. In that game, Watson struggled, completing just 24 passes for 169 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.
The case is a continuation of the ongoing legal battles that have marred Watson’s career in recent years, further complicating his professional and personal life. The outcome of this latest lawsuit could have significant implications for both Watson and the Browns organization as the legal process unfolds.
