NFL investigating lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assault

CLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL said Tuesday it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to determine if he violated the league’s personal conduct policy.

On Monday, a woman in Texas accused Watson of sexual assault in 2020 while he played for Houston.

“We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the personal conduct policy,” league spokesperson Brian McCarthy said. “Not looking at commissioner’s exempt list as there’s been no formal charges and the league’s review has just begun.”

According to the lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, the woman alleged Watson forced himself on her sexually during an incident at her apartment four years ago.

Watson was suspended 11 games by the league in 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. Watson was also fined $5 million.

The Browns, who traded five draft picks for the three-time Pro Bowler in 2022, also released a statement.

“We will respect the due process our legal system affords regarding the recently filed civil suit and follow the NFL’s guidelines on this matter,” the team said.

Watson’s career in Cleveland has been sidetracked by his legal issues, the suspension and a shoulder injury that limited him to just six starts last season. On Sunday, the 28-year-old played his first game since breaking a bone in his throwing shoulder in November and undergoing surgery.

Watson completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, who sacked Cleveland’s QB six times.

The Browns play at Jacksonville this week.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Tom Withers, The Associated Press